Italy: Changes to EU Blue Card Application Process Create Delays

• • • An initial page now requires the credentials of the company's legal representative to be entered. Following this step, the system automatically retrieves the official company contact details and then sends a verification code to the legal representative via registered email. Previously, legal representative details were provided with the EU Blue Card application. 
      
    • The Ministry's website now retrieves by default the company's financial data, which can take up to a week. 
      
    • The portal now requires details (including the formal property identity number, called “cadastral” details) of the future employee's initial accommodation, rather than a generic company address or hotel details. This change may require accommodation for applicants to be secured prior to the application being submitted; previously, this was not required. This presents a considerable additional administrative barrier. Additionally, even when correct data is entered, the system may fail to recognize the accommodation, particularly where records have not been updated.