Italy•Europe

Open

Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

11% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,600

Quality of Life

153/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Transfer within a multinational company to an Italian branch or subsidiary. Managers, specialists, or trainee employees.

The Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Directive enables temporary relocation of non-EU employees within a multinational company to an Italian branch or subsidiary. Designed for managers, specialists, and trainees with essential knowledge or professional development needs, it simplifies administrative requirements and bypasses standard labor market tests and annual quotas.

Applicants must have three months' prior employment with the foreign entity. The Italian host company submits the application via the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI). Permits last up to three years for managers/specialists or one year for trainees. Holders must register with the SUI upon arrival to obtain their residence permit.

This visa is ideal for multinational company managers and specialists transferring to an Italian subsidiary.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Art. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Italy

Art. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years

Processing4 weeks – 3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a manager, specialist, or trainee employee.

Must have been employed by the parent company outside the EU for at least 3 months prior to the transfer.

The Italian host company must be a subsidiary, branch, or representative office of the foreign entity.

Salary must comply with Italian labor market standards and applicable Collective Labor Agreements (CCNL).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of corporate relationship between the foreign and Italian entities.

Evidence of employee qualifications and role.

Employment contract and assignment terms.

Training plan (for trainees).

Valid passport and health insurance.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No quota restrictions for ICT permits.
Allows for temporary transfer of key personnel.
Family members can join the transferee and have the right to work.
Facilitates intra-group mobility.

Worth Knowing

Maximum validity is 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees.
Requires a 3-month cooling-off period after the maximum duration before applying for a new ICT permit.
Strict compliance with Italian labor laws and social security (INPS) is mandatory.

Application Process

Italian host company submits the 'Nulla Osta al Lavoro' application via the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI).

SUI processes the request within 45 days.

Once approved, the employee applies for the entry visa at the Italian consulate in their home country.

Within 8 days of arrival, the employee registers with the SUI and applies for the residence permit at the local Questura.

Application Forms

Varies by member state

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Verified Claims (2)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Min Experience Years

eur-lex.europa.eu

Petitioner

employer

integrazionemigranti.gov.it