Move key talent to Spain or transition yourself internationally with the Spain ICT Permit, enabling multinational companies to transfer managers, specialists, or trainees from non-EU offices to their Spanish branches — seamlessly, legally, and family-friendly. The ICT Permit allows multinational companies to transfer key staff—managers, specialists, or trainees—from non-EU locations to their offices in Spain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check your eligibility with the nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate before applying.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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It is a residence and work permit for non-EU managers, specialists, and trainees sent to work in Spain by their multinational employer.
Non-EU employees in managerial, specialist, or trainee roles at a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the same company.
Applicants must have a genuine job offer, appropriate role, proven company link, and required qualifications/experience.
Passport, employment contract, transfer letter, social security, proof of qualifications, criminal record check, etc..
UGE-CE decision in around 20 working days; consulate processes visa within 10 working days.
The host company files online with UGE-CE; after approval, the employee applies for the visa at a Spanish consulate.
Up to three years for managers/specialists; one year for trainees. Renewable under certain conditions.
Yes, with continued eligibility and company need. Extensions up to max total allowed by law.
In 2025, minimum annual salary of approx. €40,077 for highly qualified roles.
Spouses, children, and financially dependent relatives can accompany the main applicant.
ICT is for internal transfers, does not require job market test and allows intra-EU mobility; Blue Card is for qualified workers with new job offers.
Quick processing, no labor market test, intra-EU mobility, family reunification, Schengen access.
Incomplete documentation, unproven business link, insufficient salary, lack of required skills or experience.
Application fee (€73.26), consular fee (~€90), residence card fee (~€16, subject to change).
Yes, if enrolled in structured training and with a verified company group link (max 1 year).
The Spanish entity must prove real business activity and a formal corporate relationship.
Yes, the permit is aimed at non-EU managers, specialists, or trainees.
20 working days for permit approval, additional 10 working days for visa after consulate submission.