Spain – Intracompany Transfer Visa (EU and National)
Introduction
With Law 14/2013, Spain aims to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled workers. The goal is to establish itself as a leading international talent hub.
The ICT EU visa applies to managers, specialists, and workers in training who will be transferred from abroad to the same company or group of companies established in Spain.
The ICT National Visa applies for all the other cases, that does not fall under the EU Intracompany Visa.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain.
- Certificate of criminal records from the countries you have resided on the last 2 years.
- Sworn declaration stating that you do not have criminal records in the countries where you have resided during the last 5 years.
- Proof of the existence of a real business activity.
- Professional Degree or proof of a minimum of 3 years professional experience.
- Proof of a previous and continuous employment or professional relationship of 3 months with the foreign company.
- Documentation proving the transfer.
Qualifying Dependants
This visa allows for your spouse or formal partner, children and ascendants to come to live in Spain with you.
Special Tax Regime
As a holder of the Highly Qualifies Visa, you can benefit from a special tax regime. If you have not been a tax resident in Spain during the last five years, you will pay a flat rate of 24% on income derived from work up to €600.000, instead of the usual progressive rate:
- You must apply for the special regime with the Spanish tax agency within 6 months of obtaining the residence permit
Summary of Key Advantages
You are eligible for permanent residency after 5 years, with the option to include your family (spouse, children and ascendants)
Fast-track application: resolution in 20 working days
Visa-free travel in the Schengen area
Renewal after 2 years (some conditions may apply depending on the foreign national’s profile and length of stay)
For Iberoamerican countries and former Spanish colonies, this resident permit counts toward applying for Spanish citizenship/passport after 2 years)
Application Process
There are 2 ways of applying:
- Apply from Spain with a tourist visa (or any valid visa, including if you can enter visa free) and directly obtain a 3-year resident permit and card for managers and specialists; and a 1-year resident permit and ID card for workers in training.
- Obtain a 1-year visa from your country of origin at the Spanish consulate and change this for a 3-year resident permit and card for managers and specialists; and a 1-year resident permit and ID card for workers in training, upon arrival in Spain
Step 1
Prepare all the documents
Step 2
Complete the application form and pay the visa fee
Step 3
Wait for approval
Step 4
Get the NIE and Padrón
Step 5
Attend a biometrics appointment
Collect the biometrics card