France ICT Intra-Company Transfer Permit - Immigration Support for France

Jobbatical provides comprehensive and specialized ICT permit  support—from eligibility assessment and document preparation to family member permits and integration services—ensuring seamless corporate transfers to France meeting all French immigration requirements and regulatory standards.

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    Transferring to France through your multinational company requires precise navigation of ICT permit regulations. France's ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) permit enables multinational companies to transfer senior managers, specialists, and graduate trainees to French entities within the same corporate group. Whetheryour team has a manager, specialist, or graduate trainee, Jobbatical provides end-to-end support for your intra-company transfer---from initial eligibility assessment and document compilation to prefecture submissions, appointment coordination, and permit collection. Our expertise ensures your transfer complies with French labor laws and EU ICT directive requirements.

    What is a France ICT Permit?

    The France ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) permit, officially known as "Salarié détaché ICT," allows employees of multinational companies to work temporarily in France at a related entity within the same corporate group. This EU-harmonized permit facilitates the transfer of senior managers, specialists with exceptional skills, and graduate trainees for periods up to three years.

    Under 2025 regulations, ICT permit holders must have worked for the sending company for at least six months (three months for graduate trainees) and maintain their employment contract with the foreign entity. The minimum salary requirement is 1.8 times the French minimum wage (SMIC), equivalent to €2,738.20 gross per month. The permit includes mobility rights within the EU and simplified procedures for accompanying family members.

    Benefits of a France ICT Permit

    The ICT permit offers significant advantages for both multinational corporations and transferred employees. It provides streamlined immigration procedures, family reunification rights, and flexibility for international business operations. Companies benefit from efficient talent mobility while employees gain access to France's exceptional quality of life and professional opportunities.

    For Individuals

    • Streamlined Process: Simplified application procedures compared to standard work permits, with faster processing times through dedicated ICT channels.
    • Family Inclusion: Spouses and children receive multi-year residence permits with immediate work and study authorization in France.
    • EU Mobility: Rights to short-term assignments in other EU Member States under the ICT Directive without additional permits.
    • Career Development: Access to France's dynamic business environment and opportunities for professional growth within multinational corporations.
    • Quality of Life: Live in France with access to world-class healthcare, education system, and cultural experiences.
    • Legal Security: Clear legal framework protecting employment rights and residence status throughout the transfer period.
    • Path to Long-term Residence: ICT periods count toward eligibility for long-term EU resident status and French citizenship.

    For Employers

    • Talent Mobility: Efficient transfer of key personnel to French operations without complex labor market testing requirements.
    • Business Continuity: Maintain corporate knowledge and culture through strategic personnel transfers to French subsidiaries.
    • Competitive Advantage: Access to EU markets through France while retaining experienced international staff.
    • Family Support: Comprehensive support for employee families reduces relocation stress and improves transfer success rates.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Simplified procedures ensuring compliance with French and EU employment regulations.
    • Cost Efficiency: Reduced administrative burden and faster processing compared to standard employment permits.

    Eligibility for a France ICT Permit

    ICT permit eligibility requires specific employment history, corporate relationships, and professional qualifications. Applicants must have at least six months of seniority in the group, hold a contract with the foreign company (not the French host), and be transferred as a senior manager or high-level expert. The transfer must be temporary with clear business justification.

    Employee Requirements

    • Employment History: Minimum 6 months continuous employment with sending company (3 months for graduate trainees)
    • Contract Maintenance: Employment contract remains with foreign entity, not French host company
    • Professional Level: Senior manager, specialist with exceptional skills, or graduate trainee position
    • Salary Threshold: Minimum gross monthly salary of €2,738.20 (1.8 times SMIC)
    • Temporary Assignment: Clear intention to return to sending company after French assignment
    • Clean Record: No criminal convictions or immigration violations in any country

    Corporate Requirements

    • Group Relationship: Sending and receiving companies must belong to same multinational group
    • Legal Entities: Both companies must be legally established and operational entities
    • Business Justification: Clear business need for the intra-company transfer
    • French Entity: Host company must be established in France with valid business registration
    • Compliance History: Good standing with French labor and immigration authorities

    Position Categories

    Senior Managers: Executive positions with significant decision-making authority and strategic responsibilities within the organization.

    Specialists: Professionals with exceptional knowledge, skills, or experience essential to the French entity's operations and not readily available in France.

    Graduate Trainees: Recent university graduates in management or specialist training programs leading to senior positions within the corporate group.


    France ICT Permit Requirements / Document Checklist

    Comprehensive documentation is essential for successful ICT permit applications. The process requires proof of corporate relationships, employment history, professional qualifications, and transfer justification. All documents must be properly translated and apostilled where applicable.

    Document Details
    ICT Application Form Completed CERFA form for ICT permit from French authorities
    Employment Contract Valid contract with sending company showing 6+ months employment
    Corporate Documentation Proof of group relationship between sending and receiving entities
    Position Description Detailed job description for French assignment role
    Salary Documentation Evidence of minimum €2,738.20 gross monthly salary requirement
    Health Insurance Coverage proof valid in France for full assignment duration
    Passport Valid passport copy of applicant (all relevant pages)
    Photos Recent passport-sized photographs per French specifications
    Assignment Letter Letter from sending employer confirming intra-group transfer
    French Host Company Letter Confirmation letter from French entity hosting the employee
    Accommodation Proof Evidence of housing arrangements in France
    Previous Residence Permits Copies of any prior French or EU permits (if applicable)
    Educational Qualifications Copies of degree certificates relevant to the position

    Download checklist for later.

    France ICT Permit Application Process

    The ICT permit application process involves coordination between corporate entities, immigration authorities, and consular services. The process can be initiated either through French consulates abroad or directly with prefecture offices for employees already in France on other permits.

    Stage 1: Corporate Preparation

    1. Assess Transfer Need: Confirm business justification and employee eligibility for ICT transfer
    2. Corporate Documentation: Gather proof of group relationship and French entity registration
    3. Position Definition: Define role, responsibilities, and duration of French assignment
    4. Salary Confirmation: Ensure compensation meets minimum ICT threshold requirements
    5. Internal Approvals: Obtain corporate authorization for international transfer

    Stage 2: Application Submission

    1. Choose Application Route: Submit through French consulate abroad or prefecture if already in France
    2. Complete Forms: Fill all required CERFA forms with accurate information
    3. Compile Documentation: Prepare comprehensive dossier with all supporting documents
    4. Schedule Appointment: Book appointment at appropriate consulate or prefecture office
    5. Submit Application: Present complete application with biometric data collection

    Stage 3: Processing and Decision

    1. Administrative Review: French authorities assess application completeness and eligibility
    2. Additional Information: Respond to any requests for supplementary documentation
    3. Decision Notification: Receive approval or refusal decision with reasoning
    4. Visa Issuance: Collect long-stay visa if applying from abroad
    5. Entry to France: Travel to France within visa validity period

    Stage 4: Residence Permit Completion

    1. Prefecture Registration: Complete residence permit procedures within 3 months of arrival
    2. Biometric Collection: Provide fingerprints and photographs for final permit
    3. Permit Collection: Collect physical ICT residence permit from prefecture
    4. Family Processing: Complete procedures for accompanying family members
    5. Integration Services: Access available integration and settlement support services


    Where to Apply for a France ICT Permit

    ICT permit applications are processed through French consulates abroad for new entries or prefecture offices for status changes within France. Some consulates outsource services to visa application centers, while specific prefectures handle corporate immigration matters.

    • French Consulates: Primary application venue for employees applying from abroad
    • Visa Application Centers: TLS Contact or VFS Global centers where consular services are outsourced
    • Prefecture Offices: Direct application for employees already legally present in France
    • Corporate Immigration Desks: Specialized services at major prefectures handling business immigration
    • OFII Offices: Integration services and specific administrative procedures
    • Online Platforms: Certain preliminary procedures available through official government portals


    Appointment Details for France ICT Permit

    ICT permit appointments require advance booking due to high demand, particularly at major business centers like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Corporate applicants often receive priority scheduling, but early booking remains essential for timely processing.

    • Advance Booking Required: Schedule appointments 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak business periods
    • Corporate Priority: Some prefectures offer expedited scheduling for established multinational corporations
    • Complete Documentation: Arrive with all original documents plus certified copies to prevent rescheduling
    • Biometric Collection: Fingerprint and photograph capture required for all ICT applicants and family members
    • Corporate Representatives: Companies may send authorized representatives to accompany employees during appointments
    • Processing Duration: Allow 2-3 hours for complete application review and biometric procedures


    Financial Requirements for a France ICT Permit

    ICT permits require minimum gross monthly salary of €2,738.20, equivalent to 1.8 times the French minimum wage (SMIC). This threshold ensures transferred employees have adequate resources while preventing displacement of French workers. Additional requirements apply for family members and housing.

    Salary Requirements (2025)

    • Minimum Threshold: €2,738.20 gross monthly salary (1.8 x SMIC)
    • Annual Equivalent: Approximately €32,860 gross annual compensation
    • Payment Guarantee: Salary must be guaranteed by sending company throughout transfer period
    • Currency Requirements: Compensation may be paid in euros or equivalent foreign currency with conversion guarantees

    Additional Financial Documentation

    • Employment Contract: Clear salary specification meeting ICT minimum requirements
    • Company Guarantee: Letter guaranteeing salary payment throughout French assignment
    • Bank Statements: Evidence of financial stability and ability to support French residence
    • Tax Documentation: Previous year's tax returns from sending company country
    • Family Support: Additional funds demonstrated for accompanying family members

    Housing Requirements

    • Adequate Accommodation: Housing suitable for family size and French standards
    • Financial Proof: Ability to cover housing costs throughout assignment period
    • Rental Agreements: Valid lease agreements or corporate housing arrangements
    • Location Compliance: Housing must be within reasonable distance of French workplace

    Processing Time for France ICT Permit

    ICT permit processing times vary by application venue and seasonal demand. Consular applications typically process faster than prefecture submissions, while family member permits may require additional time. Peak business seasons see extended processing periods.

    • Consular Applications: 2-4 weeks for initial ICT visa decisions at French consulates abroad
    • Prefecture Processing: 6-8 weeks for direct applications or status changes within France
    • Family Member Permits: Additional 2-3 weeks for accompanying spouse and children applications
    • Peak Season Delays: September-November and January-March see 2-4 weeks additional processing time
    • Complex Cases: Applications requiring additional verification may take 3-4 months total
    • Appeal Procedures: 4-6 months for contested decisions through administrative review processes

    Corporate Planning: Begin ICT applications 3-4 months before intended transfer date to accommodate processing variations and potential delays.

    France ICT Permit Fees (2025)

    The applicable fee for each ICT permit is €260, with additional costs for family members and service centers. Understanding all fee components helps accurate budget planning for corporate transfers.

    • ICT Permit Fee: €260 per ICT permit holder for residence permit issuance
    • Consular Visa Fee: €99 for long-stay visa applications at French consulates abroad
    • Family Member Permits: €260 per accompanying family member for residence permits
    • Service Center Fees: €35-50 additional charges at TLS Contact or VFS Global centers
    • Document Preparation: Translation costs (€25-40/page), apostille fees (€15-30/document)
    • Medical Examinations: €150-250 per person depending on consulate requirements
    • Renewal Fees: €169 for ICT permit renewals before 3-year maximum expires

    Health Insurance for France ICT Permit

    Comprehensive health coverage is mandatory for ICT permit holders and their families throughout the assignment period. Coverage options include private international insurance or integration into France's social security system through the French host company.

    All ICT permit holders must have health insurance meeting French standards with minimum €30,000 coverage for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Many ICT employees qualify for French social security through their host company employment, providing comprehensive healthcare access. Private insurance remains necessary during initial periods before social security activation. Family members receive equivalent coverage through the primary permit holder's insurance arrangements.


    Common Mistakes That Lead to ICT Permit Rejections

    ICT permit rejections often result from insufficient corporate documentation, salary threshold issues, or unclear transfer justification. Understanding frequent mistakes helps companies and employees prepare successful applications.

    Common rejection causes include: inadequate proof of corporate group relationship between sending and receiving companies, salary documentation below the €2,738.20 minimum threshold, unclear or insufficient business justification for the transfer, missing employment history evidence showing required 6+ months tenure, incorrect position categorization not meeting senior manager or specialist criteria, and inadequate documentation of temporary assignment nature. Missing criminal background checks, expired passports, or insufficient health insurance coverage also cause rejections. Ensuring complete corporate documentation and clear transfer justification prevents most rejection scenarios.


    How Jobbatical Streamlines Your France ICT Permit Application

    Jobbatical provides end-to-end ICT permit support for multinational corporations and their transferring employees. Our specialized services ensure compliance with French and EU ICT regulations while managing complex corporate documentation and family member procedures.

    Our ICT Services

    • Corporate Eligibility Assessment: Complete evaluation of group relationships, position requirements, and transfer justification
    • Documentation Management: Professional handling of corporate proofs, employment contracts, and regulatory compliance documents
    • Salary Verification: Confirmation of minimum threshold compliance and payment guarantee structures
    • Family Coordination: Comprehensive support for accompanying family members including permits, housing, and school enrollment
    • Prefecture Relations: Direct liaison with corporate immigration desks at major prefecture offices
    • Timeline Management: Proactive planning ensuring smooth employee transitions and business continuity

    Why Choose Jobbatical for Your France ICT Permit?

    Jobbatical combines deep expertise in French corporate immigration with technology-driven application management. Our specialized ICT knowledge ensures successful permits for multinational corporations while providing comprehensive family support throughout the transfer process.

    Our Advantages

    • Corporate Immigration Expertise: Specialized knowledge of ICT regulations, corporate documentation requirements, and prefecture procedures
    • Multinational Experience: Proven track record with major corporations across all industries and transfer scenarios
    • Family Integration: Comprehensive support for employee families including housing searches, school placement, and cultural orientation
    • Technology Platform: Real-time tracking of ICT applications with automated compliance monitoring and deadline management
    • Prefecture Relationships: Established connections with corporate immigration specialists at key prefecture offices
    • High Success Rate: Excellent approval record for ICT permits across all professional categories and family configurations

    Conclusion

    France's ICT permit provides multinational corporations with an efficient pathway to transfer key personnel to French operations while ensuring legal compliance and family integration. Success requires thorough understanding of corporate documentation requirements, salary compliance, and family member procedures across multiple administrative bodies.

    With Jobbatical's specialized ICT expertise, companies receive comprehensive support ensuring smooth employee transfers and successful French integration. From initial eligibility assessment through family settlement services, our dedicated team manages every aspect of the ICT process.

    Ready to initiate your France ICT transfer? Contact Jobbatical today for a comprehensive corporate immigration assessment and specialized ICT permit management.

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    Frequently Asked Questions - France ICT Permit (Intra-Company Transfer)
    What is the France ICT Permit?

    The France ICT Permit (Intra-Corporate Transfer) allows non-EU employees of a multinational company to be temporarily seconded to a French branch for high-expertise or senior management roles. It’s valid for up to 3 years and is non-renewable.

    Is the France ICT Permit renewable?

    No, the ICT permit is non-renewable and valid for up to 3 years. After expiry, a 6-month cooling-off period outside the EU is required before reapplying.

    How do I apply for a France ICT Permit?

    Apply for a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate in your home country. Submit proof of employment, intra-group affiliation, and qualifications. For stays over 1 year, apply for a residence permit within 2 months of arrival.

    How much does the France ICT Permit cost?

    The visa fee is approximately €99, with an additional €225 for the residence permit. Family permits cost €225 for spouses and €99 per child. Fees are subject to change.

    Who is eligible for the France ICT permit?

    Eligibility targets skilled employees in multinational groups. Requirements include: - At least 3-6 months' seniority in the group; - Role as manager, specialist, or trainee; - Gross salary at least 1.8 times SMIC (€2,738+ monthly); - Proof of intra-group affiliation (e.g., employment contract amendment); - No local hiring preference (labor market test not required). Family members (spouse, children) can accompany under certain conditions.

    What is the duration of the France ICT permit?

    The permit is valid for up to 3 years (managers/specialists) or 1 year (trainees), non-renewable. For stays <12 months, a VLS-TS visa suffices. After expiry, return to home country or change status (e.g., to Talent Passport). A 6-month gap outside EU is required before reapplying.

    Do I need a work permit for a France ICT Permit?

    The ICT residence permit also serves as a work permit, so no separate work permit is required.

    What happens after the France ICT permit expires?

    Return to home country or apply for status change (e.g., to employee permit) 2-4 months before expiry. If eligible, transition to permanent residency after 5 years in France. Non-compliance risks deportation or fines.

    Can my family accompany me on a France ICT Permit?

    Yes, spouses and dependent children under 18 can apply for an “ICT – Family” permit, allowing them to live and work in France during your assignment. The cost is €225 for spouses and €99 per visa for family members.

    What is the minimum salary for a France ICT Permit?

    The minimum gross salary is 1.8 times the French minimum wage (SMIC), approximately €2,738.2 per month as of 2024, or higher depending on the role.

    Can I change my status while on a France ICT Permit?

    Yes, you can apply for a status change (e.g., to a Talent Passport) 2 months before the permit expires, provided you meet the new permit’s eligibility criteria.

    What documents are required for a France ICT Permit?

    Required documents include: a valid passport, employment contract, proof of intra-group affiliation (e.g., organizational charts), proof of qualifications, and evidence of sufficient salary.

    What is the processing time for a France ICT Permit?

    Processing takes 4–8 weeks for the visa and 1–2 months for the residence permit at the prefecture. Start applications 3 months before travel.

    Can I work in other EU countries with a France ICT permit?

    Yes, under "mobile ICT" for short stays (<90 days) in other EU states. For longer, apply for mobile permit in the second country. Max total EU stay: 3 years.

    What are the differences between France ICT permit and Talent Passport?

    ICT is for seconded employees (no local contract, tied to foreign employer); Talent Passport (e.g., "Employee on Assignment") is for local hires or higher-skilled roles with French contracts. ICT: Max 3 years, non-renewable. Talent: Up to 4 years, renewable. Salary thresholds differ; Talent often requires higher qualifications.

    Are there any tax or social security implications for France ICT permit holders?

    Holders remain under home country's social security (with A1 certificate) but may owe French taxes if stay >183 days/year. Withholding tax rates: 0% up to €45,800, 12% €45,801-€162,000, 20% above. Double taxation treaties apply. Employer handles SIPSI declarations.

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