In an increasingly globalized business landscape, transferring skilled workers between company branches is a key strategy for commercial expansion. The Spain Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa, based on EU Directive 2014/66/EU, offers an excellent opportunity for managers, specialists, and trainees from non-EU companies to relocate to a Spanish branch. This visa not only grants work and residency in Spain but also serves as a gateway to the broader European market. In this article, as expert migration consultants at ITCiLand, we provide fully up-to-date details as of 2025 based on official sources, enabling informed decision-making.
What is the Spain ICT Visa?
The Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Visa is designed for employees of companies headquartered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland transferring to a branch, subsidiary, or group company in Spain. Part of EU migration policy, it facilitates the movement of skilled talent without a local labor market test. Unlike standard work visas, ICT focuses on intra-group relationships and suits managerial, specialist, or training roles. This visa allows you to live and work in Spain, with potential for short- or long-term mobility within the EU. If your company has or plans a Spanish branch, this is a fast and efficient option.
Requirements for the Spain ICT Visa
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country. Key requirements include:
- Employment History: Minimum 3 months continuous employment with the parent company or group prior to transfer.
- Job Position:
- Managers: Direct company policy.
- Specialists: Unique technical, scientific, or business expertise.
- Trainees: Internal company training programs.
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Clean criminal record.
- Proof of professional qualifications (degree or 3+ years relevant experience).
- Employment contract or intra-company transfer document.
- Company documents proving relationship between parent and Spanish branch.
- Proof of affiliation with Spanish social security system.
- For Recognized Companies: Simplified process if listed publicly in Spain (e.g., >250 employees, >€50M turnover, or ≥€1M foreign investment).
Note: No Labour Market Test required making ICT faster than other work visas.
Spain ICT Visa Application Process
Applications are online and initiated by the host company (Spanish branch). Key steps:
- Company Submission: Host company or authorized agent submits via the Ministry of Labor website to the Large Companies and Strategic Sectors Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos). Fee: ~€71.81.
- Review: Typically 20 working days. Silence implies automatic approval.
- Visa Application (if outside Spain): Apply at the Spanish embassy/consulate in your country of residence post-approval. Additional docs: passport photos, proof of consular jurisdiction residence, employment contract.
- If in Spain: Simplified process no visa needed.
- Entry & Residency: Residence permit issued upon entry. Appeals available for rejections.
For Intra-EU Mobility, the host company must notify the relevant unit before transfer — covering short-term (<90 days in 180) or long-term (>90 days) moves.
Visa Validity and Renewal
- Initial Duration: Minimum 2 years or transfer duration (whichever is shorter).
- Maximum Duration: Up to 3 years for managers/specialists; 1 year for trainees.
- Renewal: Up to 2 additional years, subject to conditions. Maximum total for managers/specialists: 5 years.
Post-ICT, status change to another visa may be possible based on individual circumstances.
Family Accompaniment and Visa Holder Rights
A major advantage is family inclusion:
- Family Members: Spouse/partner, minor or financially dependent children, dependent parents.
- Family Application: Simultaneously or after main application. Family granted full work and residency rights in Spain (subject to age/work laws).
Holders enjoy equal rights with Spanish citizens in association freedom, qualification recognition, social security, and public services.
Advantages and Key Tips for Spain ICT Visa
- Advantages: Fast processing, no labor market test, family work rights, EU market access. Spain offers a dynamic economy, Mediterranean climate, and high quality of life.
- Important Tips:
- Company must be registered in Spain.
- Changes in personal status or purpose trigger individual review.
- SMEs must prove strategic sector relevance.
- No major changes as of April 2025 — always verify on official EU or Spanish Ministry websites.
For alternatives like Spain Startup Visa or Digital Nomad, ITCiLand provides detailed comparisons.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Spain ICT Visa is a golden opportunity for professionals and companies to access Europe without excessive bureaucracy. Success requires precise evaluation of individual and corporate conditions. If you have questions or want an eligibility assessment, contact ITCiLand experts now.
With years of migration consulting experience, we design your secure and fast path.



