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Intra-corporate transfer (ICT card)
The ICT card enables managers, professionals and specialists or trainees of Canadian or international enterprises to work in a German branch.
General information
The ICT card enables managers, professionals and specialists or trainees of Canadian or international enterprises established in Canada to work in a German branch for a set amount of time.
The ICT card can be issued to employees, managers or specialists for a duration of 3 years. For trainees, the duration is limited to a maximum of 1 year.
Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand. Please note that until the work permit has been issued you will not be able to work yet.
If you want to start working immediately after your arrival in Germany, you should apply for a visa about 8-10 weeks prior to the intended departure.
Necessary documents
Please do not staple the documents!
- Completed and signed application form:
Please fill out the online application (VIDEX) form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality. - Printed and signed Declaration Use of Mail Services
- Printed and signed Visa Declaration
- Valid national passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany, with 2 subsequent blank pages) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
- Recent biometrical passport photograph, stamped (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background, not older than 3 months). Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted. - please do not attach the photo to the application form
- For non-Canadian citizens: Proof of Canadian residence permit, e.g. PR card, work/study permit - original plus 1 copy of the data page
- Prepaid self-addressed Xpresspost envelope (Canada Post only), Regional standard to Ontario or National standard to all other provinces (shipment to a Canadian address only). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- Proof of housing, e.g. hotel/hostel/AirBnB (min. for the first week) with full address
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To be provided prior to final approval of the visa application:
Proof of sufficient health/travel insurance coverage valid in Germany (including details about coverage: at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
- Visa fee: see here
- “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” (declaration on contract of employment) completed and signed by the employer
- “Zusatzblatt B” (supplement B to the form “Declaration on contract of employment”) completed and signed by the employer
- Proof of your professional qualification (for example: university diploma) - original plus 1 copy
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of employment in Canada
- Proof of recognition of the foreign qualification:
One print out each from the anabin database for the degree AND the university:- You can enquire on the database ANABIN (only in German) if your foreign degree of higher education is comparable AND if the institution of higher education is recognized.
- If your degree is not evalutated in this database, you will need to apply for an individual evaluation of your degree in order to obtain a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications”.
- If you wish to exercise a regulated profession (e.g. human medicine), you will need to have your degree recognized for Germany. You can find out whether your profession is regulated in the Recognition Finder on the “Recognition in Germany” portal. This website then also provides information about the recognition process. Detailed information can also be found on the Portal “Make it in Germany”.
Incomplete application may result in the rejection of your application. You might have to come again for a new appointment.
Please note that you may be asked to present additional documents. Submission of the required documents does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.
Additional information and appointment booking
- Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
- Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.
- Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
- Please do not forget to register at the registration office (Meldebehörde) shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde). Be aware that some foreigners authorities have long waiting times for appointments.
All Canadian residents need to apply at the Consulate General in Toronto in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.