The New EU Blue Card in Italy

The eagerly anticipated EU Blue Card Directive for highly qualified third-country nationals seeking employment in the EU, becomes effective in Italy on the 17th of November 2023. 

Please see below a summary of the changes:  

• The salary threshold has been lowered to 24 789.93 EUR between 1 and 1.6 times the average gross annual salary.  
• The minimum duration for a contract of employment will be reduced to 6 months as opposed to the previous 1-year requirement.  
• Card holders can now bring their family members to Italy providing they have the right to work.  
• Card holders may now acquire long-term EU resident status.  
• After working for one year in Italy, card holders can move to another Member state, with the time accrued working in different places helping eligibility for long-term EU residency.  
• IT workers can now apply for the Blue Card.  
• Card holders now have more flexibility to change their employer. In the first year of their employment, card holders need a new labour market test only if changing job position or employer, after that they may be required to notify authorities of any changes in their situation.  
• Card holders now have equal opportunity to EU nationals regarding work, study, and accessing public services.   

Note that the qualification and professional experience required to qualify under the EU Blue Card scheme in Italy are still to be defined.  

We’ll keep you posted on any new developments.  

Contact our Global Immigration team today at globalImmigrationteam@iasuk.org for more information on the changes to the EU Blue Card in other countries.