Italy’s EU Blue Card Applications Face New Delays After Portal Changes

If you are planning to work in Italy under the EU Blue Card, here’s something you should know. Quiet changes made to Italy’s online system in December 2025 are already causing delays, confusion, and extra paperwork.

Let’s break it down in simple language.

What Changed on Italy’s EU Blue Card Portal?

The updates were rolled out on the application portal run by the Italian Ministry of Interior. On paper, they look procedural. In reality, they add new steps that were not required before.

Employers Now Need Extra Verification First

The application no longer starts with employee details.

Instead, the portal first asks for the login credentials of the company’s legal representative. Once entered, the system automatically pulls the company’s official contact details.

After that, a verification code is sent to the legal representative’s registered email address. Only after this step can the application move forward.

Earlier, these details were simply included as part of the main application. Now, everything stops until the verification is completed.

Company Financial Data Can Take a Week to Load

Another change is automatic financial checks.

The portal now pulls the company’s financial data on its own. This process can take up to seven days. During that time, the application is essentially stuck.

Previously, employers could submit applications without waiting for this background step to finish.

Proof of Accommodation Is Now Mandatory

This is the biggest shift!

Applicants must now provide full details of their initial accommodation in Italy. This includes official cadastral information, which is the property’s formal registration number.

A hotel booking or a temporary company address is no longer accepted. In many cases, this means securing long-term housing before the application is even submitted.

That was not required earlier, and for many foreign workers, it is a major hurdle.

The System Does Not Always Recognise Valid Addresses

Even when the accommodation details are correct, the portal may fail to recognise them.

This is especially common if local property records have not been updated. When that happens, applications can be rejected or stalled without clear instructions on how to fix the issue.

Expect Longer Processing Times

Immigration experts in Italy say these changes are likely to slow EU Blue Card processing by three to four weeks.

The good news is that this may improve over time. Authorities are expected to fine-tune the system and possibly simplify steps once they receive enough feedback.

For now, though, applicants and employers should plan for longer timelines and more preparation before submitting an application.

What This Means for Applicants

If you are targeting Italy for skilled work, start early. Ensure your employer is prepared for the new verification steps. Secure accommodation sooner than planned. And expect delays, even if everything is done correctly.

Italy remains attractive for EU Blue Card holders. However, the process has become more demanding, and patience is now a required part of the paperwork.