ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer)
Managers, specialists or trainees transferred to a German branch of their company.
The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) is a German work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa) and processing time (~1-3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) is for
Managers, specialists or trainees transferred to a German branch of their company.
Temporary by design; switch to another permit for a settlement path.
ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) - eligibility criteria
- Employed by the group for at least 6 months
- Transfer as manager, specialist or trainee
- Qualifications for the role (degree for trainees)
- Employment contract for the assignment period
- Return arrangement after the transfer
ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) (Germany) is ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Make it in Germany / BAMF.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a German consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years (managers/specialists); 1 year (trainees) |
| Work rights | Work for the host entity in the transferred role |
| Study rights | Not applicable |
| Government fee | ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Route to PR | Temporary by design; switch to another permit for a settlement path. |
Pathway & next steps
Temporary by design; switch to another permit for a settlement path.
Many applicants also compare EU Blue Card · EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU), Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b), National D · National (D) Long-Stay Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which German route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) pitfalls we fix
ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) - frequently asked questions
How much does the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) cost?
The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) government fee is ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Make it in Germany / BAMF before applying.
How long does the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) lead to permanent residence?
Temporary by design; switch to another permit for a settlement path.
Can I work on the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer)?
Work rights: Work for the host entity in the transferred role.
Who can apply for the ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer)?
Managers, specialists or trainees transferred to a German branch of their company.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Germany government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Make it in Germany / BAMF - official Germany immigration authority