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Austria intra-company transfer (ICT) permit

ICT residence permit (intra-corporate transferees)

In short

Managers, specialists and trainee employees transferred to an Austrian branch of their group receive an ICT permit for up to three years (one year for trainees). They need at least nine months' prior employment in the group (six for trainees), and the AMS gives an expert opinion.

Apply on Migration.gv.at – official Austrian migration portal checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Up to three years; trainees one year.
Fee
€218Application fee for the residence title; the type D visa to travel costs EUR 195.
Work
The assignment at the Austrian branch.
Family
Spouses and minor children can work with a family permit that grants labour-market access and a binding job offer.
Where to apply
Abroad at the Austrian mission; the employer may apply in Austria.

Who qualifies

Managers directing the branch or a department, specialists with highly specialised knowledge and trainee employees (university graduates in career development) of a company outside the EU. Managers and specialists need at least nine months, trainees six months, of employment in the company or group before the transfer.

Personnel leasing companies and placement agencies cannot use this permit. The employment contract must show that the temporary transfer is necessary and that you can return to a branch of the group outside the EU afterwards, and the company must show genuine economic activity. If you already hold an ICT permit from another EU state and work in Austria for more than 90 days, you apply in Austria for a mobile ICT permit; up to 90 days in 180 days no Austrian permit is needed.

What to prove

Managers prove their function through the employment contract and, where needed, admission to a regulated profession; specialists prove qualifications and experience with degrees, references and work certificates; trainees bring the training agreement and proof of their university degree. Every applicant adds a company register extract showing real economic activity and no insolvency proceedings. Originals and copies are required, and the authority may ask for German or English translations or legalised copies.

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid travel document and a recent photo (45 × 35 mm)
  • Residence permit application form for third-country nationals, signed
  • Birth certificate or equivalent document

Work

  • Transfer letter and employment contract within the group
  • Proof of nine months (trainees six) of prior employment in the group
  • Company register extract showing genuine economic activity and no insolvency
  • Employer’s declaration (Arbeitgebererklärung)

Insurance

  • Proof of health insurance covering all risks with benefits in Austria

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Study

  • Trainees: training agreement and university degree

Other

  • Criminal record extract (requested by some authorities); German or English translations of other documents

Procedure

The application is lodged abroad, or by the employer in Austria; the AMS for the host branch's location reviews the conditions and issues an expert opinion, after which the residence authority issues the permit.

The Austrian mission or the residence authority, depending on where you applied, informs you of the outcome. Then you apply for the type D visa, travel and collect the card.

  1. Confirm that you have worked for the group for at least nine uninterrupted months (trainees six) and that the Austrian branch will host you as a manager, specialist or trainee.
  2. Prepare the assignment contract with the return clause, the employer’s declaration, proof of prior employment, the company register extract and health insurance.
  3. Apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, or let the owner of the Austrian branch file at the residence authority in Austria.
  4. The regional AMS for the branch location gives its expert opinion; the residence authority then issues the ICT permit.
  5. Apply for the type D visa (EUR 195), travel, register your address within three days and collect the card.

After arrival

Register your address at the registration office (Meldezettel) within three days of moving in and collect the residence card from the competent residence authority. Holders of most residence titles must fulfil the integration agreement (Module 1, A2 German) within two years.

Family

Spouses, registered partners and minor unmarried children can come with a family reunification permit and work if it grants labour-market access and they have a binding job offer.

Frequently asked questions

How long must I have worked for the group?

Nine months for managers and specialists, six months for trainees.

How long can the transfer last?

Up to three years; trainees one year.

What is the fee?

EUR 218 for the permit.

Can I move from an ICT permit in another EU state to Austria?

Yes. For more than 90 days in Austria you apply there for a mobile ICT permit; for up to 90 days in 180 days no Austrian permit is required.

Can staffing agencies transfer workers on this permit?

No. Personnel leasing companies and placement agencies are excluded.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Austria

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: Usually one year, extended on proof of study progress.

Work

Family

  • Family reunification visa Validity: Usually 12 months; three years after Module 1 and two years of uninterrupted residence.

Residence

  • Retirement visa Validity: Generally one year; three years after completing Module 1 and two years of uninterrupted residence.
  • Permanent residence Validity: Card valid for five years, renewable; free labour-market access.

Protection

Austria visa guide