ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) Card
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- 4-6 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- Up to 3 years for managers/specialists; up to 1 year for trainees
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The ICT Card (Section 19 AufenthG) enables intra-corporate transfers of managers, specialists, and trainees from a non-EU branch to a German branch of an internationally operating company. The employee must have been employed by the company outside the EU for at least 6 months (3 months for trainees) immediately before the transfer. There is no formal minimum salary requirement, but the employer must provide working and salary conditions comparable to German workers in the same position. The assignment must last at least 90 days. Federal Employment Agency approval is required. The ICT card also allows short-term mobility to other EU member states.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who are being transferred within an international corporate group
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Purpose of visit
Must be transferred as a manager, specialist, or trainee within an internationally operating company or corporate group
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Employment
Must have been continuously employed by the company outside the EU for at least 6 months immediately before the transfer (3 months for trainees). Must hold a university or equivalent qualification.
Required status: Current employee of the transferring company for at least 6 months
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany and Schengen area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for ICT; Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Degree attestation
Attesting authority: University or technical college degree, or comparable qualification (does not need German recognition); Must be apostilled: No
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Ict assignment
Corporate relationship: Parent company, subsidiary, or branch of the same corporate group; Minimum employment years: 1
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather assignment letter from the company detailing the transfer, role (manager/specialist/trainee), duration, salary, and working conditions. Collect proof of employment history with the company.
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Online application
Complete the national visa application via the German Consular Services Portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75
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Document submission
Submit all documents including passport, photos, assignment letter, employment contract, proof of qualifications, CV, and company registration documents
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. The Federal Employment Agency must approve the transfer. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival, register at the local registration office and apply for the ICT Card at the foreigners authority.