DE Skilled & work Temporary

Germany Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card (Sec 19 / 19b)

Transfer within your multinational employer to a German branch.

Who this route is for

Managers, specialists and trainee employees of a non-EU company being temporarily transferred to a group entity or branch in Germany.

At least 6 months' (3 months for trainees) continuous prior employment with the same group before the transfer
Transfer as a manager or specialist (up to 3 years) or trainee (up to 1 year)
Employment contract / assignment letter from the sending company plus a German host entity
Pay and conditions at least equal to comparable local employees; recognised qualification or expertise for the role
Valid health insurance covering the assignment period

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Recent changes & caveats

Implements the EU ICT Directive; the housing and A1-German requirements that apply to family members are waived for ICT-card holders' families.

Check your points first

Use the free Opportunity Card Points Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.

Points-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.

The EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.

Work permit for graduates and vocationally trained workers with a job offer.

Get your foreign qualification fully recognised after you arrive in Germany.