The Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) framework allows multinational companies established outside the EU to temporarily transfer qualified employees to a company or entity belonging to the same group in Cyprus.
It is designed for international groups that need to transfer key personnel to Cyprus for management, specialised work or professional training.
Who Can Be Transferred?
The ICT framework covers three main categories of employees:
- Managers – senior employees responsible for managing the company, branch or part of the business and supervising other employees.
- Specialised Workers – employees with specialised knowledge that is essential to the company’s activities, technology or management.
- Trainee Employees – employees with a university degree who are transferred for professional development or training.
When Does ICT Apply?
An Intra-Corporate Transfer generally applies where a third-country national is temporarily transferred from a company or group established outside the EU to an entity belonging to the same group in the EU for a period exceeding 90 days.
The maximum ICT period in the EU is:
- Managers: up to 3 years
- Specialised Workers: up to 3 years
- Trainees: up to 1 year
Cyprus as the First EU Member State
Where Cyprus will be the main EU Member State in which the employee will reside and work, the Cyprus ICT procedure applies.
The Cyprus-based company submits the application for the Entry Permit while the employee is outside Cyprus. Following approval and arrival in Cyprus, the employee completes the residence and biometric procedures and receives the ICT residence permit.
The application is examined within 90 days, provided that it is complete and accompanied by all required documentation.
Fees
- Registration, Entry Permit and ICT Permit: €180
- Entry Permit and ICT Permit where an existing ARC is available: €110
- Renewal of ICT Permit: €85
Mobility to Cyprus from Another EU Member State
Where the employee already holds an ICT permit issued by another EU Member State and subsequently needs to work in Cyprus for another company within the same international group, the mobility provisions may apply.
There are two types of mobility:
Short-Term Mobility
For periods of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, no separate Cyprus residence permit is issued.
However, the required notification must be submitted to the Cyprus Migration Department before the employee starts working in Cyprus.
The notification is examined within 20 days.
Long-Term Mobility
Where the employee will work in Cyprus for more than 90 days, a Cyprus Long-Term Mobility Permit is required.
The application may be submitted while the employee is abroad or while the employee is already in Cyprus under short-term mobility.
The application is examined within 90 days, provided that it is complete.
Long-Term Mobility Government Fees
- Registration and Long-Term Mobility Permit: €160
- Long-Term Mobility Permit where an existing ARC is available: €90
- Renewal: €85
Working Across Companies Within the Same Group
One of the key features of the ICT framework is that the employee may work for companies in Cyprus belonging to the same international group.
The relevant permit identifies the main employer, while the framework allows the transferred employee to perform their duties within qualifying group companies in Cyprus.
Family Members
Family members of ICT employees who reside in Cyprus under an ICT or Long-Term Mobility Permit may benefit from the applicable family reunification provisions, subject to the specific requirements of the legislation.
Our Support
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we provide end-to-end immigration support for international companies transferring employees to Cyprus, including:
- ICT eligibility assessment
- Assessment of the appropriate ICT or Mobility route
- Entry Permit applications
- ICT Residence Permit applications
- Short-Term Mobility notifications
- Long-Term Mobility applications
- Biometric and Migration Department procedures
- Family reunification procedures
- Renewals and ongoing immigration support
Why Choose the ICT Route?
The ICT framework provides international groups with a structured way to transfer management, specialised and trainee personnel to Cyprus while maintaining the employment relationship within the same corporate group.
Where employees need to work across several EU countries within the same group, the Mobility provisions can also facilitate their movement between Member States.
Important
The applicable procedure depends on whether Cyprus is the First or Second EU Member State, the duration of the assignment and the employee’s category. Each case should therefore be assessed before the employee travels to Cyprus.
Contact us to assess your ICT or Mobility requirements and determine the appropriate immigration route for your group.