ICT Card (Intra-Company Transfer)
Quick definition
A residence permit under Section 19 AufenthG that allows companies to transfer managers, specialists, and trainees from a foreign branch to a German branch for up to 3 years.
At a glance
Legal basis
§19 AufenthG (EU ICT Directive)
Max duration
3 years (managers/specialists), 1 year (trainees)
Prior employment
Min. 6 months continuous with same company
Salary
Must match comparable German positions
Family reunification
Yes
Processing time
6-12 weeks
How it works
The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer Card) is a residence permit based on the EU ICT Directive, implemented in German law under Section 19 AufenthG. It is designed for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred from a non-EU office to a German branch, subsidiary, or affiliated company. Three categories of employees qualify: managers (directing the company or a department), specialists (with essential knowledge of the company's products, services, or processes), and trainees (university graduates undergoing professional development). The employee must have been continuously employed by the company or group for at least 6 months before the transfer. The maximum duration is 3 years for managers and specialists, and 1 year for trainees. The permit is tied to the specific employer and position — changing employers requires a new application. Salary must be comparable to German employees in equivalent positions, and the employment contract must cover the entire transfer period.
Why it matters
For companies expanding to Germany or transferring key personnel between offices, the ICT Card is often the most direct route. Unlike the EU Blue Card, it does not require a German-recognised qualification — what matters is the employee's role within the company and their existing employment relationship. HR teams should plan ahead: the 6-month prior employment requirement is strict and cannot be waived, so factor this into transfer timelines.
Step-by-step process
Confirm eligibility
Verify the employee qualifies as manager, specialist, or trainee and has 6+ months continuous employment with the company
Prepare transfer agreement
Draft a formal assignment letter specifying the role, duration, salary, and conditions of the transfer
Gather documents
Collect from the employee: passport, qualifications. Prepare from HR: employment contract, proof of 6-month employment, assignment letter
Apply at German embassy
The employee submits the application via the Consular Services Portal
Federal Employment Agency check
The BA verifies salary and working conditions are comparable to German employees (parallel process)
Receive ICT Card
The employee enters Germany and begins the assignment
Required documents
Fees
Legal basis
Frequently asked questions
Does the transferee need a German-recognised degree?
Can the transferred employee change to a different employer in Germany?
How does the Ausländerbehörde define 'specialist' for ICT purposes?
Can an ICT Card holder transition to permanent residence?
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