Spain Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT) Guide

The Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) permit allows employees of multinational groups to work temporarily at a Spanish entity within the same corporate structure.

• Managers and executives transferred to lead or oversee Spanish operations
• Specialists with proprietary knowledge or advanced expertise needed in Spain
• Graduate trainees participating in structured training programmes
• Employees who have worked for the sending entity for a minimum period (typically 3–12 months depending on category)

ICT is governed by EU Directive 2014/66/EU and Spanish transposition — your employer's global mobility team usually manages the process.

• Employment with the sending company for the required minimum period before transfer
• Transfer to a Spanish branch, subsidiary, or affiliate within the same corporate group
• Salary and conditions comparable to Spanish standards for the role
• Temporary assignment — ICT permits are not intended for permanent relocation (maximum durations apply by category)
• Corporate documentation proving group relationship between sending and receiving entities
• Manager/specialist categories have different duration limits (e.g. up to 3 years for managers, 1 year renewable for specialists)

Your employer's legal or mobility team prepares most corporate documentation.

• Foreign documents usually require an apostille (or equivalent legalization) and a sworn translation into Spanish (traducción jurada).
• Most consulates expect documents issued within the last 3 months unless otherwise stated.
• Passport must typically be valid for at least 12 months with at least two blank pages.
• Valid passport and visa application form
• Transfer letter or assignment agreement detailing role, duration, and compensation
• Proof of employment history with the sending entity
• Corporate documents linking sending and receiving companies (group structure proof)
• Employer authorization from Ministry of Inclusion or UGE
• Qualifications and experience evidence for specialist roles
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)

The receiving entity in Spain initiates authorization; the employee completes consular formalities.

• Spanish entity files ICT authorization with immigration authorities
• Authorization approval — processing varies, often 1–3 months
• Employee applies for ICT visa at consulate in country of residence
• Enter Spain and complete empadronamiento and TIE registration
• Permit duration depends on category — plan renewals or conversion if staying longer
• Some ICT holders may transition to a standard work permit if taking a permanent local role

ICT assignments are temporary — understand renewal limits and exit obligations.

• Empadronamiento: register your address at the local ayuntamiento within the first weeks.
• TIE card: book a cita previa for fingerprinting within 30 days of arrival or approval; submit EX-17 and pay form 790-012.
• Tax registration: file Form 030 with AEAT to register your fiscal address in Spain.
• Employer registers you with Seguridad Social for the assignment period
• Public healthcare via employer's Social Security registration
• Tax: ICT assignees may have special tax considerations — consult a cross-border tax adviser
• Before permit expiry: arrange return, renewal, or conversion to another permit type