Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit for Spain

What Is the ICT Permit Spain (Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa)?

The Spain ICT Permit is a temporary work and residence authorisation governed by EU Directive 2014/66/EU, designed to facilitate intra-company mobility within multinational organisations. Valid for up to 3 years, it bans local displacement and supports seamless transfers without the need for labour market testing. For roles with longer-term goals, consider combining with or transitioning to an EU Blue Card, depending on your strategic relocation plan.

Benefits of the Spain ICT Permit — Why Choose the Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa?

The Spain ICT Permit offers compelling advantages—especially for HR decision-makers and global mobility teams who need speed, compliance, and scalability in relocating talent.

For Employers

This streamlined visa bypasses labour market tests, amplifies operational agility, and strengthens workforce retention through international opportunities—all while maintaining robust legal compliance with Spanish and EU standards.

For Employees

Assignees gain legal entitlement to work and reside in Spain, alongside healthcare access, housing registration, and eligibility for family reunification. The permit also unlocks intra-EU mobility and boosts career development within high-demand sectors.

Eligibility for Spain ICT Permit 2025

The Spain Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit is designed to facilitate the movement of key personnel within multinational companies, ensuring that essential expertise and leadership can be shared across borders without disrupting local labour markets. This visa category aligns with EU Directive 2014/66/EU, helping businesses strengthen their Spanish operations through the transfer of experienced managers, specialists, and trainees from outside the EU. Applicants must meet specific role, tenure, and corporate structure requirements to qualify.

To qualify for an ICT permit Spain, candidates must fulfill specific role, tenure, and company conditions.

• Job Role: Must be a manager (e.g., senior executive overseeing operations), specialist (e.g., technical expert with unique skills), or trainee (e.g., employee in a training program) transferring to a Spanish entity.
  
• Company Tenure:
  
  • Managers or specialists: Minimum 12 months with the non-EU company.
    
  • Trainees: Minimum 3 months with the non-EU company.
    
• Group Structure: The Spanish entity must be legally affiliated (e.g., subsidiary, branch) with the non-EU sending company, verifiable via corporate documents.
  
• Salary and Skills: Candidates must meet Spain’s minimum salary threshold for highly qualified roles (typically €40,077/year in 2025; confirm via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration). A relevant degree or 5+ years of experience is required for managers and specialists; trainees need at least 3 months tenure.
  
• Nationality: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need this work visa Spain. Citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland are exempt under free movement rules.
  
• No Local Displacement: The transferred role must not replace local employees, following EU Directive 2014/66/EU.
  

Check your eligibility with the nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate before applying.

Eligibility Criteria for Employers

Employers must prove a formal corporate relationship between the Spanish host entity and the non-EU sending company, such as a subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. They are responsible for registering the Spanish entity with immigration authorities and ensuring compliance with all labor laws. The intra-company transfer must serve a genuine business need, such as filling managerial or specialist roles, or training key personnel.

Eligibility Criteria for Employees

Eligible employees must fall into one of three categories: managers (senior executives overseeing operations), specialists (technical experts with unique skills), or trainees (employees enrolled in a structured training program). Managers and specialists should have at least 12 months’ tenure with the sending company, while trainees require a minimum of 3 months. Employees must meet Spain’s salary thresholds for highly qualified workers, hold relevant qualifications or experience, and not displace local workers, according to EU Directive 2014/66/EU.

2025 Requirements & Document Checklist for Spain ICT Permit

Applying for the Spain ICT permit in 2025 requires submitting a precise set of documents to ensure a smooth approval process. Each document serves a specific purpose, from proving your role and company affiliation to meeting health and security standards. Preparing this checklist carefully will help avoid delays and comply fully with Spanish immigration regulations.

Tip: Request Jobbatical's customised checklist to confirm all documents adhere to Spanish Ministry guidelines and meet 2025 needs.

How to Apply for the Spain ICT Permit in 2025

The application process for the Spain Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit requires careful coordination between the non-EU sending company, the Spanish host entity, and the applicant. Following each step in the correct order helps prevent delays, ensures compliance with EU Directive 2014/66/EU, and makes the relocation process as smooth as possible. Companies should prepare documentation early, as some requirements—such as registering the Spanish entity—can take additional time.

1. Identify Eligible Role and Candidate: Confirm the role (manager, specialist, trainee) and candidate meet ICT criteria at the non-EU sending company.
2. Prepare ICT Assignment Contract: Draft a compliant contract detailing the transfer purpose, role, duration, and salary, per EU Directive 2014/66/EU.
3. Register Spanish Host Entity: Register the Spanish entity with immigration authorities via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
4. Submit ICT Application: File the application online through Spain’s immigration platform, accessible via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
5. Apply for Entry Visa (if needed): If the candidate is outside Spain, submit a Schengen visa application at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate or visa centers like BLS International or VFS Global. Check visa details at the Spanish Consulate’s Schengen Visa Services or your local consulate.
6. Enter Spain and Apply for TIE: Book a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) appointment via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration upon arrival.
7. Apply for Dependent Visas: Submit applications for family members at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate, if applicable.

Where to Apply for an ICT Permit Spain

Submit your Spain ICT Permit application based on your location. Candidates in Spain or visa-exempt countries apply online via the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. Those outside Spain must apply for an entry visa at their nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

• Spanish Immigration Authorities: Submit the ICT permit Spain application online via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration for candidates in Spain or visa-exempt countries.
  
• Spanish Embassy/Consulate: Apply for an entry visa (if needed) in the candidate’s home country or residence via the Spanish Embassy/Consulate locator.
  
• Visa Centers: Some embassies outsource visa processing to BLS International or VFS Global. Verify the provider on the Spanish Embassy/Consulate website.

Appointment Details for ICT Permit Spain

Book your visa and TIE appointments online through official channels. Use the Spanish Embassy, Consulate, or visa centers such as BLS International or VFS Global. Booking is free and should be done 4–6 weeks before moving.

• Booking: Schedule visa or TIE appointments online via the Spanish Embassy/Consulate or visa centers (BLS International or VFS Global). Booking is free—avoid third-party fees.
  
• Timing: Book 4-6 weeks before relocation due to demand for intra-corporate transfer Spain.
  
• Attendance: Arrive on time with all documents. Late arrivals risk cancellation.
  
• Biometrics: Required for entry visas and TIE cards unless submitted for a Schengen visa within the last 5 years.

Financial Requirements for an ICT Permit Spain

Applicants must meet specific financial criteria to qualify for an ICT permit in Spain. This includes earning a minimum salary, providing proof of sufficient funds, and holding an employment contract that complies with Spanish labor laws. These measures ensure financial stability during the transfer period and guarantee fair compensation aligned with local standards.

Spain ICT Permit Salary Threshold in 2025

Spain requires ICT permit applicants to earn a minimum gross annual salary consistent with highly qualified roles. For 2025, this salary threshold is set at approximately €40,077. This ensures that transferred employees receive competitive compensation according to Spanish labor standards. Employers should confirm the exact salary figures annually via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration to ensure compliance.

• Proof of Funds: Applicants must provide bank statements or employer letters demonstrating financial stability during the transfer.
  
• Employer Commitment: A valid contract guaranteeing salary payment and adherence to Spanish labor regulations, in line with EU Directive 2014/66/EU, is mandatory.

Processing Time for an ICT Permit Spain

Knowing the expected processing times helps companies and candidates plan relocations more effectively and avoid last-minute delays. While the ICT permit process is generally faster than other work visa categories, timelines can vary depending on the season, case complexity, and administrative workload. Starting early is the best way to ensure a smooth move.

• ICT Permit: 20-45 days via the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
  
• Entry Visa: Additional 10-15 days via BLS International or VFS Global.
  
• Peak Seasons: Up to 2 months.
  
• Tip: Apply 6+ weeks in advance for your work visa Spain.

High-Demand Industries for ICT Permit Spain Holders

The Spain ICT Permit is particularly valuable for sectors where multinational companies require experienced staff on the ground to support operations, innovation, and growth. These industries often pay competitive salaries and offer strong career progression opportunities for international transferees.

• Technology and IT: Software architects, AI specialists in hubs like Barcelona (€50,000-€80,000/year).
  
• Engineering: Experts in renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
  
• Finance: Managers for banking or fintech operations in Madrid.
  
• Pharmaceuticals: Researchers or executives in Spain’s biotech sector.
  
• Automotive: Engineers for manufacturing or R&D.

Validity, Renewal, and Family Inclusion

The ICT Permit in Spain is generally valid for up to three years, with options to renew depending on the ongoing need for intra-company transfer. Employees can bring their immediate family members under family reunification rules, allowing spouses and children to live and, in many cases, work in Spain. Renewals and extensions require submitting updated documentation proving continued compliance with ICT conditions.

Spain ICT Permit and EU Mobility Rights

The Spain ICT Permit facilitates intra-EU mobility for non-EU employees within multinational groups. While primarily valid in Spain, it enables short-term transfers of up to 90 days in other EU member states that recognise ICT permits. This mobility enhances workforce flexibility and aligns with broader EU goals for integrated talent movement across borders.

Common Challenges and How Jobbatical Helps

Obtaining the Spain ICT Permit involves complex regulatory requirements and documentation. Common challenges include eligibility verification, preparing compliant contracts, navigating application portals, and coordinating visa appointments.

Jobbatical’s support includes:

• Expert ICT eligibility assessment
  
• Contract drafting aligned with EU and Spanish law
  
• Managing employer registration and online applications
  
• Coordinating visa and TIE appointments with authorities
  
• Assisting with family reunification paperwork
  
• Providing end-to-end relocation and compliance support
  
  

Why Choose Jobbatical for Your Spain ICT Permit Application?

With deep expertise in EU ICT regulations and Spanish immigration, Jobbatical streamlines your permit process, reducing delays and stress. Our tech-driven platform provides transparent tracking of your application, documents, and deadlines. Whether you’re a multinational HR team or an employee relocating to Spain, we deliver personalised guidance every step of the way. Focus on your business goals — we’ll handle the Spain ICT Permit.

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