If you work for a company established outside the European Union (EU) and are being transferred to a branch in Germany, you may qualify for the Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Card for Germany. This permit allows managers, specialists, and trainee employees to enter, reside, and work in Germany as intra-corporate transferees under the EU Directive 2014/66/EU. Germany, as an economic hub, provides opportunities for skilled professionals to transfer within their companies while ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The ICT Card facilitates business expansion and operational efficiency by allowing employees to work across multiple jurisdictions under a structured legal framework.
Eligibility Criteria for Intra Company Transfer Card for Germany
Eligibility for the ICT Card is determined by specific criteria set under EU and German immigration regulations. This ensures that only skilled professionals, specialists, and trainee employees who fulfill predefined requirements can obtain this permit.
The ICT Card serves as a legal framework to facilitate intra-company transfers while maintaining workforce quality and labor market stability:
- Be a manager, specialist, or trainee employee.
- Have been employed for at least 6 months in the company branch outside the EU before the transfer.
- The application must be made before entering Germany.
- The Federal Employment Agency must approve the transfer unless exempt by law or agreement.
- Have a valid work contract specifying employment conditions and evidence of your professional qualifications.
- Demonstrate that you will return to a company entity outside the EU after the transfer.
- The transfer must exceed 90 days.
The ICT Card ensures compliance with labor market regulations, making it easier for businesses to transfer employees while upholding German employment standards. Additionally, the requirement to have a return plan ensures that these transfers are temporary and do not lead to labor market saturation.
Validity and Renewal of the ICT Card
Ensuring that an ICT Card remains valid is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted work authorization in Germany. The initial duration of the permit depends on the nature of the transfer, and renewal requires careful planning. Both employees and employers must adhere to German immigration regulations to avoid lapses in legal status. Below are the key details regarding the validity period, renewal process, and conditions for reapplying after the maximum term has been reached:
- The ICT Card is issued for at least one year or for the duration of the transfer, whichever is shorter.
- It can be extended up to 3 years for managers and specialists and 1 year for trainee employees.
- After the maximum period, the transferee must leave the EU for at least 6 months before applying for a new ICT Card.
- A new ICT Card cannot be applied for immediately in case of a change of employer—a 6-month waiting period applies.
The renewal process requires updated documentation, including proof of continued employment and compliance with German labor laws. Employees must ensure they apply for an extension before their ICT Card expires to maintain legal status.
Family Reunification
Relocating to Germany for work can be a significant transition, and many employees seek to bring their families along to maintain stability and well-being. The ICT Card allows for family reunification under conditions similar to those for EU Blue Card holders.
Understanding the rules and procedures for bringing family members is crucial to ensure a smooth transition for both the employee and their dependents.
- Family members can join ICT Card holders under the same conditions as EU Blue Card holders.
- No German language requirement is imposed.
- Applications for family reunification must be processed at the same time as ICT Card applications.
- Family reunification is not available for those using short-term mobility options.
Family members accompanying ICT Card holders benefit from simplified immigration processes, allowing dependents to reside in Germany without additional language barriers. This makes Germany an attractive destination for international professionals seeking stable living conditions for their families.
Mobility Within the EU
ICT Card holders can work in other EU Member States under certain conditions:
- Short-term mobility: If working in Germany for less than 90 days within 180 days, short-term mobility rules apply.
- Long-term mobility: If the stay in Germany exceeds 90 days, a Mobile ICT Card is required.
- Applications for a Mobile ICT Card can be submitted at least 20 days before entering Germany or after arrival if short-term mobility has already been notified.
Employees transferred under the ICT program have the flexibility to work across multiple EU locations, enhancing business continuity and reducing administrative burdens for multinational organizations.
Required Documents for Mobility to Germany
If you have an ICT permit from another EU country and intend to work in Germany, you must provide:
- A valid residence title issued under Directive 2014/66/EU.
- Evidence that the German host entity belongs to the same corporate group as the employer outside the EU.
- A work contract or assignment letter already submitted to the authorities of the other EU Member State.
- A valid passport.
The application process for mobility within the EU is streamlined to promote efficiency. Employers must ensure compliance with documentation requirements to facilitate employee transfers.
Application Process and Fees
Applying for an ICT Card involves multiple steps, requiring careful attention to documentation and procedural requirements. The process ensures that only eligible candidates receive the permit while streamlining the transition for employees moving to Germany. Below is an overview of the key steps involved:
- Submitting an application at the German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
- Providing required documents, including proof of employment, qualifications, and financial stability.
- Awaiting approval from the German authorities and the Federal Employment Agency.
- Receiving the ICT Card and relocating to Germany upon approval.
Fees for the ICT Card vary by country, but applicants should expect to pay administrative costs and legal processing fees. Employers often assist in covering these costs as part of their global mobility policies.
Advantages of Intra Company Transfer Card for Germany
The ICT Card provides numerous benefits for both employees and employers, making it a valuable tool for global workforce mobility. It simplifies the transfer process, ensures compliance with EU regulations, and enhances professional opportunities for skilled workers.
Companies benefit from greater flexibility in deploying their talent across borders, while employees gain access to a broader job market and career advancement opportunities. Below are some of the key advantages of holding an ICT Card:
- Streamlined work authorization: Allows employees to work legally in Germany without requiring a separate work visa.
- Flexible mobility within the EU: Enables cross-border work within affiliated company branches.
- Simplified family reunification: Allows dependents to reside in Germany without additional language or integration requirements.
- Enhances professional growth: Provides opportunities for international experience and career advancement.
Conclusion
The Intra Company Transfer Card for Germany provides a streamlined pathway for employees of multinational companies to work in Germany. While it allows mobility within the EU, strict rules apply regarding eligibility, validity, and renewals. If you qualify, the ICT Card ensures greater work opportunities while maintaining compliance with EU and German immigration laws.
By facilitating the transfer of skilled professionals, the ICT Card strengthens Germany’s role as a global business hub while ensuring compliance with European labor regulations. Understanding the eligibility requirements, renewal process, and associated benefits can help both employees and employers navigate the ICT Card system efficiently.
