Portugal•EuropeICT — Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive
At a Glance
1–3 months
EUR €110
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Intra-corporate transfer for managers, specialists, and trainees moving within a multinational group to a Portuguese establishment.
The Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Directive enables managers, specialists, and trainee employees to relocate within multinational companies from establishments outside the EU/EEA to a Portuguese subsidiary or branch. This pathway streamlines mobility for employees transferring between entities in the same corporate group.
The visa is renewable for up to three years (managers/specialists) or one year (trainees), with processing typically one to three months. Standard EUR 110 national visa application fee applies. Family members may accompany the applicant, and spouses have unrestricted work authorization in Portugal.
This visa is ideal for corporate professionals and trainees in multinational firms seeking to expand their career within the same company group while maintaining Portuguese residency.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Employment by a multinational company outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland
Transfer to a Portuguese branch or subsidiary of the same group
Role must be as a Manager, Specialist, or Trainee
Minimum prior employment with the company: 3-12 months for managers/specialists, 3-6 months for trainees
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
Clean criminal record
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Signed intra-corporate transfer agreement/contract
Proof of employment with the multinational group (e.g., payslips, contract)
Proof of professional qualifications or higher education diploma (for trainees)
Criminal record certificate
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Health insurance policy
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Streamlined process for multinational employees
- Family reunification rights — spouse and dependents can join
- Spouse can work without restriction in Portugal
- No university degree required for managers/specialists (unlike Blue Card)
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and social security benefits
- Residence permit valid up to 3 years for managers with renewal possible
- Schengen area mobility for the visa holder
Worth Knowing
- Limited stay: maximum 3 years for managers/specialists, 1 year for trainees
- Does not lead to permanent residency — must switch to another visa category
- Requires qualifying corporate relationship between foreign and Portuguese entities
- Processing timeline of 1–3 months extends visa approval before travel
- Only available to employees of multinational companies — no direct local hiring
- Minimum 3-12 months prior employment with the multinational group required
Application Process
Verify qualification and secure transfer agreement from the employer
Apply for a residence visa at the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence
Enter Portugal and register with local authorities
Finalize the residence permit application at AIMA within 90 days of arrival
Provide biometric data
Application Forms
| Varies by member state | — |
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United Arab Emirates
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