Intra-company transfer visa and work permit: ICT or EU ICT?

In Italy, intra-company transfers represent a key solution for companies wishing to temporarily mobilize specialized personnel or executives within the group, without being subject to the limits of the entry quota system. There are two main types of work permits for intra-company transfers: the national permit for highly skilled workers and the EU ICT permit derived from European Union regulations.

Traditional ICT visa and permit

The “traditional” ICT permit, governed by Article 27, paragraph 1, letter (a) of Legislative Decree 286/98, is intended for executives and highly specialized personnel who are temporarily assigned to branches, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies in Italy. The assignment must occur within the same corporate group or joint venture.

Specifically, this type of permit targets middle managers (Quadro level) and senior managers (Executives) working for companies with headquarters or subsidiaries in Italy, or for representative offices of foreign companies operating primarily in WTO member countries.

EU ICT visa and permit

The EU ICT permit, regulated by Articles 27 quinquies and 27 sexies of Legislative Decree 286/98, allows the transfer of managers, specialists, and trainees from a non-EU company to an Italian entity.

Those who already hold an EU ICT permit issued by another EU Member State can transfer to Italy for short stays (up to 90 days) without a visa and without the need for an additional work permit. For periods exceeding 90 days, the host company must apply for an EU ICT permit within 90 days of arrival, allowing the worker to start working during the processing phase, provided that the initial EU ICT permit remains valid.

General procedure for obtaining an ICT visa and permit in Italy

The process for obtaining an ICT work permit in Italy, whether “traditional” or EU, consists of three main steps:

1. Request for work authorization (nulla osta): The Italian host company must submit the application for work authorization for the foreign worker.
2. Application for a national work visa: The foreign worker must apply for a national work visa at the competent Italian embassy or consulate, depending on their country of residence.
3. Entry into Italy and application for a residence permit: Once the national work visa is obtained, the worker can enter Italy and must submit the residence permit application within eight days. This procedure typically involves multiple appointments at the prefecture, post office, and police headquarters, with processing times varying by region and the workload of the competent authorities.

Conclusion: Traditional ICT or EU ICT?

The choice between a “traditional” ICT permit and an EU ICT permit mainly depends on the type of originating company, the worker’s professional level, and the duration of the transfer. The traditional ICT permit is suitable for executives and highly skilled personnel belonging to groups with subsidiaries in Italy, while the EU ICT permit facilitates transfers from non-EU companies, with simplified procedures for those who already hold a permit issued by another Member State.

In both cases, intra-company transfers remain a strategic tool for managing international talent without being bound by the limits of ordinary entry quotas.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.