Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card
Germany
Last updated: December 23, 2025
3 years
$75
2-8 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
The ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) Card lets your company send employees from outside the EU to work at your German branch. It's for managers, specialists, and trainees at multinational companies. You can work in Germany for up to 3 years. This visa is temporary - it does not lead to permanent residency. The ICT Card is governed by the EU ICT Directive 2014/66/EU and implemented in the German Residence Act (Sections 19-19b). It facilitates temporary secondment of non-EU employees to German branches of multinational corporations. Key note: This visa does NOT provide a pathway to permanent residency or settlement. After expiration, you must leave Germany or apply for a different work visa to continue residency.
Key Benefits
- Work legally in Germany without restrictions
- Bring spouse and children (under 18)
- Spouse can work any job in Germany with no restrictions
- Travel freely in EU countries for up to 90 days every 6 months
- After 6 months: work in other EU countries with notification
- Access to German public health insurance
- No German language requirement for visa issuance
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (third-country national)
- 6+ months prior employment with same company or group
- Transferring to same undertaking or group entity in Germany
- Minimum 90-day transfer duration (up to 3 years)
- Employment as manager, specialist, or trainee
- Relevant professional qualifications or skills
- Clean criminal record
- Salary matching German standards for the role
- Company sponsorship and Federal Employment Agency approval
Financial Requirement
Salary must match what German workers earn in the same job. No fixed minimum amount. Employer must prove salary is fair and equal to German standards.
Documents
- Valid passportCurrent passport with 2 blank pages
- Employment contractProof of 6+ months prior employment with company
- Assignment/Transfer letterDescribes the job position and location in Germany
- Proof of qualificationsDegree, certificates, or relevant work experience
- Police certificateFrom home country, translated into German
- German employment office approvalCompany helps obtain this approval
- Health insurance proofEnrollment in German public or private insurance
- Biometric photos2 photos taken within 6 months
- Application formsVIDEX visa form and local permit application
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.