If you work for a multinational company outside Ireland and need to transfer to your company’s Irish branch, the Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Employment Permit is the most efficient route to make the move. This permit allows senior managers, key specialists and trainees to relocate to Ireland temporarily, provided they meet salary thresholds, have the required experience and are being moved to a genuine Irish entity linked to their overseas employer.
With the right preparation and support from the team at Irish Work Permits, the process becomes clear, structured and straightforward.
What the ICT Employment Permit Is
The ICT Employment Permit is designed for non-EEA employees who are currently working for a company outside Ireland and need to transfer to a related branch, subsidiary or group entity located in Ireland. Unlike local employment permits that apply to new hires within Ireland, the ICT route only applies to internal company transfers.
It is commonly used when:
- Companies need to deploy senior leaders to the Irish office
- Specialists are required to support technical projects or product rollouts
- Staff are undergoing structured leadership or technical training
- Multinationals are expanding their Irish operations and need experienced team members on the ground
To understand the wider landscape of Irish employment permits, you may visit the Irish Work Permits, which offers clear guidance, tools and expert assistance.
Who the ICT Route Is Designed For
Senior Management
These are individuals with strategic responsibility, oversight of teams and influence over key business decisions. They often lead major departments, manage budgets or oversee regional operations.
Typical titles include:
- Director
- Head of Department
- Operations Manager
- Senior Project Lead
Key Personnel and Specialist Staff
Key personnel are employees whose technical knowledge, product expertise or professional skills are essential to the organisation’s Irish operations. They may not be senior executives but play a critical role in operations.
Examples include:
- Systems architects and software specialists
- Senior analysts or engineering leads
- Regulatory or compliance experts
- Technical project managers
Trainees
The ICT route also covers structured training assignments. Trainees must be part of a formal training programme and be coming to Ireland to develop skills or leadership abilities.
Typical examples:
- Graduate trainees
- Future department leaders
- Technical staff undergoing skill-specific training
To qualify, trainees must have a genuine training plan with clear objectives and defined duration.
Eligibility Requirements for the ICT Permit
Both the employer and the employee must meet set criteria. These ensure the transfer is genuine and the Irish office is prepared for the assignment.
Employer Requirements
The Irish branch must:
- Be actively trading in Ireland, not just registered on paper
- Be registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office
- Have a clear corporate link to the overseas company
- Demonstrate operational need for the employee’s transfer
- Submit the ICT application through the Employment Permits Online System
The most important factor is the corporate connection. The Irish entity and overseas employer must be part of the same group or show an official relationship such as:
- Parent–subsidiary
- Sister companies under a single holding company
- Branch of the same organisation
Employee Requirements
To qualify for the ICT permit, you must:
- Be a non-EEA national
- Be currently employed by the overseas employer for:
- At least 6 months for senior managers and key personnel
- At least 1 month for trainees
- Hold a role that fits one of the three ICT categories
- Have the skills, qualifications and experience required for the Irish role
- Meet or exceed the approved salary threshold
Salary Requirements
While salary levels can change over time, the structure generally follows:
- Senior managers and key personnel typically require a minimum salary that reflects senior-level remuneration
- Trainees must meet a lower threshold that still aligns with professional standards
- Some benefits such as accommodation or health insurance may be included in the remuneration package, depending on the rules at the time
Ensuring you meet the salary requirement is crucial—applications often fail because the total remuneration is calculated incorrectly.
How Long the ICT Permit Lasts
The ICT permit is designed for temporary assignments:
- Senior managers and key specialists may receive an initial permit of up to two years
- Trainees may receive up to one year initially
- Extensions may be granted, up to a maximum of five years combined
Importantly, the ICT permit does not directly lead to long-term residency in the same way as other Irish permit routes. It is specifically focused on short-term corporate assignments.
However, after completing the assignment, it is sometimes possible to transition into another permit type if you meet the criteria—for example, the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Moving to Ireland Under the ICT Permit: Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm the Corporate Link
The first step is ensuring your overseas employer and the Irish entity have a formal, demonstrable link. This is usually documented through:
- Group organisation charts
- Company incorporation certificates
- Shareholding or governance documents
- Parent company filings
You will need these documents for the application.
Define the Assignment
The Irish entity must outline:
- Your job title and responsibilities
- Whether you fall under senior management, key personnel or trainee
- The start date and duration of the assignment
- The business purpose of the transfer
- For trainees, a detailed training plan
Having this defined clearly ensures the application is processed smoothly.
Confirm Salary and Benefits
Ensure that:
- Your base salary meets the threshold
- Any allowances included are clearly stated
- The payroll structure is documented—some ICT employees remain on home-country payroll
This step prevents mistakes that often cause applications to be refused.
Prepare Documentation
You will need to gather:
- A copy of your passport
- Evidence of your employment history (such as payslips or contracts)
- Qualification certificates
- Your CV
- Documents confirming the corporate link
- Assignment letters or training plans
The overseas company and Irish branch will likely collaborate to compile these documents.
Submit the Application
The Irish entity applies through the Employment Permits Online System. Processing times vary, but it is wise to apply several weeks in advance—especially if you are from a visa-required country.
Once the authorities review your application, they may request clarification or additional evidence.
Receive the Decision and Apply for Visa (If Needed)
If the permit is approved:
- You will receive an official permit document
- If you require a visa based on your nationality, you must apply for a long-stay visa before travelling
- Your ICT permit will support your visa application
Arrive in Ireland and Register
After entering Ireland:
- Begin your assignment in the Irish entity
- Register with your local immigration office
- Obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
- Comply with any ongoing permit conditions
Failing to register on time may put your immigration status at risk, so this step is essential.
Why Companies and Employees Choose the ICT Route
Benefits for Employees
- Gain valuable international experience
- Build professional networks within Ireland and the EU
- Continue working for a familiar employer
- Develop new skills in a high-growth market
- Work on strategic global projects
Benefits for Employers
- Fast deployment of key personnel
- Ability to maintain global standards across branches
- Transfer of specialist knowledge to Irish teams
- Support business expansion or technical projects
- Deliver training or leadership programmes efficiently
The ICT permit strengthens global mobility while supporting Ireland’s growing sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, aviation and financial services.
ICT Permit vs Critical Skills Employment Permit: Key Differences
| Feature | ICT Employment Permit | Critical Skills Employment Permit |
| Purpose | Temporary internal transfer | Long-term local hire |
| Employer Type | Must be same organisation group | Any eligible Irish employer |
| Leading to Residency | Does not lead to Stamp 4 | Leads to Stamp 4 after 2 years |
| Typical Roles | Senior managers, specialists, trainees | Highly skilled occupations on the Critical Skills list |
| Corporate Link Required? | Yes | No |
| Labour Market Test | Not required | Not required for eligible occupations |
If your long-term goal is to stay in Ireland permanently, the Critical Skills Employment Permit may be more suitable once you complete your ICT assignment.
Common Mistakes When Applying for an ICT Permit
Not Demonstrating the Corporate Link
One of the most common reasons for refusal is weak evidence of the connection between the overseas and Irish entities.
Salary Miscalculations
If the salary falls slightly below the requirement, even by a small margin, the application may be refused.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing payslips, unsigned contracts or unclear training plans create delays and increase the risk of refusal.
Lack of Forward Planning
Employees sometimes assume the ICT permit allows long-term residence. However, this route is temporary and requires careful planning if you want to stay longer.
How Irish Work Permits Can Help
The team at Irish Work Permits supports both employers and employees by ensuring that ICT applications are accurate, complete and aligned with Irish regulations.
They provide assistance with:
- Pre-eligibility checks
- Reviewing salary structures and corporate links
- Preparing document checklists and templates
- Submitting the ICT application
- Supporting visa applications
- Advising on future permit options, including transitions to longer-term routes
Conclusion
If you are a non-EEA professional working for a multinational company, the ICT Employment Permit offers a clear and structured pathway to relocate to Ireland for an internal assignment. By ensuring you meet the salary thresholds, providing strong corporate documentation, preparing a complete application and registering upon arrival, you can move confidently and focus on your role in Ireland.
For tailored guidance, eligibility checks or assistance with your application, you can contact the team at Irish Work Permits through their contact page. They are ready to help you navigate the process and make your transition to Ireland as seamless as possible.
