Important Updates
Important Updates
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 5, 2025 | SingaporeFragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners
September 5, 2025 | United StatesPartner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards
September 5, 2025 | United StatesTimes of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 5, 2025 | SingaporeFragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners
September 5, 2025 | United StatesPartner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards
September 5, 2025 | United StatesTimes of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

EU Intracompany Transferee Permit Forthcoming; New Immigration Restrictions Implemented

September 4, 2020

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • BelgiumBelgium

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • On October 1, 2020, foreign nationals are expected to be able to apply for the EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit in Belgium. This permit applies to qualified foreign managers, specialists and trainees who are sent from a company outside the European Union to a company of the same group in Belgium for more than 90 days.
  • The actual issuance of the EU ICT permit is subject to further legislation. This delays the main benefit of this permit (holders being able to work in other EU Member States, provided certain conditions are met). 
  • Belgium has implemented immigration restrictions regarding in-country applications for a single permit and the right to unlimited residency. 

The situation

On October 1, 2020, foreign nationals are expected to be able to apply for the EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit in Belgium. Belgium has also implemented immigration restrictions regarding in-country applications for a single permit and the right to unlimited residency. 

A closer look

  • Eligibility for permit. The EU ICT Permit, which is a combined work and residence (single) permit, will be available to managers and specialists with at least a higher education degree and trainees with a Master’s degree. Managers, specialists and trainees must have been working in the sending company for at least three months (in the Flanders and Walloon Regions) or six months (in the Brussels Region) to qualify for the EU ICT Permit, and cannot have their main residence in Belgium when applying for the permit.
  • Salary requirements. Although there will be no strict salary threshold, the salary has to be similar to Belgian nationals in a comparable position. The regional governments have set various immigration salary thresholds for the three categories which are presumed to represent at least the remuneration of a comparable position in Belgium.
  • Allowable stay. The EU ICT Permit can be issued from 90 days up to three years for managers and specialists and up to one year for trainees. Extensions are allowed within this timeframe, after which an EU ICT Permit holder must change to another single permit type or leave Belgium for at least three months before qualifying for a new EU ICT Permit.
  • Application process. The application process is similar to any single permit application and is submitted to the Regional Employment Authorities for final approval by the Federal Immigration office. The standard government processing time cannot exceed 90 days.
  • Work up to 90 days in Belgium. ICTs who hold an EU ICT Permit in an EU Member State other than Belgium who need to perform work activities for a group company in Belgium for up to 90 days in a six-month period only have to submit a Posted Worker (Limosa) notification to the Belgian social security office.
  • Work over 90 days in Belgium. Those who seek to work for over 90 days must apply for a Mobile ICT Permit with the Regional Employment Authorities as well as the Posted Worker (Limosa) notification. They can, however, start working while the application for the Mobile ICT Permit is pending. Both during short and long-term stays in Belgium, Belgian salary requirements need to be met.
  • Family members. Both the EU ICT Permit and Mobile ICT Permit allow dependents to work in Belgium without a separate work permit.
  • New restrictions.
    • In-country applications. While EU ICT permit applications need to be made from abroad, as of September 1, 2020, the Belgian government has restricted in-country applications for other single permits types. As such, foreign family members can no longer change status from dependent to highly-skilled single permit holder in country.
    • Permanent residency restrictions. Moreover, the Belgian government has restricted the right to permanent residency to foreign workers engaged by a Belgian company who are subject to Belgian social security.

 

Impact

  • Improved scheme over Schengen rules. The EU ICT Permit allows holders to stay in other EU Member States for up to 90 days in a 180-day period per Member State, which is more relaxed than the Schengen rules. During their stay, EU ICT Permit holders can work for any company in the same corporate group, although they may be required to notify immigration authorities of their stay.
  • Safer and more convenient option. The EU ICT Permit prevents noncompliance with immigration laws resulting from the incorrect use of the business visitor status, and reduces the administrative burden of other schemes, which require multiple national work visa applications.
  • Be aware of other restrictions. Employers should be aware of the immigration restrictions for family members who seek to change status or posted employees that will no longer qualify for unlimited residency.
  • How Fragomen can help. Interested applicants should work with their immigration professional to determine the best possible immigration route considering work activities in other EU Member States or long-term planning.

 

Background

This new Belgian permit is related to a 2014 EU Directive aimed at harmonizing immigration rules for ICTs and introducing intra-EU mobility rights. The permit was expected to become available in 2019 but was delayed due to the formation of a new federal government.

Once implemented in Belgium, the EU ICT permit will be available in all EU Member States (except Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom). 

 

Looking ahead

The actual issuance of the EU ICT permit is subject to further legislation, which delays the main benefit of this permit (holders being able to work in other EU Member States, provided certain conditions are met).

Beyond that, several other immigration changes are expected in Belgium, including the implementation of the European Directive on Students, Trainees and Researchers. At the same time, regional authorities in Belgium will continue to shape their policies to take into account local labor market needs and other local policy priorities. In addition, the Single Electronic Platform for electronic immigration filings should become available in the beginning of 2021.

Employers should also take into account Belgium’s implementation of the revised Posted Worker Directive, which might lead to more scrutiny by the authorities in immigration filings for posted workers.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • BelgiumBelgium

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.