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The ICT map: Job opportunities for international specialists and managers
As a specialist lawyer for immigration law, I am happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding immigration, residence, company formation or obtaining German citizenship.
The ICT map: Career opportunities for international specialists and managers
The Intra-Corporate Transfer Card (ICT card) is an important residence permit under European immigration law. It allows companies to temporarily second qualified employees from third countries to a German or European branch. The legal basis is primarily found in Section 19 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). In practice, however, the process is often associated with legal requirements, coordination efforts, and the risk of delays.
Our immigration lawyers provide comprehensive support to companies in planning and implementing ICT procedures. From the structured preparation of documents and the application process to communication with authorities, we guide the entire process. The goal is a smooth, legally sound transfer so that international employees can begin their assignments in Germany without delay.
What is an ICT card? – Meaning and purpose
The ICT card is a special residence permit for third-country nationals who are temporarily transferred to Germany within an international corporation. Since its introduction in 2017, it has been intended to facilitate the Europe-wide mobility of highly qualified employees.
It enables companies to flexibly deploy managers, specialists and trainees in German branches for internal group projects.
It enables companies to flexibly deploy managers, specialists and trainees in German branches for internal group projects.
Learn how we can structure your transfer process in a legally compliant manner and take over the complete preparation of the ICT application – personally, precisely and reliably.
What does ICT mean? – Definition and background
ICT stands for "intra-corporate transfer" and describes the internal deployment of employees within an international corporation.
The ICT card is exclusively for employees who are to work temporarily at a German branch as part of their existing employment contract. For globally operating companies, it is a key tool for international workforce planning.
The ICT card is exclusively for employees who are to work temporarily at a German branch as part of their existing employment contract. For globally operating companies, it is a key tool for international workforce planning.
Get advice on how to implement intra-group transfers efficiently – we will comprehensively review, plan and structure your case.
Legal basis of the ICT card
The relevant legal regulations are found primarily in Section 19 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and Section 10a of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV). These regulations define who is entitled to benefits, what requirements must be met, and how the official procedure works.
At the same time, they ensure that the deployment is limited in time and takes place within an actual corporate group.
At the same time, they ensure that the deployment is limited in time and takes place within an actual corporate group.
We will explain the relevant legal regulations to you and prepare your ICT application in a fully legally compliant manner – including communication with authorities and document review.
Who can receive an ICT card? – Managers, specialists, trainees
The ICT card is only available to certain groups of people:
- Managers with leadership and decision-making authority
- Specialists with company-specific expertise
- Trainees with a university degree in a structured further training program
The evaluation is based on qualifications, professional experience, and the importance of the knowledge to the company.
Benefit from our expertise in migration law to plan international staff deployments in a legally compliant manner and avoid delays – we will support you from the very beginning.
Requirements: Employment contract, prior employment and company structure
Numerous formal requirements must be met to obtain an ICT card:
- at least six months of prior employment within the group
- planned transfer of more than 90 days
- Employment or secondment contract with clear terms of use and return arrangements
- Membership in the same corporate group
- University degree for trainees
- Continuation of the employment relationship abroad
Secure professional support from specialized lawyers who will structure your ICT process, monitor deadlines, and handle contacts with authorities.
Duration of stay and procedure – From visa to issuance
The validity period of the ICT card is:
- up to three years for managers and specialists
- up to one year for trainees
After this period, a waiting period of six months applies. The process generally begins abroad with a visa application, approval from the Federal Employment Agency, and subsequent issuance of the ICT card by the immigration authorities.
We handle the entire process – from preliminary approval and visa issuance to final issuance by the authorities.
Relationship to other residence permits, benefits and mobile ICT card
The ICT card takes precedence for intra-group secondments exceeding 90 days. Other residence permits only apply in special circumstances, such as short-term assignments or specific exchange programs.
A significant advantage is the entitlement to a permit if the requirements are met, as well as facilitated family reunification without mandatory German language skills.
The Mobile ICT Card also enables the onward posting of employees from an EU member state to Germany, provided that a valid ICT card is already held there and the total duration of stay is adhered to.
We develop the appropriate transfer strategy, examine alternative residence permits and handle the complete application process for the (Mobile) ICT card.
Make an inquiry now
We will be happy to advise you comprehensively and personally on your concerns.
Support from specialized immigration lawyers
The ICT process is complex and requires detailed knowledge of the legal requirements according to Section 19 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) and Section 10a of the German Employment Ordinance (BeschV). We support companies and employees from third countries in implementing intra-group secondments to Germany in a legally compliant and efficient manner.
First, we check whether the ICT card is the appropriate residence permit and whether all requirements – in particular prior employment, company affiliation, and qualifications – are met. Then, we draft or optimize employment and secondment contracts to ensure that all immigration law requirements are fully met.
In addition, we prepare the complete application dossier, check working conditions according to German law and formulate the legal justification for managers, specialists or trainees.
We also handle communication with immigration authorities, foreign missions and the Federal Employment Agency, as well as providing support during the visa application process and with the Mobile ICT Card.
Contact us if you would like to send international employees to Germany – we will ensure a legally compliant and swift process for your ICT relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The ICT card is a special residence permit for third-country nationals who are temporarily transferred to Germany within an international corporation. It is aimed at managers, specialists, and trainees.
Only persons with special expertise, management positions or participants in a structured trainee program are eligible to apply, provided that the legal requirements are met.
The employee in question must have been employed by the company or within the same group of companies for at least six months without interruption.
For managers and specialists, the ICT card can be issued for a maximum of three years, while for trainees it is generally limited to one year.
The Mobile ICT Card allows the onward posting of employees to Germany if they already possess a valid ICT card in another EU member state and the assignment here is expected to last longer than 90 days.
For short-term assignments of less than 90 days within a period of 180 days, a corresponding notification from the company to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is sufficient.
Employment contracts or secondment agreements must clearly and bindingly define the possibility of transfer, working conditions, place of assignment, remuneration and the prospect of return.
Yes, after the expiry date, it is only possible to apply for a new ICT card after six months.
The process usually begins with a visa application in the country of origin. After entry, the ICT card is issued by the relevant immigration authority; approval by the Federal Employment Agency is handled internally.
The pay must be in line with the conditions of comparable domestic workers. Unreasonably low pay may lead to the rejection of the application.
