The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer) is a temporary residence permit for managers, specialists or trainees employed in companies based outside of the EU, so that these employees can be transferred to subsidiaries within the EU. This transfer may only last up to three years, for trainees only one year. You may apply for a new ICT Card only after your previous transfer has ended for at least six months.
As bearer of an ICT Card, you are also allowed to temporarily work in German subsidiaries of your employer located in other EU member states, if the majority of your total stay is in Germany. Should the majority of your stay be in another EU member state, you must apply for a residence permit there.
The ICT Card is issued in all EU member states except Denmark, Great Britain and Ireland. Therefore, entry into these countries is not possible with an ICT Card.
Requirements
- The host subsidiary in Germany belongs to the company where you are employed.
- You have been employed in this company for at least six months prior to the transfer.
- The intra-corporate transfer lasts for more than 90 days.
- You are working in the host subsidiary in Germany as a manager, specialist or trainee.
- You must provide proof of your professional qualifications, a valid employment contract and, if necessary, an assignment letter.
- Consent of the German Federal Employment Agency or exemption of the work in question from this consent obligation. This approval will be applied for by the German Mission Abroad or the Foreigners Office.
You can apply for the EU Blue Card residence permit at the Hamburg Welcome Center or alternatively at your relevant immigration authority. Contact the relevant authority directly or use the online tool of the Serviceportal Hamburg to submit your documents.
Detailed information on the required documents for an application can be found in the Forms section.
Intra-European mobility for up to 90 days
If you have already been issued an ICT Card by another EU member state, you may come to Germany and work here without German residence permit for a maximum of 90 days. You must only notify the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
Requirements
- You have an ICT Card issued in another EU member state.
- The host subsidiary in Germany belongs to the company where you are employed.
- Your pay during the intra-corporate transfer is equivalent to that of a German employee.
- The intra-corporate transfer lasts for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Notification to the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) about your entry into Germany.
Intra-European mobility for more than 90 days (Mobile ICT Card)
Bearers of an ICT Card issued by another EU member state may stay in Germany for up to 90 days without German residence permit. For any stay which lasts more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. You can, for example, apply for a Mobile ICT Card.
Requirements
- You must provide proof of a valid residence title for the duration of the application procedure, of a valid employment contract and, if necessary, an assignment letter.
- You are working in the host subsidiary in Germany as a manager, specialist or trainee.
- The intra-corporate transfer lasts more than 90 days, but is shorter than the duration of your residence in another EU member state.
- Consent of the German Federal Employment Agency or exemption of the work in question from this consent obligation. This approval will be applied for by the Foreigners Office.
Application and deadlines for a Mobile ICT Card
- If the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has received a notification about your short-term mobility at least 20 days prior to your entry into Germany, you are allowed to stay and work in Germany for up to 90 days. In this case, you must apply for the Mobile ICT Card at least 20 days prior to the end of your short-term mobility stay.
