Comparing Italy work authorizations: EU Blue Card vs. Detachment Art. 27(a) vs. ICT Detachment (2025 Guide)

When relocating non-EU professionals to Italy, companies must navigate a range of immigration options depending on the individual’s job profile, qualifications, and whether the move is temporary or permanent. In 2025, three primary work authorization routes are commonly used:

EU Blue Card: Designed for highly qualified professionals working in skilled occupations.
Detachment under Article 27(a): For managers and executives being seconded to Italy from a non-EU branch.
ICT Detachment: For intra-corporate transferees in technical or non-executive roles for a temporary period.

Each option comes with distinct eligibility requirements, benefits, and restrictions. Choosing the right route is crucial for both legal compliance and long-term business strategy.
Below, we break down each criterion to help you make an informed decision.

1. Job Role (Ruolo Lavorativo)

EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE):
Targets highly skilled professionals, specifically those in job levels 1–3 according to ISTAT CP 2011. This includes roles such as engineers (ingegneri), IT professionals (professionisti IT), and other technical experts. The Blue Card is ideal for filling positions that require advanced qualifications and expertise.
Art. 27(a) Detachment (Distacco ex art. 27(a)):
Reserved for directors and managers (direttori e dirigenti) being transferred within multinational companies. This route is not open to lower-level or technical staff.
ICT Detachment (Trasferimento Intra-societario):
Designed for non-managerial profiles, such as technical staff (personale tecnico) or specialists who are not in a management role. This pathway is suitable for companies needing to temporarily transfer skilled workers for specific projects.

2. Minimum Salary (Salario Minimo)

EU Blue Card:
The minimum salary requirement for 2025 is typically between €26,000 and €27,000 per year, but in practice, it often starts from €35,000, depending on the region and sector (per CCNL – Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro). This ensures that Blue Card holders are competitively compensated and helps attract top talent.
Art. 27(a) Detachment:
The salary must align with the executive standards set out in the relevant CCNL for directors and managers (stipendio dirigenziale). This ensures parity with Italian executives.
ICT Detachment:
The salary must match the CCNL wage standards for the employee’s job level (livello retributivo del CCNL), ensuring fair compensation according to Italian labor laws.

3. Education Requirement (Requisiti di Istruzione)

EU Blue Card:
Applicants must have a university degree (laurea) or, as of 2025, at least five years of relevant professional experience. The degree must be validated by a Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore, DOV) or recognized by CIMEA. This strict requirement ensures that only highly qualified professionals are eligible.
Art. 27(a) Detachment:
A university degree is required, but unlike the Blue Card, there is no need for a DOV. This simplifies the process for executives and managers.
ICT Detachment:
No university degree is required. This makes the ICT permit accessible to skilled technical staff who may not have formal academic qualifications but possess valuable work experience.

4. Employment History in Home Company (Anzianità Aziendale)

EU Blue Card:
No previous employment with the sponsoring company is required. This flexibility is ideal for direct hires from abroad.
Art. 27(a) Detachment:
The employee must have worked for the home company for at least 6 months before being transferred to Italy. This ensures that only established employees are eligible for intra-company transfer at the executive level.
ICT Detachment:
Requires a minimum of 3 months of employment with the home company before transfer. This shorter period suits project-based assignments and technical roles.

5. Permit Duration (Durata del Permesso)

EU Blue Card:
The permit is valid for up to 2 years (rinnovabile), or for the duration of the employment contract if shorter. It can be renewed as long as the employment continues, offering long-term stability.
Art. 27(a) Detachment:
Can be issued for up to 5 years and is renewable (fino a 5 anni, rinnovabile), making it suitable for long-term assignments of directors and managers.
ICT Detachment:
Valid for up to 3 years only (massimo 3 anni) and is non-renewable. After this period, the employee must return to their home country, making this option best for temporary projects.

6. Localization Possibility (Possibilità di Localizzazione)

EU Blue Card:
Yes – Blue Card holders can transition to a local employment contract (conversione a contratto locale). This makes it a pathway to permanent residence (permesso di soggiorno di lungo periodo) and long-term integration in Italy.
Art. 27(a) Detachment:
Yes – After the assignment, it is possible to localize the employment relationship, allowing the employee to remain in Italy under a standard local contract.
ICT Detachment:
No – Localization is not allowed. The employee must return to their home country when the assignment ends, with no option to switch to a local contract.

2025 Updates and Practical Implications

EU Blue Card:
The 2025 reforms have made the Blue Card more accessible by lowering salary thresholds, accepting significant work experience in lieu of a degree, and reducing the minimum contract duration to 6 months. The process is now more streamlined and digitalized, making it easier for both employers and applicants.
Art. 27(a) and ICT Detachments:
These routes continue to serve the needs of multinational companies for temporary assignments but remain limited to specific job roles and durations.

Choosing the Right Path:

For highly skilled professionals looking for long-term opportunities and the possibility of permanent residence, the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) is the best choice.
For executives and managers on temporary assignments, Art. 27(a) Detachment (Distacco ex art. 27(a)) is ideal, offering flexibility and the option to localize later.
For technical and specialist staff on short-term projects, the ICT Detachment (Trasferimento Intra-societario) provides a streamlined solution, though without the possibility of long-term settlement.

Understanding these differences ensures that companies and professionals can select the most suitable immigration route for their needs in Italy’s evolving 2025 landscape.

⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison: Immigration Options for Non-EU Professionals in Italy

Criteria	EU Blue Card	Art. 27(a) Detachment	ICT Detachment
Job Role	Levels 1–3 (e.g., engineers, IT professionals) per ISTAT CP 2011	Directors and Managers only	Non-managerial profiles such as technical staff
Minimum Salary	€26,000–€27,000 annually (may vary slightly by region)	In line with CCNL for executive positions	Per CCNL wage standards for corresponding job level
Education Requirement	University degree required (Bachelor’s or higher) + Declaration of Value (DOV) or CIMEA recognition	University degree required, but no DOV needed	No university degree required
Employment History in Home Company	Not required	Minimum 6 months of prior employment	Minimum 3 months of prior employment
Permit Duration	Up to 2 years (if on a permanent contract); shorter if temporary	Up to 5 years; renewable	Up to 3 years only; non-renewable
Localization Possibility	✅ Yes – can transition to a local employment contract	✅ Yes – localization allowed	❌ No – must return after assignment ends

🔍 Breakdown of Each Immigration Route

🇪🇺 EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for highly qualified non-EU professionals who wish to work and live in Italy. It is ideal for roles such as engineers, IT specialists, researchers, and doctors, and is aimed at those planning a long-term or permanent stay.

Key Features and Requirements:

Eligibility: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (minimum three years) or, alternatively, demonstrate five years of relevant professional experience (or three years for ICT specialists). Academic degrees from outside the EU require a Declaration of Value (DOV) or CIMEA recognition.
Job Offer: A valid job offer from an Italian company for a minimum duration of six months is required, with a gross annual salary of at least €27,000.
Quota-Free: The Blue Card is not subject to Italy’s annual immigration quotas, making it a flexible option for employers and applicants.
Procedure: The process involves obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta), applying for a visa at the Italian consulate, entering Italy, and then applying for the residence permit. Fingerprints are registered at the police headquarters before the permit is issued.
Validity: The permit is valid for up to two years (renewable), provided the applicant remains employed and does not leave Italy for more than six consecutive months2 3.
Benefits: Blue Card holders enjoy Schengen travel, family reunification rights, access to social benefits, and after five years, eligibility for long-term residency. After 18 months, holders can change employers within Italy or move to another EU country under certain conditions.

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📜 Detachment under Article 27(a)

Article 27(a) Detachment is tailored for executives and senior managers of multinational companies being temporarily assigned from a non-EU branch to Italy. This route is intended for strategic roles and offers both flexibility and long-term options.

Key Features and Requirements:

Eligibility: Only directors and managers qualify. The applicant must have at least six months of prior employment with the home company. A university degree is required, but there is no need for a Declaration of Value.
Duration: The permit can be issued for up to five years and is renewable. It allows for localization, meaning the employee can transition to a local Italian contract if the assignment becomes permanent.
Salary: Must align with the collective labor agreement (CCNL) for executive positions.
Procedure: The employer applies for the work authorization; once approved, the applicant applies for a visa and, upon arrival, for the residence permit.
Flexibility: This route is suitable for medium- to long-term assignments and supports the company’s ability to adapt if the role needs to become permanent.

Read the legislation: Article 27(a) – Decreto Legislativo 286/1998
URL: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:1998;286

🔄 ICT Detachment (Intra-Corporate Transfer)

The ICT Detachment route is designed for non-managerial staff, technical specialists, or trainees being temporarily transferred to an Italian branch of a multinational company. It is strictly for short-term assignments and cannot be localized or extended beyond the maximum period.

Key Features and Requirements:

Eligibility: Open to technical staff, specialists, and trainees with at least three months of prior employment in the home company. No university degree is required.
Duration: The permit is valid for up to three years (one year for trainees) and is non-renewable. After the assignment, the employee must return to the home country.
Salary: Must comply with the relevant CCNL wage standards for the job level.
Procedure: The process involves the Italian host company applying for a Nulla Osta (work authorization), the employee applying for a Type D visa, and, upon arrival, registering for a residence permit. The process is extra-quota, meaning it is not subject to annual immigration caps.
Documentation: Requires proof of corporate relationship, employment contract, accommodation, and other supporting documents. All documents must be translated and, if necessary, apostilled.
Special Notes: ICT permit holders from other EU countries can transfer to Italy under the EU ICT framework. Family reunification is possible, and the process is designed for efficiency and compliance.

Legal reference: EU ICT Directive – 2014/66/EU
URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014L0066

📚 National Collective Labour Contracts (CCNL)

These agreements determine minimum salaries for each category of job and sector in Italy. They apply to both local and detached workers.

Why You Need to Know About National Collective Labour Contracts (CCNL) When Applying for Italian Work Permits

National Collective Labour Contracts (Contratti Collettivi Nazionali di Lavoro, CCNL) are sector-specific agreements in Italy that set the minimum salaries, working conditions, and benefits for various job categories and industries. Unlike many other EU countries, Italy does not have a single, statutory minimum wage law for all workers. Instead, these collective agreements are the legal and practical foundation for determining fair pay and employment standards for both Italian and foreign workers

Why Is CCNL Important for Work Permits?

Mandatory for Work Permit Approval:
When applying for any Italian work permit-whether EU Blue Card, Art. 27(a) Detachment, or ICT Detachment-the salary offered to the non-EU professional must meet or exceed the minimum specified in the relevant CCNL for the job role and sector. This is a key eligibility requirement and is checked by immigration authorities during the application process.
Applies to All Workers:
CCNL rules apply not only to local hires but also to detached (seconded) employees from abroad. This ensures that foreign workers receive the same minimum salary and protections as Italian employees in equivalent roles
Reference for Fair Pay:
In case of disputes or inspections, Italian courts and labor authorities use CCNL as the reference to determine if wages and conditions are fair and lawful. Even if an employer is not a member of a union, they must still comply with CCNL standards to avoid penalties.
Sector and Role Specific:
The minimum wage and conditions vary by sector (e.g., engineering, healthcare, IT, construction) and by job category (e.g., manager, technician, support staff). For example, the minimum salary for an engineer under the CCNL for the engineering sector will differ from that of a healthcare worker or an administrative assistant

Examples

EU Blue Card:
If you are hiring a software developer from India, you must offer at least the minimum salary for that role as set by the CCNL for the IT sector, not just the general Blue Card threshold.
Art. 27(a) Detachment:
A U.S. executive seconded to Italy must receive at least the minimum salary for executives under the relevant sector’s CCNL, ensuring parity with Italian managers.
ICT Detachment:
A Filipino technician transferred to an Italian branch must be paid according to the CCNL for technical staff in that industry, even if their home country salary is lower.

Where to Find the CCNL

Official Archive:
You can access the full text of all current National Collective Labour Contracts (CCNL) and check the minimum salaries for each sector and job category at the official portal:
https://www.contrattidilavoro.it/ccnl/

In Summary

Understanding and complying with CCNL is essential for:

Ensuring your work permit application is approved.
Avoiding legal disputes or penalties.
Guaranteeing fair treatment and equal pay for foreign professionals.

Employers and applicants should always consult the relevant CCNL before signing a contract or submitting a work permit application in Italy.

Access contracts: Contratti di Lavoro – CCNL
URL: https://www.contrattidilavoro.it/ccnl/
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📝 Summary Table

Scenario	Best Permit	Example	Official Resource
Highly skilled, degree-holders, long-term prospects	EU Blue Card	Software engineer, data scientist	EU Blue Card - Italy
Senior managers, long-term assignment, localization	Art. 27(a) Detachment	CFO, regional director	Ministero dell'Interno
Technical/support staff, temporary, no degree	ICT Detachment	IT support, project coordinator	EU Immigration Portal

🌐 Useful Government Links

EU Blue Card Italy – European Commission:
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/eu-blue-card/eu-blue-card-italy_en
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – DOV Info:
https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
https://www.esteri.it/en/sportello_info/domandefrequenti/sezione_visti_entrare_in_italia/
https://consmumbai.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/dichiarazione-di-valore-dov/
Ministry of the Interior – Immigration:
https://www.interno.gov.it/en
Ministry of Labour – Immigration Topics:
https://www.lavoro.gov.it/temi-e-priorita/immigrazione/
EU Immigration Portal:
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal_en
ALI Application Portal (for Blue Card):
https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it/AliSportello/ali/home.htm

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📋 Selecting the right permit: Summary for HR

Factor	EU Blue Card	Art. 27(a) Detachment	ICT Detachment
University Degree	✅ Required + DOV/CIMEA	✅ Required, no DOV	❌ Not required
Prior Employment	❌ Not needed	✅ 6+ months	✅ 3+ months
Localization in Italy	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed	❌ Not allowed
Duration Limit	2 years (renewable)	Up to 5 years	Up to 3 years
Job Level	Highly skilled (ISTAT 1–3)	Executive	Technical/support