International Employee Exchange: The ICT Card and Its Applications
Successful international companies need flexible, mobile, and high-performing employees. Often, it is necessary to deploy top talent across various branches worldwide to meet business demands. Intra-corporate employee exchange is a common practice in this context. To facilitate this process for companies and employees, the European Union introduced the "Intra-Corporate Transfer" (ICT) Card in 2017. This article takes a look at the ICT Card and how it can be used in international companies.
What is the ICT Card?
The ICT Card is a special residence permit for employees transferred within a multinational company. It allows managers, specialists, and trainees to work for a limited period in a branch of the same company or corporate group in another country. The ICT Card is valid in all EU member states except Denmark and Ireland.
Applications of the ICT Card
The ICT Card offers numerous opportunities for companies and employees. It can be used in a variety of situations, from short-term projects to long-term assignments. Examples of its applications include:
Project Work and Knowledge Transfer
A classic example of using the ICT Card is deploying specialists in international projects. An employee with particular expertise or specific skills is needed to lead or support a project in a foreign branch. The ICT Card allows the employee to work on-site and share their knowledge with the local team.
Personnel Development and Career Planning
The ICT Card can also be used for personnel development and career planning. Employees can gain international experience by working in a foreign branch for a specific period. These experiences can enhance their career prospects within the company, and the company benefits from the additional skills and knowledge the employee brings back.
Crisis Management and Problem Solving
In times of crisis, the ICT Card can be used to quickly dispatch managers or specialists to solve a problem in a foreign branch. This can be the case with production difficulties, legal issues, or other business-critical challenges.
Summary
In summary, the ICT Card is a valuable resource for internationally active companies. It offers flexibility and efficiency in intra-corporate employee exchange and contributes to strengthening international business operations. However, it is important for companies to understand the legal requirements and processes surrounding the ICT Card to use it effectively. An experienced immigration lawyer can provide valuable support in this regard.
