Intra-Corporate Transferees in the Netherlands

Intra-corporate transfer in the Netherlands is a system designed to allow an employee to work temporarily in a different office, usually in another country. Our immigration lawyer in the Netherlands can assist with employee relocation procedures.

Is there a special type of work permit available for employees transferred to the Netherlands?

Yes, the foreign employee will receive a Dutch intra-corporate transferee (ICT) permit.

Our Dutch immigration lawyers can assist local companies with the formalities when applying for employee relocation.

Are there specific conditions for intra-corporate transfers in the Netherlands?

Yes, both employers and employees are subject to specific conditions under the ICT scheme in the Netherlands.

What types of employees can I bring to the Netherlands based on an intra-corporate transfer permit?

You can bring non-EU/EEA employees that are:

• managers;
• specialists;
• trainees.

What are the conditions for foreign employees to obtain Dutch intra-corporate transfer permits?

The following:

• they must work for the foreign company for at least 3 months before the transfer;
• the personnel must remain employed by the foreign company for the entire duration of the transfer to the Netherlands;
• as a trainee, the transferred employee must have at least a master’s degree;
• managers and specialists must have experience and qualifications in their fields;
• the transferee resides outside the Netherlands at the time of transfer application;
• the transferee has not entered the EU during the last six months under the ICT directive.

What are the conditions imposed on companies transferring employees to the Netherlands?

The Dutch enterprise must be a branch office or a subsidiary of the foreign company.

Who applies for the Dutch intra-corporate transfer permit?

The Dutch company, which acts as a sponsor for the foreign employee.

What are the documents required to obtain an intra-corporate transfer permit in the Netherlands?

The following:

• the valid passport of the employee;
• recent photographs of the foreign worker;
• the transfer agreement, which must contain specific details about the role and duration of the transfer;
• proof of minimum employment with the foreign company (payslip, or employment records);
• the CV, diplomas and/or other certificates indicating the proficiency of the foreign employee;
• the sponsorship declaration from the Dutch company;
• documents proving the connection between the Dutch and foreign business.

How long does it take to obtain an intra-corporate transfer permit in the Netherlands?

It can take about 3 months.

What is the validity of a Dutch intra-corporate transfer permit?

• 3 years for specialists and managers;
• 1 year for trainees.

NOTE: The foreign employee will also be issued a Dutch residence permit with the ICT.

Can a Dutch intra-corporate residence visa be extended?

No. However, the employee has two other options:

1. to have a cooling-off period, which implies leaving the country for a period and then reapplying for another permit;
2. to switch to another type of work permit.

Please contact our team of immigration attorneys in the Netherlands if you want detailed information about the conditions for intra-corporate transfers.