Italian Republic · Processing time
EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Italy does not publish a single end-to-end EU Blue Card timing on the MAECI entry-visa overview; the employer clearance and national visa stages are handled by different authorities.
How long does the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) take to process in Italy?
MAECI - The entry visa does not publish a central processing time for this route. Confirm current Sportello Unico nulla osta timing with the employer and the national-visa appointment/decision queue with the competent Italian consulate.
Verified against MAECI - The entry visa on 27 June 2026.
Typical wait
Not centrally published
from complete application
Government fees
Consular visa and residence-permit charges apply; verify current MAECI, Sportello Unico and questura/postal fees before filing.
Last checked
27 June 2026
What is the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)?
EU-wide highly qualified worker permit for Italy — requires a highly qualified profile and an Italian employment offer meeting the current Carta Blu UE pay rules.
Italy's EU Blue Card implementation requires a highly qualified profile and an employment contract with an Italian employer that meets the current Carta Blu UE pay and qualification rules. Atlas does not store a numeric Italian Blue Card threshold until it can be verified from a text-accessible official source, so applicants and employers should check the current Ministero del Lavoro or Sportello Unico rule before filing. The Blue Card provides intra-EU mobility after 12 months.
- Sponsorship: You need a job offer or employer sponsor in Italian Republic.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: 2 years; renewable.
- Indicative government fees: Consular visa and residence-permit charges apply; verify current MAECI, Sportello Unico and questura/postal fees before filing.
Official source
MAECI - The entry visa
https://www.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/ingressosoggiornoinitalia/visto_ingresso/
Frequently asked questions
How long does the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) take to process?+
MAECI - The entry visa does not publish a central processing time for this route. Confirm current Sportello Unico nulla osta timing with the employer and the national-visa appointment/decision queue with the competent Italian consulate.
When does the Not centrally published clock start?+
Because no central processing time is published, there is no fixed start point. Contact the relevant authority once your application is submitted.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Italy routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) application as delayed?+
Because no central processing time is published for this route, there is no fixed point at which it counts as late. If your wait runs well beyond comparable cases, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Duplicate chasing tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.