The rapid development of the global financial structure has led multinational corporations to seek new economies in order to transfer their top expertise. One such method to relocate top expertise is via Intra-Company Transfer program in the Czech Republic, which lets entrepreneurs appoint and relocate personnel in the nation to work for their company’s branch.
The Czech Republic has a program called Intra Company Transfer (ICT) program that allows companies to transfer employees from non-EU countries to work in Czech branches or subsidiaries. The Intra Company Transfer program in the Czech Republic is intended to facilitate the transfer of key personnel within multinational corporations, such as managers, specialists, and trainees.
A Czech working permit may be available if your employer has a parent subsidiary, branch, company, or affiliate in the Czech Republic. You can apply for one through the Czech Intra Company Transfer program. Temporary work permits will be issued to approved applicants under the Czech Republic Intra-Company Transfer program.
Due to the high value placed on Czech work experience in the country’s points-based immigration system, an intra-company transferee’s experience in Czech could be used to obtain permanent residency there.
This article aims to offer a thorough overview of Intra-Company Transfer in the Czech Republic, outlining its requirements, advantages, and procedures.
What is ICT, or intra-company transfer program in the Czech Republic?
The process of moving employees from a parent company or its subsidiary or branch office in one country to another country within the same organization is known as an intra-company transfer or ICT. Intra-Company Transfer program in the Czech Republic is governed by the nation’s immigration laws and acts as a tool to facilitate skilled worker movement within multinational corporations.
The Czech Republic’s ICT program offers a framework for businesses to move staff from foreign parent companies or branches or subsidiaries to their operations here in the Czech. Through this arrangement, businesses can take advantage of the knowledge and abilities of their staff members located in various locations, fostering knowledge sharing and fostering business growth. To be eligible for an intra-company transfer to the Czech Republic, several requirements must be satisfied. The transferring employee must have held a managerial, specialist, or trainee position for the business for a minimum of time, usually six months or more. The employee’s credentials, professional experience, and pay are also very important factors in the evaluation process.
The Intra-Company Transfer in the Czech Republic of an ICT can only last for a maximum of three years, though it can be extended in certain situations. ICT workers are permitted to work and live legally in the nation while they are there. For the duration of their assignment, they are given a temporary residence permit that enables them to live and work there.
It’s important to remember that there are specific requirements and limitations for the ICT program in the Czech Republic. The main goal is to ensure that the local labor market is not negatively impacted by the transfer of employees. As a result, ICT employees’ pay and working conditions must be on par with those of Czech workers in comparable positions. Additionally, depending on the size and nature of the company, there are restrictions on the number of employees who can be transferred under the scheme.
As a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic has aligned its ICT regulations with the Directive on intra-corporate transferees. By ensuring consistency and harmonization among member states, this alignment promotes skilled worker mobility within the EU.
Read More: Czech Republic Business Immigration
Eligibility Criteria for Intra-Company Transfer in the Czech Republic
We must take into account the pertinent immigration rules and regulations to establish the requirements for an ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) in the Czech Republic. Please be aware that immigration laws might change over time, so it’s crucial to get the most recent information from official sources or an immigration attorney.
Qualification: The applicant must be someone who works for an organization based outside the European Union (EU) and is being relocated to a Czech Republic-based subsidiary or branch office.
Duration of employment: Before the transfer, the candidate must have worked for the sending firm or a linked organization for at least six months (for managers and experts) or three months (for trainees).
Involvement of the transmitting and receiving entities: The Czech Republic’s receiving organization and the sending firm must have a legitimate relationship. Being affiliated with one another corporately, having a parent-subsidiary connection, or existing as divisions of the same business are examples of this.
Job position requirements: For a specific work post inside the receiving company, the candidate must be relocated to the Czech Republic. It should be decided whether the role is that of a manager, specialist, or trainee.
Pay and working conditions: The candidate must be compensated fairly and have working conditions that adhere to all applicable Czech labor laws and regulations.
2.1 Requirements
The sending company and the transferred employee must meet specific eligibility requirements to the sending company and the transferred employee must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in the Czech Republic ICT program.
These consist of the following:
Sending company
- The sending business must maintain an ongoing, sincere relationship with the Czech organization.
- It ought to be a multinational corporation with a well-established local presence.
- You must provide evidence of your financial viability and stability.
Employee Transfer:
- Before the transfer, the employee must have worked for the sending company for at least one year (typically six months).
- The employee must have specialized knowledge or abilities that are pertinent to the operations of the Czech entity.
- A managerial or executive position must be held by the employee, or they must have specialized knowledge.
Intra-Company Transfer Categories in the Czech Republic
- Managers and Executives: These people hold high-level managerial or executive positions within the company.
- Specialists: These workers have specialized knowledge crucial to the operation of the Czech entity.
- Graduate Trainees: Those who have recently graduated from college and will receive training and development within the corporate group should apply to this category.
Procedure for Intra-Company Transfer in the Czech Republic
Research and Eligibility
To determine if your company is eligible to participate, start by researching the ICT Program and its eligibility requirements. The ICT Program aims to draw foreign capital to the Czech Republic’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
Contact the Investment and Business Development Agency (CzechInvest)
The primary point of contact for foreign businesses and investors interested in the ICT Programme is CzechInvest. Contact them to let them know you’re interested in the program and to get more information.
Business Plan and Project Proposal
Create a thorough business plan and project proposal that details your investment goals, timeline, objectives, and anticipated results. Include information about your company, its operations, projected financial results, and how it fits with the ICT Program’s objectives.
Application Submission
Send your application to CzechInvest while adhering to their requirements. Include all required paperwork, such as your business plan, financial statements, certificates of incorporation, and any other addenda they may request.
Evaluation and Assessment
Your application will be examined by CzechInvest, who will determine whether it is viable and consistent with the goals of the ICT Programme. During this phase, they might ask for clarification or more data.
Decision and Contract
CzechInvest will notify you in writing if your application is accepted. The conditions of your participation in the ICT Programme are outlined in this. Examine the agreement thoroughly and, if necessary, consult a lawyer. Sign the agreement after you have read it over and send it back to CzechInvest.
Implementation and Reporting
You can move forward with the execution of your investment project in the Czech Republic after signing the contract. You will be expected to submit progress reports and carry out any duties outlined in the contract throughout the project.
Document Requirements for Intra-Company Transfer in the Czech Republic
You must submit specific supporting documentation in the Czech Republic when requesting an Intra-company transfer (ICT). Depending on your unique situation and the particular visa category you are applying for, the exact requirements might change.
But the following records are typically needed for an ICT application in the Czech Republic:
1. Passport: A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the Czech Republic.
2. Application form: You must complete the appropriate application form for your ICT visa category. The form is available from the Czech embassy or consulate in your home country, as well as from their official website.
3. Employment contract: A copy of your employer’s employment contract or a letter of assignment stating the purpose, duration, and terms of your assignment in the Czech Republic.
4. Company documents: The existence of the sending company and its legal documents and relationship with the Czech company, such as certificates, articles of association, and proof of ownership or management.
5. Letter of assignment: A letter from the sending company stating the purpose and duration of your study in the Czech Republic, your duties, and your responsibilities.
6. Financial documents: Proof that you have enough money to live on during your stay in the Czech Republic. This could include bank statements, payslips, or a letter from your employer stating that they will pay your bills.
7. Residence instructions: Proof of your planned residence in the Czech Republic, such as a rental agreement or vacation rental.
8. Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance during your stay in the Czech Republic. This can be provided by your employer or a private insurance company.
9. Passport-sized photographs
Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer in the Czech Republic
There are numerous benefits of intra-company transfer in the Czech Republic, including:
Flexibility
The intra-company transfer program makes it easier to relocate skilled personnel to the Czech Republic. This flexibility is advantageous for the organization as well as the worker. The firm can use the skill and expertise of the workers who are from different locations. The worker will find the opportunity to find employment in various cultural settings.
Simple and Fast immigration
The intra-company transfer in the Czech Republic enables corporations to quickly relocate their employees within a short time period. By doing so, firms are able to prevent the time-consuming procedures associated with securing work permits and visas, which would otherwise cause the transfer process to lag. By speeding up the process of relocating staff, the Czech Republic’s intra-company transfer program makes the process simple and quick.
Affordable
The intra-company transfer program reduces the expenses associated with recruiting and training fresh workers, which is affordable for firms. Additionally, the expenditures associated with sending new recruits to the Czech Republic might be avoided by the business. For businesses that frequently need to move their workers, this makes the ICT process an appealing option.
Retaining Skills
The intra-company transfer program in the Czech Republic helps firms maintain their expertise and skills by relocating skilled personnel to their subsidiaries and branches. This ensures the retention of crucial information and helps maintain stability in the business’s operations.
Processing time and fees for an ICT visa in the Czech Republic
Processing Time:
Visa processing times typically range from three to six months. To allow for sufficient processing time, it is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date.
Fees:
In the Czech Republic, the costs of getting an ICT visa can also vary. The exact cost will be determined by several factors, such as the type of visa, the length of time spent in the country, and the reciprocity agreements between your nation and the Czech Republic. It’s prescribed to look at the authority site of the Czech Service of the Inside or contact the Czech government office or department in your country to acquire the most dependable and forward-thinking data regarding visa expenses.
Additionally, it is important to note that individuals who are being relocated to the Czech Republic within the same company or group typically receive an ICT visa. The goal is to complete a specific task or project in a short amount of time. The specific circumstances and the agreement between the applicant’s home country and the Czech Republic may affect the requirements for a visa and the eligibility criteria.
To guarantee a smooth and fruitful visa application process, counseling the authority sources or seeking help from a certified migration legal counselor or specialist acquainted with Czech movement regulations and procedures is consistently prudent.
Conclusion
As the global economy continues to expand and the need for skilled workers across industries increases, ICT programs will continue to be important and useful for different companies to expand their operations and for foreign workers to develop their jobs and business in the Czech Republic.
In addition, for eligible Indian business owners and other foreign workers, the Czech ICT program can provide a pathway to residency in the Czech Republic through other immigration programs.
This is not only beneficial to foreign workers themselves, but also helps meet business needs in Czech and contributes to the country’s development, growth, and economy as a whole.
It’s important to seek help from an advisor, such as an immigration attorney from Odint Consulting, to guide the process and increase your chances of success.
FAQ’s
In the Czech Republic, an intra-company transfer is the permanent transfer of employees from a foreign branch or organization of a company to its branch or organization. It allows companies to transfer employees with specific knowledge or skills to advance their operations in the country.
To qualify for a company transfer in the Czech Republic, employees must meet certain conditions. They must have worked for a foreign company at least six months before the transfer and have special knowledge, management, or work that affects the company’s operations in the Czech Republic.
In the Czech Republic, acquiring intra-company transfer permission entails numerous processes. The employer must file a formal application with the local Czech Labour Office, detailing the employee, the reason for the move, and any supporting evidence. The application is then assessed, and if granted, the employee can apply for a long-term residency visa at their home country’s Czech embassy or consulate.
In the Czech Republic, there are no strict language requirements for intra-company transfers. However, knowing the Czech language might help an individual integrate into the local work environment and daily life.
An intra-company transfer employee can bring a spouse and any minor children with them to the Czech Republic. Based on family reunification, they are eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit. The employee’s sponsor must demonstrate that they will be able to provide for the family during their stay.
The type of transfer determines how long an employee who moves within a company can stay in the Czech Republic. Employees with specialized knowledge can typically stay for up to 2 years, while managers and executives can stay for a maximum of three years.
Under certain conditions, extensions are possible. The employee or their employer must apply for an extension at least 30 days before the current permit expires if the employee’s assignment requires an extension beyond the initial permitted period.
An intra-company transfer employee must leave the Czech Republic unless they obtain a different legal status, such as a new job or a different type of residence permit if their assignment ends earlier than the allowed time. To avoid legal complications, it is essential to adhere to the terms and conditions of the intra-company transfer permit.
Consult the Czech Ministry of the Interior, the Czech Labor Office, immigration lawyers, or specialized relocation services for more in-depth information on intra-company transfers in the Czech Republic. These sources can give the most exceptional and precise data regarding the particular prerequisites and the process involved.
