ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) Italy

Relocating non-EU employees to Italy under the ICT Permit demands meticulous coordination between HR teams, immigration consultants, employees, and Italian authorities. This guide outlines the step-by-step process—from application to permit collection—to help HR professionals, global mobility managers, and relocation providers streamline operations and ensure compliance.

What is the ICT Permit in Italy?

The ICT Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per Trasferimento Intra-Societario) is a work authorization governed by Italian Immigration Law (Articles 27-quinquies and 27-sexies) and EU Directive 2014/66/EU. It enables non-EU employees of multinational companies to be temporarily seconded to an Italian branch, subsidiary, or headquarters for managerial, specialized, or training roles. Unlike standard work permits subject to annual Decreto Flussi quotas, the ICT Permit is extra-quota, making it a faster, more flexible option for skilled professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, employees must meet the following:

Employment Status:

🔸Non-EU national employed by a company outside the EU.

🔸At least 12 months of employment within the last 48 months with the same employer or its subsidiaries.

Role Requirements:

🔸Managers: Senior personnel with decision-making authority.

🔸Specialists: Employees with advanced technical expertise.

🔸Trainees: Degree holders undergoing professional development (max. 1-year permit).

Corporate Structure:

The Italian entity must belong to the same corporate group as the foreign employer.

Duration:

🔸Up to 3 years for managers/specialists; 1 year for trainees.

🔸Extensions up to 5 years under the National Intra-Company Work Permit.

HR Tip: Verify employment history and role alignment with Ministero dell’Interno requirements early.

ICT Permit Application Process (2025 Updates)

The process involves six key stages:

Key Change for 2025: Missing the 7-day confirmation window results in permit revocation.

Required Documents

For Nulla Osta (Employer):

🔸Proof of corporate relationship (e.g., Chamber of Commerce registration).

🔸Assignment letter detailing role, salary, and duration.

🔸Contratto di Soggiorno (accommodation and repatriation coverage).

For Visa (Employee):

🔸Valid passport, Nulla Osta copy, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.

For Residence Permit:

🔸Completed Kit Giallo forms, fiscal code (Codice Fiscale), and health insurance.

HR Tip: Translate and apostille documents early to avoid delays.

Salary & Compliance

🔸Salary Requirements: Align with Italian standards (e.g., €40,000–€80,000 for specialists/managers).

🔸Social Security: Register employees with INPS and pay contributions.

🔸Tax Compliance: Obtain a Codice Fiscale for tax filings.

Processing Times & Fees

Timeline: 3–6 months total (Nulla Osta: 2–3 months; visa: 15–30 days; residence permit: 45–60 days).

Costs:

🔸Visa fee: €100–€116.

🔸Residence permit: €100–€160.

🔸Ancillary costs (translations, legal fees): €500–€1,500.

Why Choose the ICT Permit?

🔸No Quota Limits: Bypass Decreto Flussi restrictions.

🔸EU Mobility: Transfer employees from other EU member states seamlessly.

🔸Flexibility: Covers managers, specialists, and trainees.

Conclusion

Navigating Italy’s ICT Permit process in 2025 requires proactive planning, adherence to eligibility criteria, and awareness of new compliance rules like the 7-day confirmation mandate. Leverage official resources like the Ministero dell’Interno and partner with experts like xpath.global for complex cases. By preparing documents early and monitoring deadlines, HR teams can ensure smooth, compliant relocations for their global workforce.

For further guidance, consult the Portale Immigrazione or the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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