Intra-Company transfer to Italy: information and advice for professionals and businesses

Italy has established itself as a strategic destination for highly qualified professionals seeking opportunities within international corporate groups. The visa for intra-company transfers allows multinational companies to temporarily assign key employees to their Italian subsidiaries, thereby facilitating global talent mobility.

What are ICT and EU ICT visas?

The ICT and EU ICT visas are national long-term visas that allow non-EU workers to be temporarily seconded to an entity in Italy belonging to the same corporate group. These types of visas and residence permits are governed by Article 27, letters a) and quinquies of Legislative Decree 286/98 and are not subject to the annual quotas under the “decreto flussi” (immigration flow decree).

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants for the ICT or EU ICT visa must meet the following requirements:

• Previous employment: have worked for at least 3 to 6 months at the parent company outside the EU, depending on the specific case

• Professional category: be executives, specialists with essential knowledge for the host entity, or trainees with a university degree undergoing professional development

• Corporate link: the sending and receiving entities must belong to the same corporate group, demonstrated by official documentation

Application procedure

The process for obtaining an ICT or EU ICT visa includes several steps:

1. Work authorization (Nulla Osta): the Italian company must apply online for work authorization from the competent Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione - SUI)

2. Visa application: once the nulla osta is granted, the worker must apply for the visa at the Italian consulate in their country of residence

3. Entry into Italy and formalities: upon entering Italy, the worker has 8 days to report to the SUI, sign the residence agreement, and the integration agreement

4. Residence permit: the worker must then apply for a residence permit and provide fingerprints at the local police headquarters (Questura)

5. Permit collection: once the procedure is complete, the residence permit can be collected from the Questura

Duration and renewal

The initial duration of the residence permit depends on the type:

• Executives and specialists: up to 3 years for EU ICT (Art. 27 quinquies), or up to 2 years for ICT (Art. 27 letter a)

• Trainees: up to 1 year

At the end of the authorized period, the worker may return to their country of origin or, in certain cases, be hired directly by the Italian company, provided they hold an ICT residence permit under Art. 27 letter a). In the case of a EU ICT permit under Art. 27 quinquies, the worker must return to their country of origin and observe a "cool-off" period of at least 3 months before applying for a new visa.

Benefits of ICT and EU ICT visas

• Exemption from quotas: these visas are not subject to the annual quotas under the "decreto flussi", making the application process easier

• Intra-EU mobility: holders of a valid EU ICT permit issued by another EU Member State can be transferred to Italy without a new visa for short stays (up to 90 days). For longer stays, a specific application is required, but the process is simplified

• Family reunification: family members of ICT or EU ICT permit holders with a validity of at least one year are entitled to family reunification

Final considerations

Intra-company transfer visas are a valuable tool for companies seeking to optimize their human capital on an international level. To ensure an effective transition, it is essential to rely on specialized legal advice and strictly comply with the requirements established by the Italian authorities.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance on the subject. It is essential to seek expert advice regarding your specific situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.