Looking to transfer a non-EU employee to your Spanish office? Spain offers two streamlined intra-company transfer permits that allow executives, specialists, and trainees to live and work legally in Spain, either through the EU ICT Scheme or National Authorization.
Whether you’re relocating an expert for a long-term project or a trainee for skill development, our legal team can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.
What Is an Intra-Company Transfer in Spain?
Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law facilitates the international mobility of highly qualified talent and helps companies operate across borders. It aims to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and attract foreign professionals to improve the Spanish economy’s competitiveness.
If your company or group of companies is established in Spain or abroad, you can request residency and work authorization for employees transferred to Spain under a labor, professional, or vocational training relationship.
Types of Intra-Company Transfer Permits
EU ICT Intra-Company Transfer Authorization
This permit is for temporary transfers from non-EU countries to Spain and applies to:
- Executives
- Specialists
- University-educated trainees
Duration:
- Up to 3 years for executives and specialists
- Up to 1 year for trainees
Key Benefits:
- Allows holders to work in other EU Member States under a single permit with simple notifications
- Enables mobility between entities of the same group across Europe
- Fast-track processing and simplified documentation
Example: A U.S.-based tech company can transfer a senior engineer to their Madrid branch under this scheme.
National Intra-Company Transfer Authorization
This permit is for cases not covered by the EU ICT scheme, such as:
- Transfers for contract execution or professional assignments
- When the maximum duration of an EU ICT permit has expired
- Situations involving a non-EU group with Spanish operations
This option still grants residency and work rights across Spain, and may be renewed as needed for the duration of the assignment.
General Requirements for Intra-Company Transfers
To be eligible for either authorization, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
✅ Not be a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
✅ No criminal record in Spain or the country of residence
✅ Hold valid health insurance (public or private) in Spain
✅ Show proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents
✅ Demonstrate active business operations of the employer
✅ Have a university degree or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
✅ A prior and continuous employment relationship of at least 3 months with the sending company or group
In addition, the employer must provide documentation showing:
- The business relationship between companies
- The reason for the transfer
- The role and qualifications of the employee
- Duration and nature of the assignment in Spain
Family Members Are Welcome
Spouses and children can be included in the application and will receive residency authorization to accompany the transferred employee.
Why Choose Sterna Abogados?
An intra-company transfer to Spain requires meeting specific legal requirements and preparing the necessary documentation for both the employer and the employee.
Our experienced immigration lawyers assist companies and professionals throughout the entire process, from identifying the appropriate permit to preparing and submitting the application.
Do You Need to Transfer Employees to Spain?
Ready to relocate your talent to Spain? Let us be your trusted legal advisor and make it happen – seamlessly and effectively
👉 Contact us at info@sternaabogados.com to understand how.