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If you are employed by a multinational company and being transferred to Italy, you may need the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa.
The ICT visa allows foreign employees of international companies to temporarily work in Italy at a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their current employer.
This visa is designed for managers, specialists, and trainee employees who are transferred internally within the same corporate group.
At WorkPermitCheck, we often see confusion between the ICT visa and regular work permits. They are not the same. The ICT route follows specific corporate and immigration rules.
What Is an Intra-Company Transfer?
An intra-company transfer happens when:
• You are already employed outside Italy
• Your company has an Italian branch or affiliate
• You are assigned temporarily to work in Italy
• You remain employed within the same corporate group
The key factor is that the employment relationship already exists.
Who Qualifies for the Italy ICT Visa?
The ICT visa is generally available to:
• Senior managers
• Executives
• Specialists with advanced expertise
• Graduate trainees
Applicants must usually:
• Have worked for the company for a required period before transfer
• Hold qualifications relevant to the role
• Be transferred within the same corporate structure
Key Features of the ICT Visa
The Italy ICT visa typically:
• Is temporary
• Allows residence and employment in Italy
• Is linked to the sponsoring company
• Does not allow free change of employer
• Is subject to maximum duration limits
Duration may vary depending on category (manager, specialist, trainee).
Maximum Stay Period
Generally:
• Managers and specialists: up to 3 years
• Trainees: shorter maximum duration
After the maximum period, renewal may not be possible under ICT rules.
Is It the Same as a Standard Work Visa?
No.
Unlike a standard employer-sponsored work permit:
• The ICT visa is specifically for internal corporate transfers
• It may follow different quota or exemption rules
• It does not automatically lead to permanent residence
• It restricts you to the sponsoring company
Switching to another employer usually requires a new permit route.
Common Compliance Risks
ICT visa applications may face issues due to:
• Weak proof of corporate relationship
• Insufficient employment history
• Incorrect job classification
• Salary below Italian standards
• Attempting to change employer
• Exceeding maximum stay limits
Authorities carefully review whether the transfer is genuine.
Does the ICT Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
The ICT visa is temporary. While time spent legally in Italy may count toward long-term residence eligibility in some cases, ICT status itself does not automatically grant PR rights.
Each case must be assessed based on residence continuity and permit category.
How WorkPermitCheck Helps
WorkPermitCheck provides independent verification to help:
• Confirm corporate transfer eligibility
• Review employer sponsorship alignment
• Check permit type classification
• Identify documentation gaps
• Reduce refusal risks before relocation
We do not issue visas. We help verify authenticity and compliance indicators.
Key Takeaway
The Italy ICT visa is designed for temporary internal corporate transfers, not general employment.
You must:
• Already work for the company
• Be transferred within the same group
• Meet role and salary requirements
• Obtain approval before starting work
Verifying documentation early reduces compliance risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an ICT visa without working for the company first?
No. You must already be employed by the transferring company.
Can I switch employers in Italy under ICT?
No. ICT visas are employer-specific.
Does ICT count toward long-term residence?
It may count as legal stay, but ICT status alone does not guarantee PR.
Is the ICT visa permanent?
No. It is a temporary transfer visa.
Do I need approval before starting work?
Yes. You must obtain the proper authorization before working in Italy.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Italy’s ICT visa rules may change and vary by case. Always confirm official requirements with Italian authorities. WorkPermitCheck provides independent verification support and does not issue visas or work permits.
February 13, 2026
