Germany ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa) for Germany

The Germany ICT Card is the go-to solution for non-EU employees transferring within multinational companies. Whether you're managing a global team or advancing your own international assignment, Jobbatical offers expert support at every step—from eligibility checks and document preparation to appointment booking and final permit issuance.

What Is the Germany ICT Card?

The Germany ICT Card is a residence permit under the EU ICT Directive (2014/66/EU) for non-EU/EEA/Swiss employees transferred temporarily to a German branch of their multinational company. It applies to:

• Managers overseeing teams or operations
• Specialists with company-specific expertise
• Trainees in structured professional development programs

Valid for up to 3 years (1 year for trainees), the ICT Card allows mobility within EU countries after 6 months and enables family reunification. Unlike some work visas, no academic degree is required, company-specific knowledge is key.

Benefits of a Germany ICT Permit

The ICT Card offers significant advantages for both international professionals and the companies that transfer them. It facilitates smooth intra-company assignments while ensuring compliance with German immigration regulations—supporting talent mobility without the administrative complexity of long-term relocation.

For Individuals

• Legal Work and Residency: Work legally in Germany’s strong economy with access to healthcare, education, and housing via an ICT work visa.
• Family Reunification: Bring your spouse and children under 18. Spouses can work in Germany without restrictions.
• Career Advancement: Build international experience in Germany’s leading sectors like automotive, manufacturing, and tech.
• Schengen Mobility: Travel visa-free across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (note: work is limited to Germany).
• EU Mobility: After 6 months, work in other EU countries under ICT Directive rules, subject to notification procedures.

For Employers

• Global Talent Mobility: Legally transfer key staff to your German branch with approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
• Compliance Support: Stay aligned with immigration regulations via trusted government frameworks like “Make it in Germany.”
• Operational Flexibility: Relocate talent for temporary projects, training, or expansion—without committing to long-term relocation permits.

Eligibility for a Germany ICT Permit

You may qualify for the ICT Card Germany if:

• You are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
• You've been employed for at least 6 continuous months by a multinational company
• You're being transferred to a German branch for more than 90 days
• Your role is as a:
  
  • Manager (e.g. department head)
  • Specialist (e.g. with rare technical skills)
  • Trainee (with a structured training plan)
  • You have a binding intra-corporate transfer agreement
  • Your salary meets the 2025 threshold: €58,400/year
  • You have a clean criminal record, translated and legalised.

Check eligibility with the BAMF or German Federal Foreign Office.

Eligibility for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland do not require an ICT Card or work visa to live and work in Germany. However, their non-EU family members may still require a residence permit.

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Requirements and Application Checklist for the Germany ICT Permit (2025)

Preparing your Germany ICT permit application can be complex. To apply for a Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit in Germany, you’ll need to prepare the following documents. Ensuring completeness and accuracy at this stage helps prevent processing delays or rejections:

Always verify the latest requirements at Make it in Germany. Jobbatical provides a personalized and up-to-date checklist and handles the meticulous review of every document to ensure a flawless submission.

Application Process for a Germany ICT Card

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm role and employment status meet ICT criteria per Make it in Germany.
2. Secure Transfer Agreement: Obtain a contract or letter detailing the intra-corporate transfer, approved by the Federal Employment Agency.
3. Book Appointment: Schedule a visa appointment at your local German Federal Foreign Office embassy/consulate, 2-3 months in advance.
4. Prepare Documents: Gather application form, passport, transfer agreement, employment proof, and translations, legalized/apostilled as needed.
5. Submit Application: Attend the embassy/consulate appointment or apply online (if available) via the German Federal Foreign Office.
6. Provide Biometrics: Submit fingerprints and photos during the appointment.
7. Await Processing: Processing takes 2-8 weeks, depending on the embassy.
8. Receive Visa: Collect visa documentation upon approval.
9. Enter Germany: Arrive within the visa’s validity (usually 90 days).
10. Register Locally: Register with the local residents’ office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 14 days.
11. Apply for ICT Permit: Finalize the permit at the Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) within 90 days, per BAMF.
12. Complete Integration: Open a bank account, register for tax number, and enroll in health insurance.

Where to Apply for a Germany ICT Permit

• German Embassy/Consulate: Submit visa applications in your home country via the German Federal Foreign Office.
• In-Germany Application: If legally in Germany (e.g., on another visa), apply at the local Foreigners’ Authority via Make it in Germany.
• Job Approval: Obtain approval from the Federal Employment Agency for the transfer agreement.

Appointment Details for Germany ICT Permit

• Booking: Schedule visa appointments online via the German Federal Foreign Office. Book 2-3 months in advance due to demand.
• Timing: Apply 4-6 weeks before planned relocation.
• Attendance: Arrive on time with all documents, legalized/translated. Late arrivals risk cancellation.
• Biometrics: Required for visa and ICT permit issuance unless recently submitted.

Processing Time for a Germany ICT Permit

• Processing Time:
  
  • Visa Application: 2-8 weeks via German Federal Foreign Office.
  • ICT Permit Issuance: 2-4 weeks at the Foreigners’ Authority.
  • Peak Seasons: Up to 3 months. Apply 6+ weeks in advance.
• Costs:
  
  • Visa Fee: €75 for national visa, confirm via German Federal Foreign Office.
  • ICT Permit Fee: €100-€113 at the Foreigners’ Authority.
  • Additional Costs: Translations, apostilles, or travel expenses.

Salary Levels and Financial Requirements for Germany ICT (2025)

To qualify for the ICT Card:

• Minimum gross annual salary: €58,400
• Must be clearly stated in your transfer agreement
• This aligns with salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card and reflects cost-of-living adjustments.

Germany ICT Visa Fees (2025)

• National Visa Application: €75
• ICT Residence Permit: €100–€113 (paid in Germany)
• Additional Costs: Translations, legalisation, travel
• Jobbatical advises on expected expenses and helps you budget accordingly.

Health Insurance for Germany ICT Card

Proof of valid health insurance is required:

• Public or private plan covering at least €30,000
• Must be active from your date of entry into Germany

Common Mistakes That Lead to Visa Rejections

Avoid delays or denials by steering clear of:

• Submitting incomplete or outdated documents
• Failing to legalise or translate required papers
• Not meeting the salary threshold
• Incorrect job classification (e.g. trainee vs specialist)
• Booking appointments too late

Jobbatical identifies and corrects these issues before submission.

How Jobbatical Supports Your Germany ICT Permit?

Jobbatical delivers seamless relocation support for your intra-corporate transfer visa Germany:

• Eligibility Assessment: Our immigration expertise ensures your role and transfer agreement meet criteria per Make it in Germany.
• Document Coordination: We provide comprehensive checklists and manage translations/apostilles for transfer agreements, employment proof, or company letters, ensuring a streamlined process.
• Application Management: Our expert guidance handles submissions via the German Federal Foreign Office or Foreigners’ Authority, minimizing errors.
• Appointment Scheduling: We secure timely visa and permit appointments, optimizing your relocation timeline.
• Family Relocation Support: Our visa services assist with spouse/dependent applications, leveraging work rights for spouses.
• Compliance Navigation: We stay updated on 2025 regulations, including salary thresholds (€58,400/year) and Federal Employment Agency approvals.

Why Choose Jobbatical for Your Germany ICT Permit?

Jobbatical transforms your German work visa ICT experience with unmatched services:

• Immigration Expertise: Our relocation specialists ensure compliance with BAMF and Federal Employment Agency regulations.
• Tech-Enabled Relocation: Our platform tracks progress and deadlines, delivering seamless visa services for working in Germany.
• End-to-End Support: From visa application to permit issuance and local registration, our expert guidance covers every step.
• Global Expertise: Tailored immigration support for non-EU professionals worldwide, ensuring a smooth transfer.

🎯 Focus on your assignment in Germany—let Jobbatical’s relocation support handle your skilled worker visa Germany.

Conclusion

The Germany ICT permit opens doors for multinational employees to contribute to Europe’s leading economy, with benefits like EU mobility and family-friendly policies. With Jobbatical’s seamless visa services and resources from the German Federal Foreign Office, Make it in Germany, and BAMF, apply for your intra-corporate transfer visa Germany confidently. Start your journey to working in Germany today!

🔗 Ready to secure your German work visa ICT? Learn more at Jobbatical’s blog on Germany ICT permit or visit the German Federal Foreign Office or Make it in Germany for applications, and check requirements at your local German embassy.