Spain Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa: Guide and Requirements
Understand Requirements, Process, and Timeline.
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), or Traslado Dentro de la Empresa, is a residence permit and work authorization created specifically for transferring employees within multinational corporations.
15 minutes reading
Last update: May 22, 2026
Who is the ICT Visa for?
This visa is suitable for active employees of foreign companies who are being transferred to a Spanish branch, subsidiary, or associated company. It is strictly intended for managers, specialists, or trainees.
Main Conditions for Processing an Intra-Company Transfer
The ICT process includes strict criteria for both the employee and corporate structure, but does not require a labor market test.
- Tenure in the company: You must have worked continuously in the sending company outside Spain for at least 3 months immediately before transfer.
- Job category: Transfers apply only to defined roles: manager, specialist, or trainee. The specialized nature of the role must be clearly justified.
- Corporate connection: There must be a genuine organizational link (branch, subsidiary, or joint venture) between sending and receiving entities.
- Salary: Salary must be equivalent to or higher than that of a comparable Spanish worker in a similar position.
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Required Documents and Their Preparation
Documents must be no older than 3 months. Foreign certificates and diplomas require apostille and sworn translation into Spanish after apostille.
- Transfer letter: Assignment/transfer letter signed by both companies indicating role, transfer duration, and salary.
- Proof of tenure: Payslips for the last 3 months and employment contract confirming continuous employment.
- Corporate documents: Registration documents of sending company, documents of Spanish entity (CIF, escritura), and proof of organizational link.
- Qualification: For managers/specialists: apostilled and translated degree plus CV proving expertise. For trainees: training agreement and detailed program.
- Basic documents: International passport (12+ months), police clearance for last 5 years, and medical certificate, with required apostille and translation.
Step-by-Step Timeline: Fast-Track Process via UGE-CE
The process is initiated by the host party in Spain through a dedicated fast-track portal.
- Application submission by employer: The host Spanish company submits the full document package through the Large Companies Unit portal (UGE-CE).
- Expedited processing: Standard processing time through UGE-CE is about 20 working days.
- Visa processing: After authorization approval, you have 1 month to apply for the ICT visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.
- Entry into Spain: Collect your visa and travel to Spain to complete local legalization steps.
What to Do Immediately After Moving to Spain
Since you relocate as a corporate employee, many base administrative steps are handled by your employer. You must complete the following personal steps.
- Empadronamiento and TIE: Register your address at city hall and book fingerprint appointment within 30 days after entry to obtain TIE.
- Healthcare: Employer registers you in Social Security. Then obtain your patient card (TSI) at local health center and register with a GP.
- Tax registration and Beckham Law: Submit Form 030 and then Form 149 within 6 months after Social Security registration to access Ley Beckham tax regime. Missing the deadline cancels the benefit.
- Daily life: Obtain FNMT digital certificate, open a Spanish bank account, and purchase a local SIM card.
Ensure your relocation is fully compliant with Spanish law.
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