At a glance
A manager, specialist, or trainee employed by a company outside the EU may be transferred temporarily to a related Italian branch under Italy's intra-corporate transferee permit.
- Role
- Manager, specialist, or graduate trainee
- Transfer
- From an employer outside the EU to a related Italian business
- Evidence
- Qualifying duties and prior employment within the company group
Summary
Italy’s intra-company transfer residence is for a temporary management, specialist, or graduate-trainee assignment from an overseas employer to a related Italian business. The two businesses must document the worker’s qualifying role and prior service within the group; the process does not cover a new job with an unrelated employer.
Managers and specialists can receive up to three years, while trainees are limited to one year. Eligible family members can apply to accompany or join the worker. A new transfer after the maximum period generally requires three months outside the EU.
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Qualifying group transfer Confirm the related Italian entity and eligible manager, specialist, or trainee role.
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Host requests authorization Prepare prior-employment, transfer, salary, and any trainee-plan records.
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Arrival residence procedure Complete the required residence-permit steps after entry.
The route requires at least three months of prior employment within the group.
Eligibility
This pathway may fit when the following route-specific requirements are met:
- Employment by a company established outside the EU and a temporary transfer to a related entity in Italy.
- A role as a manager, specialist, or graduate trainee, with at least three months of prior employment within the group.
- Host-entity authorization, transfer terms, and a trainee plan when applicable.
What This Route Allows
The ICT permit allows temporary residence and work for the related Italian host, for up to three years for managers and specialists or one year for trainees. Qualifying family members may accompany or join the transferee, and their family permits allow work. A new ICT stay generally requires a three-month gap outside the EU after the maximum transfer period.
What This Route Is Not
It is not a new hire by an unrelated Italian employer, an open work permit, or permanent residence. The status has legal maximum durations.
Next Steps
- Confirm the corporate relationship and qualifying role.
- Have the Italian host request transfer authorization from the Prefecture.
- Prepare employment, role, salary, transfer, and entity records.
- After entry, complete the residence-permit procedure within the required period.
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Ireland
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Netherlands
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Managers, specialists, and trainee employees may be able to transfer from a company outside the EU to a Dutch branch under the EU intra-corporate transferee route.
Sources
- European Commission — ICT in Italy — official conditions, procedure, duration, and mobility