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Glossary: ICT map
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as a long-term visa or long-term residence permit sui generis according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 2b AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a standardized sample ICT card issued by German missions abroad (embassies and consulates general) according to the model of Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) . The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
If the ICT card is not issued abroad by a German mission but domestically by the immigration authorities as an " electronic residence permit (eAT) " within the meaning of Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the design of the ICT card is governed by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the ICT card can then also be affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") pursuant to Section 78a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) . Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding design of the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), the following condition must be entered for the ICT card : “Expires upon termination of employment with…”. In any case, the supplementary provision “Self-employment permitted” must be included (see VAB Berlin on Section 19 of the Residence Act ). According to Section 9 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance, the condition “Employment permitted” cannot be imposed when issuing an ICT card. The actual validity period of the ICT card must also be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“Title valid until…”)).
Table of contents
1. What does an ICT map look like (image)?
2. Definition of ICT card
3. Who needs an ICT card?
4. Example ICT map
5. Important information about the ICT card
5.1 Duration of the ICT card
5.2 Extension of the ICT card
5.3 Costs of the ICT card
5.4 Processing time for ICT card
5.5 Authority responsible for ICT card
6. Rights and opportunities ICT card
6.1 Work permit with ICT card
6.2 Studies, school, language course with ICT card
6.3 Family reunification with an ICT card
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with an ICT card
6.5 Eligible group of people ICT card
7. Requirements for the ICT card
8. Required documents for the ICT card
9. Apply for an ICT card online
10. Advantages of an ICT card
11. Permanent residence permit with ICT card
11.1 Path from ICT card to residence permit
11.2 Path from ICT card to naturalization
11.3 Next steps ICT map
12. Legal basis for the ICT card
13. Important Laws ICT Map
14. Important rulings on the ICT card
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the ICT Card
16. Further information
16.1 ICT map in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the ICT map
16.4 Glossary entries for the ICT map
16.5 Sources and references for the ICT map
Definition of ICT card
The ICT card pursuant to Section 19 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (also: ICT visa) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of carrying out intra-corporate employment in Germany (intra-corporate secondment ). The ICT card is based on European Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the context of intra-corporate transfers (ICT Directive) and is therefore a residence permit of its own kind (sui generis). Nevertheless, the regulations governing visas and residence permits apply accordingly to the ICT card, unless otherwise stipulated in the Residence Act (see Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 AufenthG ), which is why one can indeed speak of an “ICT visa” (application abroad) and an “ICT residence permit” (application in Germany). Terminologically, the ICT card must be distinguished in particular from the Mobile ICT card pursuant to Section 19b of the Residence Act , which is used for intra-company transfers from one EU state to another.
Who needs an ICT card?
The ICT card is primarily needed by foreign nationals who are seconded within existing corporate structures (see Section 18 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG ) for the definition of a corporate group) (intra-corporate transfer). An intra-corporate transfer is the temporary secondment of a foreign national, who is residing in a third country at the time of application, by a company based in a third country with which the employee has an employment contract prior to and for the duration of the transfer, to a branch of the same company or group of companies headquartered in Germany. The practical relevance of the ICT card is quite limited, as many ICT cases can also be resolved with the EU Blue Card , which grants significantly better residence rights.
Example : A data scientist from Taiwan is temporarily seconded to the German branch of the Taiwanese corporation to perform management tasks in Germany and strengthen the market position of the German branch.
Important information about the ICT card
Duration ICT card
The ICT card is issued for the duration of the intra-company transfer ; for managers and specialists, for a maximum of three years, and for trainees, for a maximum of one year ( § 19 para. 4 of the German Residence Act ). An extension beyond this maximum period is not possible for this purpose of residence, as the ICT card is only intended for temporary assignments. Contrary to a widespread belief, however, a change of purpose is possible if the foreign national meets the requirements for a different work visa . This also applies to continuing employment with the same employer beyond the maximum duration of the transfer.
ICT card renewal
The ICT card can be extended until the maximum validity period is reached (three years for managers and specialists and one year for trainees; Section 19 Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act ).
Cost of ICT card
The ICT card costs €100 for initial issuance ( § 45 No. 1 AufenthV ). Renewal of an ICT card costs €96 ( § 45 No. 2 AufenthV ). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs are not included.
ICT card processing time
The processing time for an ICT card depends on the application location and the issuing authority. The ICT Directive guarantees that the application will be processed within 90 days ( Article 15 of the ICT Directive ). Processing time can be expedited if the application is well-prepared and the case worker is efficient and effective. Applicants may file an action for failure to act 90 days after submitting their application ( Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act ).
Competent authority ICT card
If the ICT card is applied for abroad, the German diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) are responsible (ICT card as a visa ). If the ICT card is applied for domestically, the immigration authorities are responsible (ICT card as a residence permit ). In all cases, the competent authority for the ICT card is determined by the applicant's habitual residence ( § 3 para. 1 no. 3 a) VwVfG ). This is usually their place of residence.
Rights and opportunities ICT card
Work permit ICT card
The ICT card entitles the holder to the employment for which it is issued (so-called employer affiliation). The scope of permitted employment is defined in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the so-called supplementary sheet). Other employment is generally not permitted with the ICT card (see Section 4a Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act). Self-employment ( gainful employment ) is generally not permitted with the ICT card, unless it is permitted in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the supplementary sheet) (this is very rarely the case with the ICT card).
Studies , school , language course , ICT card
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including the EU ICT Card. No separate permit is required.
Family reunification ICT card
Family reunification for holders of an ICT card is generally always possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In particular, spousal reunification is very straightforward for holders of an ICT card, as no German language skills are required ( § 30 para. 1 sentence 3 no. 5 of the German Residence Act ) and the high salary requirements for the ICT card usually ensure sufficient means of subsistence . Reunification of minor children with an ICT card holder is almost always possible (see § 32 para. 1 no. 5 of the German Residence Act ). With an ICT card, even parental and stepparent reunification with an adult child is possible if the ICT card was issued after March 1, 2024 (see § 36 para. 3 of the German Residence Act ).
Travel and stays abroad ICT card
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with the ICT card , as long as the card is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired ICT card. Stays abroad of up to six months are possible with the ICT card ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ). However, the ICT card expires even before the six-month period if the departure is for a non-temporary reason (§ 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act). The validity of an ICT card does not expire due to a longer stay abroad if the foreign national makes use of the option provided for in Directive 2014/66/EU to carry out part of an intra-company transfer in another member state of the European Union (§ 51 para. 1a sentence 1 of the German Residence Act).
Eligible group of people ICT card
According to Section 19 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) , all highly qualified non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who meet one of the following criteria are eligible to receive an ICT card :
The foreigner will work as a manager within the German branch of the group.
The foreigner will work as a specialist within the German branch of the group.
The foreigner will work as a trainee within the German branch of the group.
The most important requirement is that both companies (i.e., both the sending and receiving companies) belong to the same group or corporate group. A specific exception to this is that the ICT card cannot be applied for after visa-free entry (see Section 41 Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Ordinance). German and other European citizens cannot obtain an ICT card, as the German Residence Act does not apply to them ( Section 1 of the German Residence Act ).
Requirements for ICT card
The requirements for the ICT card are as follows:
1. Applicant is a manager, specialist, or trainee.
Managers hold leadership positions. They are entrusted with the management and control of the company or part of the company in Germany, or of a department or sub-department. They have the authority to supervise and control staff, as well as to take other personnel-related measures.
Only those who perform a task that necessarily requires company-specific expertise qualify as specialists. Specialists must possess specialized knowledge that is essential to the domestic company or its division. Furthermore, they must have a high level of qualification and relevant professional experience.
Trainees must be able to demonstrate a university degree. They complete a traineeship program for which they are paid and which serves their professional development or further training.
2. The sending and receiving companies are part of a group of companies or corporations.
Group of companies: If a controlling company and one or more dependent companies are grouped together under the unified management of the controlling company, they form a group of companies; the individual companies are group companies ( § 18 AktG )
Corporate group: A corporate group is defined as a group of companies that are linked in such a way that one company owns the majority of the capital or voting rights of the other company, or is entitled to appoint the majority of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory body.
3. The applicant has been employed by the company for at least six months prior to the commencement of the intra-company transfer and remains employed continuously for the duration of the transfer ( § 19 para. 2 sentence 1 no. 2 AufenthG )
4. The intra-company transfer takes at least 90 days (§ 19 para. 2 sentence 1 no. 3 AufenthG)
5. Applicant can present a letter of assignment (§ 19 para. 2 sentence 1 no. 4 Residence Act)
6. The applicant can provide proof of his professional qualifications (§ 19 para. 2 sentence 1 no. 5 AufenthG)
7. Bundesagentur für Arbeit stimmt der Beschäftigung zu (§ 10a BeschV, § 39 AufenthG)
Arbeitsentgelt: Bei der Ermittlung des berücksichtigungsfähigen Arbeitsentgelts sind die nach der Entsenderichtlinie 96/71/EG, die zuletzt durch Richtlinie (EU) 2018/957 geändert wurde, sowie die nach dem deutschen Umsetzungsgesetz, dem Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetz (AEntG), geltenden Entlohnungsgrundsätze entsprechend anzuwenden.
Sonstige Arbeitsbedingungen: Die Zustimmung kann nur erteilt werden, wenn die sonstigen Arbeitsbedingungen mindestens den Arbeitsbedingungen vergleichbarer Entsandter, Abgeordneter bzw. Versetzter entsprechen. Das betrifft insbesondere Urlaubsansprüche, Arbeitszeiten, Arbeitssicherheit oder den Gesundheitsschutz.
Für die Prüfung der Arbeitsbedingungen maßgeblich sind die im Formular „Zusatzblatt B“ für Aufenthaltstitel im Rahmen von unternehmensinternen Transfers zur Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis gemachten Angaben.
8. Kein allgemeiner Versagungsgrund vorhanden: Antragsteller genießt nicht auf Grund von Übereinkommen mit Drittstaaten ein dem der Unionsbürger gleichwertiges Recht auf freien Personenverkehr und ist nicht in einem Unternehmen mit Sitz in einem dieser Drittstaaten beschäftigt (§ 19 Abs. 5 Nr. 1 und 2 AufenthG)
9. Kein besonderer Versagungsgrund vorhanden: Eine ICT- Karte wird darüber hinaus nicht erteilt, wenn sich der Ausländer im Rahmen des unternehmensinternen Transfers in einem EU-Mitgliedsland länger als im Bundesgebiet aufhalten wird (§ 19 Abs. 6 Nr. 1 AufenthG)
10. Gesicherter Lebensunterhalt: Krankenversicherung und Wohnung vorhanden (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 AufenthG)
11. Gültiger Pass und gesicherte Identität (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1a, Nr. 3 AufenthG)
12. Keine andauernden Ermittlungen/kein anhängiges Strafverfahren gegen den Antragsteller (siehe § 79 Abs. 2 AufenthG)
13. Kein Ausweisungsinteresse (keine negativen AZR/SIS/VIS-Einträge), keine Sicherheitsgefahr, keine Vorstrafen (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 2, Nr. 3 AufenthG) und keine Einreisesperre (§ 11 AufenthG)
14. Keine speziellen Ablehnungsgründe (z.B. § 10 AufenthG) und keine Erlöschensgründe (§ 51 AufenthG) vorhanden
Required documents: ICT card
Different documents are required for the ICT card depending on the issuing authority. Embassies and immigration offices generally require the following documents for the ICT card:
VIDEX application form including instructions pursuant to Section 54 of the Residence Act , fully completed and signed in English or German (when applying for the ICT card abroad) or application form at the immigration office (when applying for the ICT card in Germany)
Employment contract with sending company
Employment contract with the receiving company or letter of secondment
Qualification certificates (e.g. university degree certificate )
Proof of group structures (e.g. diagram or register extracts showing ownership details)
Proof of identity and nationality: passport copy
Proof of residence for the jurisdiction of the immigration office or the foreign mission : registration certificate (application within Germany) or driver's license/rental agreement/utility bill (application abroad)
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (housing): Rental agreement stating the size of the apartment and, for applications within Germany, additional proof of payment of rent (e.g., bank statements); for condominiums, land register extract and purchase agreement.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( health insurance ): Health insurance certificate and, if applicable, description of benefits and confirmation of adequate scope of health insurance benefits from BaFin.
When applying for a residence permit in Germany - proof of legal initial entry (copy of the visa used for initial entry )
Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change
The Federal Employment Agency requires the following documents to verify the ICT card; these must be submitted to the German mission abroad or immigration office, or directly to the Federal Employment Agency by way of prior approval :
Supplementary documents (e.g. secondment agreement, secondment letter or employment contract )
The documents required for the ICT card depend on the responsible immigration office or German mission abroad and the type of ICT card. The required documents are usually listed on the website of the immigration office or German mission abroad. In most cases, the following documents are needed to apply for an ICT card:
Apply for an ICT card online
The ICT card can be applied for online at the relevant German embassy or consulate (ICT card as a visa ) or immigration office (ICT card as a residence permit ). However, it should be noted that applying for the ICT card within Germany is not possible, even for citizens of privileged "best friends" countries (see Section 41 of the German Residence Ordinance ). Therefore, a visa must be applied for, which will then be converted into a residence permit.
Within Germany, the ICT card can be converted from a visa to a residence permit online at the immigration authorities. This is possible, for example, at the following immigration offices:
Apart from the listed immigration offices, other immigration offices also offer online applications for the ICT card. To find out more, simply check the website of the immigration office responsible for your area.
Advantages of the ICT card
An ICT card has the following advantages:
facilitates the transfer of managers and specialists within a globally operating corporation to Germany.
Enables project assignments in other EU countries for up to 90 days without an additional visa in the respective country.
Specialized procedures for companies that frequently rotate staff internationally.
The ICT card can be used to apply for family reunification with parents ( § 36 para. 3 AufenthG )
Family reunification is possible without German language skills ( § 30 para. 1 sentence 2 AufenthG )
Faster administrative processes and preferential processing compared to other residence permits
From ICT card to residence permit
According to general legal opinion, the ICT card cannot be converted into a permanent residence permit , as it only grants temporary residence. However, the ICT card can first be converted into another residence permit (e.g., an EU Blue Card ). This new residence permit can then be used as a starting point for applying for a permanent residence permit.
From the ICT card to naturalization
Naturalization is not possible with the ICT card (and the mobile ICT card) because Sections 19 and 19b of the Residence Act are excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act . Contrary to a widespread misconception, this does not mean that the periods of residence with this permit do not count towards the naturalization period . These periods do count; it is simply necessary to switch to a different residence permit (e.g., a different work visa ) beforehand for naturalization.
Next steps ICT map
Applying for an ICT card must be done in close coordination with your employer . If you have agreed with your employer that you will be undertaking an ICT assignment, you should first clarify the formal criteria for such assignments. This includes, in particular, close coordination with the receiving branch. They must issue a corresponding letter of invitation, and you must be able to present a letter of secondment from the sending company ( § 19 para. 2 sentence 2 no. 4 of the German Residence Act ). Once the coordination between the sending and receiving companies is clarified, you can compile the remaining documents and book an appointment. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis ICT card
The national legal basis for the ICT card is Section 19 of the Residence Act (AufenthG ). Furthermore, the rules of Section 18 of the Residence Act are applicable to the ICT card. Specific regulations concerning the ICT card can also be found in Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) and the accompanying regulations on family reunification and work permits. The legal basis for EU mobility with the ICT card is Section 19a of the Residence Act (short-term mobility for intra-corporate transferees) and Section 19b of the Residence Act (mobile ICT card). The European legal basis for the ICT card is Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intra-corporate transfer (the so-called ICT Directive).
Important laws regarding the ICT map
The most important laws regarding the ICT map are the following:
Important rulings on the ICT card
The most important rulings regarding the ICT card are the following:
Specialists within the meaning of Section 19 II No. 3 of the Residence Act are experts who possess above-average knowledge and skills in a field. A managerial position is not necessarily required (Administrative Court Stuttgart, Judgment of June 9, 2006 - 1 K 2150/05).
A purely formal position is not sufficient for the assumption of a senior executive. It is necessary that the foreigner is actually intended to act as a senior executive with these powers (OVG Koblenz BeckRS 2020, 648; VG Potsdam BeckRS 2022, 7049; VG Düsseldorf BeckRS 2016, 53097).
Key criteria for assuming a managerial position are the authority to make independent personnel decisions, general power of attorney or commercial power of representation, and the essentially independent performance of duties ( Higher Administrative Court Koblenz, decision of 13 January 2020, 7 B 11770/19.OVG ).
Frequently asked questions about the ICT card
What is an ICT card?
The abbreviation ICT stands for Intra-Corporate Transfer, which in German refers to internal company transfers. Legally, this is a residence permit under the European Union's ICT Directive, which makes it easier for globally operating companies to temporarily deploy their experienced employees (such as managers or specialists) to branches within the EU. In this sense, ICT is the abbreviation for this specific type of secondment or the underlying legal procedure.
What is an ICT residence permit?
The ICT card is the legal authorization for ICT status and constitutes an independent residence permit. This permit is special because it not only allows residence in Germany but also enables so-called EU mobility. This means that with an ICT card issued in Germany, one can also work temporarily at branches of the same company in other EU countries without having to go through a completely new, lengthy visa process each time. However, various conditions must be met for this.
ICT map in other glossaries
The ICT map can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the ICT map
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer), 73rd Supplement, Version: 05/2021
[3] BeckOK AuslR/Klaus, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 19 Rn. 1-70
[4] BeckOK MigR/Offer, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 19 Rn. 1-36
[5] Bergmann/Dienelt/Dienelt/Niehaus, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 19
[6] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 19 para. 1
[7] NK-AuslR/Leuschner, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 19
[8] Dippe in Huber/Mantel, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 19
[9] MüKoStGB/Gericke, 4th ed. 2022, AufenthG § 19
[10] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act, para. 398 | 2nd edition 2025, 10. Residence permit for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer (§§ 19-19b AufenthG)
[10] Kluth/Hornung/Koch, Immigration Law Handbook/Breidenbach, 4th ed. 2025, § 4 para. 501
[11] Klaus: Mobilized skilled workers: The implementation of the ICT Directive in Germany in the Residence Act, the Residence Ordinance and the Employment Ordinance, article by Klaus, ZAR 2017, 257
Last updated: February 20, 2026
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