Italy EU Blue Card for Indians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 10–26 weeks
- Government fee
- about $130
- Start preparing
- about 11 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 10–26 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
The route worth checking first if you hold a degree, because it sits entirely outside the Decreto Flussi quota system — no click day, no queue, no annual cap. You need a recognised higher education qualification of at least three years or equivalent professional experience, plus a job offer of at least six months paying above the threshold set annually by decree, which tracks the average national salary. Your qualification needs a declaration of value (dichiarazione di valore) or CIMEA statement of comparability, which is the slowest part and should be started early. The Blue Card leads to long-term EU residence after five years, allows family reunification, and lets you move to another EU country more easily than a national permit.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Italy EU Blue Card overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 10–26 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $130. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Confirm your degree qualifies and check the salary thresholdA qualification of at least three years or equivalent experience, plus an annually set salary threshold.
- Apply for a declaration of value or CIMEA comparability statementIssued by the Italian consulate, or a CIMEA statement of comparability.
- Secure a job offer of at least six months above the thresholdThe Blue Card sits outside the Decreto Flussi quota, so there is no click day or annual cap.
- Employer applies for the nulla ostaFiled with the Sportello Unico; Blue Card applications are quota-exempt.
- Get documents translated and legalisedDegree, transcripts and experience letters translated into Italian and apostilled through the MEA.
- Apply for the entry visa at the Italian consulateLodged at the consulate covering your state, with the nulla osta and supporting documents.
- Enter Italy and apply for the permesso di soggiornoSign the contratto di soggiorno and submit the permit kit at a post office within eight days of arrival.
- Get your codice fiscale and bring your familyBlue Card holders get favourable family reunification terms, and EU long-term residence after five years.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The EU Blue Card takes about 11 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the EU Blue Card right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Italy EU Blue Card take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 10–26 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the EU Blue Card cost?
- The government fee is approximately $130. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the EU Blue Card?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Italy is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the EU Blue Card?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Italy visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.