GermanyWork

Germany ICT Card (intra-company transfer)

ICT Card for intra-corporate transferees (§ 19 AufenthG)

In short

Managers, specialists and trainees employed by a company outside the EU can be transferred to a German branch of the same group for more than 90 days with an ICT Card. They must have worked for the group for at least six months; the transfer can last up to three years for managers and specialists and one year for trainees.

Apply on Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Length of the transfer, at most three years (one year for trainees).
Fee
€75Visa fee; the ICT Card costs EUR 100 in Germany.
Work
Only the assignment at the German entity.
Family
Spouses are exempt from the German language requirement and may work.
Where to apply
German mission responsible for your place of residence, or online via the Consular Services Portal for categories handled there.

Conditions

The applicant must be a manager, specialist or trainee employee, employed within the group for at least six months immediately before the transfer, with an employment contract and an assignment letter specifying the duration, position, pay and that you will return to a group entity outside the EU afterwards. Pay and conditions must match comparable German employees; the Federal Employment Agency approves the transfer.

Application and mobility

Apply at the German mission before the transfer. If you hold an ICT permit from another EU state, short-term mobility of up to 90 days in 180 can be notified to the BAMF, and longer stays need a Mobile ICT Card.

  1. Check whether your degree or vocational qualification is recognised: university degrees via the anabin database or a ZAB statement of comparability, vocational qualifications through the competent recognition body.
  2. Book an appointment in the intra-corporate transfer category as the German mission responsible for your place of residence instructs; for categories processed online you are directed to the Consular Services Portal to file the application and upload documents.
  3. Attend the appointment with original documents, give fingerprints and pay the EUR 75 visa fee.
  4. The mission obtains the Federal Employment Agency's approval where needed and the foreigners authority's consent; you are told when the visa can be collected.
  5. After entry, register your address within two weeks and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority before the visa expires.

After the assignment

The ICT Card cannot be extended beyond the maximum period. To stay longer in Germany you would need a different permit, for example a Blue Card with a German employment contract.

Family

Spouses of ICT Card holders do not need German before entry and may work. Children can join under the general rules.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport with at least two blank pages, signed, plus copy of the data page
  • National visa application (Consular Services Portal) and Section 54 declaration
  • Biometric photo, 35 × 45 mm

Work

  • Employment contract with the sending company and assignment letter (duration, role, pay, return clause)
  • Proof of at least six months' employment within the group
  • Proof that the companies belong to the same group

Study

  • Proof of qualification for managers or specialists; degree for trainees

Insurance

  • Health insurance

Other

  • CV in table form covering your career

Frequently asked questions

How long must I have worked for the group?

At least six months immediately before the transfer.

How long can the transfer last?

Up to three years for managers and specialists, one year for trainees.

Can my spouse work?

Yes, and no German is required before entry.

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 Germany

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: The visa is usually issued for several months; the residence permit in Germany is normally granted for two years at a time, at least one year, and renewed while studies progress.
  • Language course visa Validity: For the length of the course.
  • Researcher visa Validity: At least one year, or the length of the research project if shorter.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Up to six months for the EU internship permit
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: Six to twelve months

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Appointment waiting times depend on the mission; after submission the Federal Employment Agency approval adds a few weeks. The accelerated skilled-worker procedure shortens this.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the employment contract plus three months if shorter.
  • EU Blue Card Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the contract plus three months.
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: Up to one year; a follow-up Opportunity Card of up to two years is possible for a qualified job that does not yet meet another permit.
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months, once

Family

  • Family reunification visa Validity: Visa for entry; the residence permit is then issued in line with the sponsor's permit.
  • Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Same appointment system and waiting times as other family reunification visas at the mission responsible for you.

Residence

Faster processing

  • Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: Recognition authority: decision within two months; Federal Employment Agency: one week; mission: appointment within three weeks and decision usually within three weeks of a complete application.

Protection

  • Asylum and international protection Processing time: Regular procedure: six months from the application; accelerated procedure: at most three months; border procedure: at most twelve weeks.

Germany visa guide