Spain
Intra-companies transfer

Overview

Since its introduction in 2023 under Spain’s Startup Law, the Intra-Company Transfer Visa has become a key immigration pathway for international companies seeking to relocate qualified professionals to their Spanish branches.

This visa is designed to support innovative and growth-oriented businesses by facilitating the legal transfer of non-EU employees to Spain.

Highlights

Residency & Path to Citizenship:

High-speed internet, vibrant culture, and startups-friendly.

Benefits

Residency & Path to Citizenship: Time counts toward permanent residency and, eventually, nationality.
Lifestyle: High-speed internet, vibrant culture, and startups-friendly ecosystem.
Accelerated and streamlined application process
The ICT visa is given preferential treatment both at Spain’s consulate abroad and at the domestic immigration office.

Requirements

Education or Experience: Diploma or at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Work relationship: The existence of a prior and continuous employment or professional relationship of 3 months with one or more companies within the group.
Company documentation that proves the transfer.
Clean criminal record certificate with Hague Apostille or Legalization and sworn translation.
Marriage certificate (if applicable) with Hague Apostille or Legalization and sworn translation.
Birth certificates (for family members) with Hague Apostille or Legalization and sworn translation.

Application process from home country

Gather documents
Apply at Oficina de UGE.
Apply for a visa to enter Spain to Spanish
consulate once your residency permit is
approved.
Biometrics (if needed).
Wait decision.
Travel to Spain & register (TIE) after
approval. (Answer from UGE is around 20 days. Consulate answer depends from each one.)

Application process from Spain (Fast track)

Enter on tourist visa.
Apply at Oficina de UGE.
Police registration & TIE after approval.
Apply at Oficina de UGE.
Timeline: Around 20 days.

How Charfort can help you?

Eligibility assessment, Application Submission

We review your profile and advise on meeting visa criteria.

Step-by-step support through the application and consular processes.

Obtain the TIE Card

Once your visa is approved, we help you complete the process to obtain your TIE card
in Spain.

Document preparation, Ongoing legal support

Help preparing and organizing proof of income, employment, insurance, and other paperwork.

We gather your documentation and handle the submission of your application as
quickly as possible.

Application Follow-up

We proactively track the status of your application and respond to any requests from the authorities.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the process.

Who is eligible to apply for the ICT visa in Spain?

Employees of a company or corporate group outside Spain who are being transferred to a Spanish branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in a managerial, specialist, or trainee role. You must have worked with the company for at least 3–12 months (depending on the position).

How long does the ICT visa process take?

The process is much faster than other permits: Spanish consulates usually decide on visa applications within 7–10 days, and residence permits are resolved in about 20 working days.

How long is the ICT visa valid for?

Managers & specialists: Up to 3 years, renewable.
Trainees: Up to 1 year, renewable under certain conditions.
Validity is usually tied to the length of the work assignment in Spain.

Can my family join me in Spain?

Yes. Immediate family (spouse or partner, dependent children, and dependent parents) can apply for residence permits at the same time. Family members are typically granted the right to live—and in many cases work—in Spain.

Can I travel within Europe with this visa?

Yes. With the Spanish ICT permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area. If you hold the EU ICT permit, you may also have the right to work in other EU member states under intra-EU mobility rules.

Does time spent in Spain under the ICT visa count toward permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. The years you live in Spain with an ICT residence permit generally count toward the legal residence requirements for long-term residency (after 5 years) and potentially Spanish citizenship (after 10 years, or less for certain nationalities).

Contact us today

Charfort assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.

Talk with an expert

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