EU Intracompany Transferee Permit Implemented

The new EU intracompany transferee (ICT) Permit became available in Lithuania September 1, 2017. The EU ICT Permit offers quicker processing and shorter pre-employment requirements. The new permit was introduced pursuant to the 2014 EU ICT Directive.

Current ICTs can continue to renew their permits for a maximum duration of three years.

Admission Criteria

The ICT Permit will be available for managers and specialists who have worked at a sending entity in the same corporate group as the host company for at least six months, or three months for graduate trainees. All applicants must receive a monthly salary of at least EUR 380.

Validity Period

The ICT Permit can be issued for an initial duration of up to three years for managers and specialists and up to one year for trainees. After this initial period, the foreign national must leave Lithuania and can only apply for a new ICT Permit from their non-EU country of residence after a three-month cooling-off period.

Processing Times

Initially, the processing time for the ICT Permit is expected to be two months for managers and specialists, and three months for trainees.

Intra-EU Mobility

Under the new law, foreign nationals in possession of an ICT permit issued by another EU Member State can work and stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Notification to the Labour Office is required for assignments lasting 30 days or more. Additional notification is required for permit holders from non-Schengen states.

For stays longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, the sending entity must apply for a Mobile ICT permit. The intended stay in Austria may not be longer than the stay in the other EU Member State issuing the initial ICT permit.

All applicants must receive a monthly salary of at least EUR 380. This requirement is waived only for stays under 30 days.

Accompanying Family Members

Qualifying dependents will be able to join the ICT Permit holder for the duration of the assignment, and would not require a separate work authorization.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

The new ICT Permit should benefit eligible foreign nationals seeking to work in several EU countries. Interested applicants should consult their immigration professional about the specific requirements for ICT permits in each EU Member State where they plan to work, as these could vary. Fragomen can support clients to plan an immigration strategy across Europe.

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