Looking to expand your business into Europe or relocate skilled employees across borders? The German ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer Card) is your gateway to doing just that—legally and efficiently.
Designed under the EU Directive 2014/66/EU, the ICT Card allows non-EU professionals to work in Germany through internal company transfers for up to three years. It’s tailored for global corporations that need to move managers, specialists, or trainees to their German subsidiaries, making it easier than ever to deploy talent while staying compliant with immigration laws.
Whether you’re an HR director coordinating mobility or a professional relocating for a strategic assignment, this guide will walk you through everything—from eligibility and documentation to legal benefits and compliance.
Discover how the German ICT Card can be your strategic key to expanding and strengthening your presence in Europe.
To explore broader international opportunities, don’t miss our Global Mobility Program—crafted to simplify cross-border expansion and employee relocation worldwide.
What is the German ICT Card?
The German ICT Card is a type of residence permit based on the EU Directive 2014/66/EU, specifically designed for intra-corporate transfers of non-EU nationals. It enables multinational companies to transfer managers, specialists, or trainees from a non-EU office to a German branch or subsidiary for up to three years.
The ICT Card streamlines mobility within the EU for companies operating across borders, removing the burden of separate national work permits and simplifying compliance across Member States.
Who Can Apply for the ICT Card in Germany?
The German ICT Card is aimed at non-EU nationals who are:
- Employed by a non-EU entity of a multinational company
- Being temporarily transferred to a German subsidiary, branch, or affiliate
Falling into one of the following roles:
- Manager: Oversees operations and supervises staff.
- Specialist: Has essential skills, proprietary knowledge, or advanced expertise.
- Trainee Employee: Graduate-level professionals receiving in-company training.
Eligibility Criteria for a German ICT Card
To be eligible, the applicant and the employer must fulfill the following conditions:
Employee Requirements:
- Must be a non-EU citizen.
- Employed by the sending company for at least 6 months prior to transfer.
- Possess professional qualifications relevant to the job.
- Have a valid employment contract and assignment letter confirming the transfer.
- Earn a salary comparable to local German standards (as per salary thresholds).
Employer (German Entity) Requirements:
- Must be legally operating in Germany.
- Must confirm the intra-group relationship between entities.
- Must provide a host agreement detailing the position, duration, salary, and working conditions.
Documents Required for the German ICT Card
Here is a checklist of the standard documentation needed:
- Valid passport (minimum 12-month validity)
- Employment contract from the parent company
- Assignment/transfer letter outlining the intra-corporate role
- Proof of educational and professional qualifications
- Evidence of sufficient income
- Health insurance covering Germany
- Confirmation from the German host company
- Application form and biometric photos
Note: All foreign documents may need to be translated and notarized.
German ICT Card Application Process
The process involves both the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the local foreigners’ authority.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather all required documents from both sending and host companies.
- Apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country (or via the German portal if already in the EU).
- The Federal Office for Migration reviews the application. If approved, a visa is issued for entry into Germany.
- Within 90 days of arrival, the applicant must register and collect the ICT Card at the local immigration office.
Processing Time: Typically 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity and workload at the consulate and immigration offices.
Duration and Renewal of the ICT Visa in Germany
- The standard validity is up to 3 years for managers/specialists.
- For trainees, the maximum period is 1 year.
- Renewal is only possible if the total stay does not exceed the maximum duration set by EU law.
- Extensions or repeated applications for the same person are not allowed under the ICT scheme.
Benefits of the German ICT Card
The ICT Card offers several key advantages for both employers and employees:
For Employers:
- Quick and legal deployment of skilled workforce
- Unified compliance across EU member states
- Avoids re-application in multiple countries for short-term work
For Employees:
- Legal residence and work in Germany without local employment
- Family reunification rights for spouse and children
- Access to EU-wide mobility (short-term assignments to other EU countries)
- No need for additional work permit in Germany
German ICT Card vs EU Blue Card: Key Differences
| Feature | ICT Card | EU Blue Card |
| Purpose | Temporary intra-company transfer | Long-term employment in the EU |
| Employer | Non-EU company transferring to an EU branch | EU-based employer |
| Validity | Up to 3 years | Initially up to 4 years, renewable |
| Mobility | Limited to group companies | EU-wide but job-dependent |
| Permanent Residency | Not directly eligible | Eligible after 33 or 21 months |
If you’re planning a long-term career in Germany, the Blue Card may be a better fit. But if your company is relocating you for a specific project, the ICT Card offers quicker entry and fewer hurdles.
Life in Germany with an ICT Card
Once you receive your German ICT Card and arrive in the country, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Residence Registration: Required within 14 days of arriving in Germany.
- Social Security and Taxes: You may remain under your home country’s social security scheme, depending on bilateral agreements.
- Healthcare: Private or public health insurance is mandatory.
- Family Rights: Spouses and children can accompany the ICT cardholder. Spouses may work without needing a separate permit.
How OnDemand International Can Help?
Navigating visa laws, cross-border regulations, and compliance in Germany can be overwhelming. That’s where OnDemand International steps in.
Our ICT Card Support Includes:
- Eligibility assessment for your company and employee
- Full document preparation and verification
- Communication with German consulates and immigration authorities
- Support for family reunification and registration in Germany
- Post-arrival assistance, including residence permits, tax ID, and insurance
Whether you’re a multinational deploying a team or a startup expanding to Europe, our global mobility experts ensure a smooth, compliant, and fast-track relocation.
Conclusion
The German ICT Card offers a powerful opportunity for multinational companies and professionals looking to establish a legal, structured presence in Germany. With streamlined requirements, legal work rights, family benefits, and short-term EU mobility, it’s a practical solution for strategic corporate expansion. However, navigating immigration rules, local compliance, and documentation can be complex without expert support.
That’s where OnDemand International comes in—we simplify the process, ensure full legal compliance, and help your team settle confidently in Germany. Whether you’re transferring executives, IT professionals, or training future leaders, the ICT Card is your ticket to operating smoothly in Europe’s largest economy. Ready to make your move? Let us help you leverage the ICT Card and unlock growth in Germany and beyond.
FAQ’s
No. The ICT Card is specific to the assignment and the employer that sponsored the transfer. Job changes are not allowed.
Yes. Spouses of ICT cardholders are allowed to work without needing a separate work permit.
While there is no fixed salary, it must be comparable to local standards for similar positions.
Up to 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees.
Yes, for short-term stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) in other EU countries where your employer has a presence.
