ICT — Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive

Portugal•Europe

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ICT — Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €110

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

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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Verified Claims (3)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Fee Breakdown

National visa application fee: 110 EUR

vistos.mne.gov.pt

Fees

EUR 110 (national visa application fee)