How does Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) work in the Netherlands, and who qualifies?

The Intra-Corporate Transferee permit comes from the EU ICT Directive and is designed for transfers within the same company or group. It applies to three roles: managers, specialists and graduate trainees being temporarily assigned from a branch outside the EU to a branch in the Netherlands. To qualify you generally need prior employment with the group for a minimum qualifying period before the transfer, an assignment for a managerial, specialist or trainee role, qualifications appropriate to the position, and a salary in line with the threshold.

The application is filed by the receiving Dutch host entity, so it is largely employer-driven. The permit also offers short- and long-term mobility to other EU states, which suits multinational assignments.

The legal maximum for a decision is 90 days, and it is handled through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). ACME can work alongside your HR or mobility team to confirm eligibility and keep the transfer on track, and we always recommend confirming the current details on ind.nl.