ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) Permit Process in Italy: Step-by-Step process (2025)

ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) Italy: Introduction

Relocating non-EU staff to Italy under the ICT permit requires coordination between HR, immigration consultants, the employee, and various Italian authorities. Below is a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the entire process, from initial application to final permit collection.

This guide is ideal for HR teams, global mobility managers, and relocation service providers looking to streamline operations and maintain compliance throughout the transfer.
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What is the ICT Permit in Italy?

The ICT Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per Trasferimento Intra-Societario) is a work authorization under Italian Immigration Law (Articles 27-quinquies and 27-sexies) and EU Directive 2014/66/EU. It allows non-EU employees of multinational companies to be temporarily seconded to an Italian entity for managerial, specialized, or training purposes. Unlike standard work permits subject to Decreto Flussi quotas, the ICT Permit is extra-quota, making it an efficient option for highly skilled workers.

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Eligibility Criteria for the ICT Permit

To qualify for an ICT Permit in Italy, employees must meet specific criteria:

• Employment Status: The employee must be a non-EU national employed by a company outside the EU, with at least 12 months of prior employment within the last 48 months with the same company or its subsidiaries.
• Role Requirements: Eligible roles include:
  
  • Managers: Senior personnel with decision-making authority.
  • Specialists: Employees with advanced technical expertise critical to the company.
  • Trainees: Employees with a degree, transferring for professional development.
• Company Structure: The Italian entity must be part of the same corporate group as the foreign employer (e.g., branch, subsidiary, or headquarters).
• Duration: The secondment can last up to 3 years for managers and specialists (1 year for trainees), with a mandatory return to the home country afterward. Extensions up to 5 years are possible under the National Intra-Company Work Permit.
• Prior ICT Permits: Employees holding an ICT Permit from another EU country may transfer to Italy under the EU ICT framework.

HR Tip: Verify the employee’s role and employment history early to ensure compliance with Ministero dell’Interno requirements.

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ICT Permit Application Process

The ICT Permit process involves multiple steps, requiring coordination between the employer, employee, and Italian authorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Employer Submits Nulla Osta Application:
  
  • The Italian host company applies for a Nulla Osta al Lavoro (work authorization) via the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (SUI) in the province where the work will occur.
  • Applications are submitted online through the Portale Servizi del Ministero dell’Interno (https://portaleimmigrazione.it/).[](https://corporateimmigrationpartners.com/italy-new-online-ict-permit-application-process/)
  • The employer must provide proof of the corporate relationship, employee qualifications, and employment terms.
• Nulla Osta Approval:
  
  • The SUI reviews the application within 30–60 days. If approved, the Nulla Osta is sent to the employer and forwarded to the Italian embassy/consulate in the employee’s home country.
• Employee Applies for Work Visa:
  
  • The employee submits a Type D Visa application at the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Appointments are booked via the embassy’s website or VFS Global (https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html).
• Entry to Italy:
  
  • Upon visa approval, the employee has 6 months to enter Italy. The visa is typically valid for 1–2 years, depending on the employment contract.
• Residence Permit Application:
  
  • Within 8 days of entering Italy, the employee must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno at the local Questura (Police Headquarters) via a post office using the Kit Giallo (Yellow Kit).
  • The residence permit aligns with the visa duration and is renewable.
• Confirmation Requirement (New for 2025):
  
  • Starting January 11, 2025, employers must confirm their continued interest in the permit within 7 days of receiving approval notification via the Visa Information System. Failure to confirm results in permit revocation.

HR Tip: Monitor email notifications from the SUI to avoid missing the 7-day confirmation window.

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ICT Relocation full process (Italy 2025) : download easily

Required Documents for ICT Permit

HR teams must ensure employees provide the following documents:

• For Nulla Osta (Employer):
  
  • Proof of corporate relationship (e.g., company registration documents).
  • Signed employment contract or assignment letter detailing role, salary, and duration.
  • Employer’s financial stability proof (e.g., balance sheets).
  • Contratto di Soggiorno (stay contract) confirming accommodation and repatriation cost coverage.
  • Chamber of Commerce registration of the Italian entity.
• For Visa Application (Employee):
  
  • Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa duration).
  • Completed Type D Visa application form (available on embassy websites).
  • Proof of Nulla Osta.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos.
  • Health insurance valid in Italy.
  • Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease agreement or hotel booking).
  • Educational certificates or professional qualifications (e.g., degree with Dichiarazione di Valore from the Italian consulate).
  • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements).
• For Residence Permit:
  
  • Kit Giallo application form (MOD 209, Modulo 1).
  • Copy of passport and visa.
  • Proof of health insurance (e.g., registration with Servizio Sanitario Nazionale).
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Fiscal code (Codice Fiscale) from Agenzia delle Entrate.

HR Tip: Ensure all documents are translated into Italian and apostilled where required to avoid delays.

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Where to Apply and Appointment Details: ICT Italy

• Nulla Osta: Submitted online by the employer via the Portale Immigrazione (https://portaleimmigrazione.it/). No physical appointment is needed unless requested by the SUI.
• Work Visa: Employees book appointments at the Italian embassy/consulate in their home country. Use the embassy’s website or VFS Global for scheduling. Some consulates require biometric data collection during the appointment.
• Residence Permit: Employees apply at a local post office to obtain the Kit Giallo, then attend a fingerprinting appointment at the Questura. Appointments are scheduled automatically by the post office’s digital system.
  
  • Language Note: Questura staff typically speak Italian and conversational English. Consider hiring an interpreter for non-English/Italian-speaking employees.

Official Website: Check the Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale (https://www.esteri.it/en/) for embassy locations and visa requirements.

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Salary Requirements

While there’s no fixed minimum salary for the ICT Permit, the compensation must align with Italian standards for similar roles and comply with national collective agreements (Contratti Collettivi Nazionali di Lavoro). For context:

• EU Blue Card Comparison: The EU Blue Card requires a minimum annual gross salary of €24,789 (approx. ₹22,56,661). ICT Permit salaries should be comparable for highly skilled roles.
• Industry Benchmarks: Managers and specialists in IT, engineering, or finance typically earn €40,000–€80,000 annually, depending on experience and sector.
• Social Security Contributions: Employers must register employees with INPS (Italian Social Security Institute) and pay contributions based on the salary.

HR Tip: Consult the relevant CCNL for the employee’s sector to ensure compliance with salary and benefit standards.

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ICT Italy Processing Times

• Nulla Osta: 2–3 months, depending on the province.
• Work Visa: 15–30 days at the Italian embassy/consulate.
• Residence Permit: 45–60 days after fingerprinting, provided all documents are complete.
• Total Timeline: Expect 3–6 months from Nulla Osta application to residence permit issuance.

HR Tip: Start the process early to account for potential delays due to incomplete documentation or high application volumes.

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Fees

• Nulla Osta: No specific fee, but administrative costs (e.g., legal assistance) may apply.
• Work Visa: €100–€116, depending on the visa type.
• Residence Permit:
  
  • €100.46–€160.46 for permits up to 1–2 years (varies by duration and applicant age).
  • Additional postal fees for the Kit Giallo (approx. €30).
• Other Costs: Translation, apostille, health insurance, and legal consultation fees may range from €500–€1,500, depending on complexity.

HR Tip: Budget for ancillary costs and clarify with employees who covers these expenses.

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Additional Considerations for HR Professionals

• Compliance Risks:
  
  • Non-compliance (e.g., falsified documents or setting up a company solely for immigration) can lead to permit revocation and criminal sanctions under Italian Immigration Law.
  • Ensure the Italian entity is legitimate and registered with the Camera di Commercio.
• Tax and Social Security:
  
  • Employees need a Codice Fiscale from Agenzia delle Entrate (https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/).
  • Register employees with INPS for social security contributions.
• Family Reunification:
  
  • Employees can apply for family reunification visas for spouses and dependent children. Contact the Questura for details.
• Language Barriers:
  
  • Applications and interactions with the Questura or SUI are primarily in Italian. Consider hiring a local immigration lawyer or interpreter.
• Post-Arrival Support:
  
  • Assist employees with housing, health insurance registration (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), and local registrations to ease their transition.
• 2025 Updates:
  
  • The new 7-day confirmation requirement emphasizes the need for prompt communication. Update HR workflows to monitor Visa Information System notifications.

Why Choose the ICT Permit?

The ICT Permit offers several advantages for multinational companies:

• No Quota Restrictions: Unlike Decreto Flussi permits, ICT Permits are extra-quota, simplifying the process.
• Flexibility: Suitable for managers, specialists, and trainees, covering diverse roles.
• EU Mobility: Employees with an EU ICT Permit from another member state can transfer to Italy seamlessly.

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Conclusion

For HR professionals, securing an ICT Permit for employees transferring to Italy in 2025 requires careful planning and adherence to Italian immigration regulations. By understanding eligibility, preparing required documents, and staying compliant with salary and processing requirements, you can streamline the process. Leverage official resources like the Ministero dell’Interno (https://www.interno.gov.it/) and Ministero degli Esteri (https://www.esteri.it/) for the latest updates. For complex cases, consider partnering with an Italian immigration lawyer to ensure a smooth relocation.

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🏛️ Helpful Government Resources

For legal reference and accurate policy information, here are the official resources related to ICT permits in Italy:

• Italian Ministry of the Interior – Immigration Portal:
  https://www.interno.gov.it/it/temi/immigrazione-e-asilo
  
• Decreto Legislativo 286/1998 (Consolidated Immigration Act):
  https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:1998;286
  
• ICT Directive (Directive 2014/66/EU on Intra-Corporate Transfers):
  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32014L0066
  
• Visa information via Italian Consular Network (Farnesina):
  https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
  
• National Collective Labour Agreements (CCNL Directory):
  https://www.contrattidilavoro.it/ccnl/
  
  

🤝 Need Expert Support?

Each step of the ICT permit involves strict documentation and careful timing. Jobbatical helps companies:

• Identify the right permit type
  
  
• Handle end-to-end applications and Nulla Osta filings
  
  
• Support employees through consular appointments and biometrics
  
  
• Ensure assignment compliance during and after relocation
  
  

🔗 Get in touch with Jobbatical to simplify your ICT relocations to Italy in 2025.