Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

What does the ICT scheme entail?

The European Intra-Corporate Transferee Directive (ICT Directive, 2014/66/EU) has been transposed into Dutch law. Under this directive, managers, specialists, and trainees who are transferred within the group to the Dutch establishment can qualify for an ICT permit. Because this is a form of the GVVA, the employer does not need to apply for a separate work permit.

Conditions for the ICT permit

To qualify for an ICT permit, the following conditions apply, among others:

  • The employment relationship between the transferee and the entity outside the EU must continue to exist. No employment contract may be concluded with the Dutch establishment.
  • The employment relationship must have existed for at least 3 months before the transferee can be posted.
  • There is a salary threshold:: €5,942 gross per month (excluding 8% holiday allowance) for managers, specialists, and trainees alike, or €4,357 if the transferee is younger than the age of 30. This is the same threshold as under the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme.
  • The position must be at higher professional education (HBO) or university level. A trainee must additionally hold at least a Master's degree.
  • The Dutch establishment must carry out genuine economic activities. The permit is not intended for entities set up solely to facilitate transfers. Subsequently, the employer must not have been fined for violating the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wav) in the preceding 5 years.

Validity period: note the difference per category

An important point to take into account is the maximum duration by type of employee.

  • Managers and specialists: maximum 3 years.
  • Trainees: maximum 1 year

The ICT permit cannot be extended beyond this period. However, within the validity period, the transferee can switch to a different residence permit, such as a Highly Skilled Migrant permit or the EU Blue Card. With these permits, the maximum term of 3 or 1 years does not apply.

Application procedure and processing time

If the Dutch establishment is recognised by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) as a sponsor, the application procedure generally takes 2 to 3 weeks. If the establishment is not a recognised sponsor, the IND forwards the application to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), which assesses whether the offered salary is in line with market rates. This procedure can take a maximum of 90 days.

 

Mobility within the EU: a key advantage of the ICT route

An ICT permit is not limited to the Netherlands: under certain conditions, the transferee may also work in other EU member states.

  • Short-term mobility: this applies to residence and work in another EU member state for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without requiring a new residence permit. The employer notifies the relevant authority in advance.
  • Long-term mobility: This applies to stays longer than 90 days. A separate (residence) permit is required in the other member state.

This makes the ICT permit attractive for groups that want to deploy employees flexibly across multiple European establishments.

Can family members of the transferee relocate as well?

The transferee's partner and minor children can relocate to the Netherlands with them and receive free access to the labour market, without requiring a separate work permit.

Alternative route: transfer based on trade agreements

Alongside the ICT Directive, a transfer within the group based on trade agreements, such as the WTO agreement (GATS) which regulates international trade negotiations, remains possible. The advantage of the WTO route is that no strict salary threshold applies, and the Dutch establishment does not need to be recognised as a sponsor by the IND. This route exists alongside, and independently of, a transfer under the ICT Directive.

Why choose Kroes Advocaten?

An intercompany transfer touches on several areas of law at once: immigration law, employment law, and the group's internal structure. An incorrect assessment of the right route, salary threshold, or validity period can lead to the application being rejected, or to problems later when switching to a different permit. Kroes Advocaten guides multinationals through the entire application, from choosing between the ICT route and the trade agreement route, to the application with the IND or UWV, and any subsequent switch to a Highly Skilled Migrant or Blue Card permit. Contact us for a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Can a newly established or smaller Dutch entity sponsor an ICT transfer?

In principle yes, but the IND and UWV look closely at whether the Dutch establishment carries out genuine, ongoing economic activity. The company must also employ at least one full time employee and rent office space. A newly founded entity with little more than a registration and no real operations will not qualify.

Can someone who previously held an ICT permit be transferred to the Netherlands again later?

This depends on whether the previous assignment ran its full course. Since 1 July 2023, the 6-month "cooling-off" period before a new ICT transfer to the Netherlands only applies once the maximum duration has actually been reached. If the employee left before reaching that maximum, a new ICT application can be filed without having to wait out a cooling-off period.

Does the employer have ongoing obligations to the IND once the permit has been granted?

Yes. A recognised sponsor must report changes to the IND, such as the employee leaving the Netherlands or not arriving at all, the employment ending, the salary dropping below the required threshold, or changes to the sponsor's own organisation. Failing to meet this reporting duty can put the sponsor's recognised status at risk.

Does the transferee need an entry visa (MVV) to travel to the Netherlands?

In most cases, yes. The employer applies for the MVV together with the residence permit in a single procedure. Nationals of a number of visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, and South Korea, are not required to obtain an MVV.

Do you have a question about the IND Salary Thresholds or are you in need of legal assistance? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our immigration lawyers.

Contact Sander!

Testimonials
Be in Good Company. Our clients appreciate our excellent and client-oriented service.
10
I’ve known Sander for years, and he’s always been amazing to work with. He’s one of those rare professionals who’s always ahead of the game—I never had to chase him or ask for updates because he was always on top of everything,...
10
Yasser
10 October 2026
We worked with Anique for a residency application. We'd done this process before in another country and knew how challenging navigating all the documentation and requirements can be, and the anxiety of hoping you've submitted all the right...
10
Karson
9 October 2026
Professional and reliable partner. Clear communication, excellent follow-through, and consistently delivers on commitments.
10
Wido
9 October 2026
Agata Marchwicka made our experience with the immigration process bearable and kept us informed and assisted us professionally every step of the way. She also showed us empathy which is a rare quality based on our previous experiences. We are...
10
Tracy
7 October 2026
Great experience with Inge te Pas, she did a very good job.
10
Leen
7 October 2026
good communication, providing regular updates throughout the process and successfully granting approval of my working VISA for the netherlands
10
Dan
7 October 2026
I was very satisfied with the service provided throughout my case. Communication was clear and professional, with very prompt responses and actions whenever needed. I felt well supported throughout the process and greatly appreciated the...
10
Datta
6 October 2026
I am extremely pleased with the support I received from Anique during my HSM visa application. Her communication was clear, her responses were always prompt, and she ensured the entire process ran smoothly and efficiently. Thanks to her...
10
Ranuli
6 October 2026
I want to say a very big thank you for the help and assistance I received from Kroes Advocaten, most especially to Agata for her effort and her professionalism, everything went smoothly, the communication was fast, she paid attention to what I...
10
Rejoice
5 October 2026
Read testimonials from clients
Tiange Gao, HR Operations Western Europe

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kroes Advocaten for the outstanding service that is provided in the work permit and residence applications, specifically the ICT visa process. Our dedicated lawyer Mr. Sander Groen, whose professionalism and attention to detail makes the entire experience seamless and stress-free. Their ability to tackle extremely difficult cases with a positive outcome reflects the high standards of excellence at Kroes Advocaten.”

Marek Macek, Consulting Director

“We have not had a single instance where Kroes Advocaten did not deliver what was promised to us. They are typically very specific about the process, costs and timelines. This is a great value-add to us, as it simply takes away another risk item and allows us to successfully live up to our commitments to our customers.”

Vera Hoffmann, Global Mobility Manager

"They are great to work with, responsiveness, knowledgeable and great communication to our foreigners. "

Parag Deshpande, Sr. Director

“All expectations met. They also helped set a process for audit from IND in Netherlands for us which is really handy. They maintain a copy of each case in electronic and physical format at their office. Also reminders on expiring visas and application to renew the same in time is handy.”

Marios Stangonis, Legal Department

“The team of KROES Advocaten leaves us always satisfied with the quality of the services they provide us with. They know very well the technicalities of Dutch immigration law and legal procedures and are able to give us precise direction within short deadlines. We feel confident that every issue we assign them is under control.”

Martijn Coeveld, Director of Operations

“We consider Kroes Advocaten as one of our key partners; they play an essential role in recruiting new talent for TBA. Kroes Advocaten provide clarity early-on, get to action promptly and are responsive throughout the entire visa application process.”

Anurag Nautiyal, Sales Director & Head – Continental Europe

“I would like to thank Kroes Advocaten  for the excellent job that all of you have done in managing these assignments. It was professionally handled, expertly managed, with timely updates and at no point did it seem that you are not in control. “

Nynke Doorenbos, Executive Vice President, HR, Legal and Operations

"We have been working with Kroes Advocaten for several years mainly in relation to Visa applications for expats. We value their efficiency, responsiveness and professionalism. Based on our experience in working with them, we have complete faith in their capabilities of getting the job done! On behalf of our organisation I take this opportunity to thank Sander Groen, Sarah Lindeboom and the rest of the team for always delivering excellence and organizing valuable seminars and events for knowledge sharing. Very much appreciated!"

Kailas Ugale, Manager – Visa & Immigration

“Kroes Advocaten  is a leader in the field of Dutch Immigration law, work permit and process and consistently provides us with outstanding value. Their service remains extremely client oriented, user friendly and highly efficient. Their fees are extremely competitive yet they offer solid legal strategic advice with consistently high service and results.” 

Venera Khairullina, Visa Strategy & Compliance Group

We  have been working with Kroes Advocaten for all our visa applications in Netherlands. They have been very efficient, responsive, and have a high-skilled team of immigration specialists. They also very good in finding smart solutions that are compliant with the local laws and regulations and they timely warn us about any changes in the local law. We are generally very pleased with their assistance.

Joe White, Regional Manager

"Kroes Advocaten have assisted us with the relocation of many staff in recent years. Their work has been exemplary - we've never had any issues, everything is completed on time and for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs to transfer staff from overseas to The Netherlands."

Henk Offermans, Finance & HR Manager

Kroes Advocaten have assisted us a few times now with expats coming from Japan and we can testify that they have a very straightforward approach. What really stands out is their way of communication. They are clear on every step, inform us immediately when there is new information and also help the expats, who are unfamiliar with the Netherlands, by showing them what to do in a clear way when their input is required. Our expats are very positive about the service delivered.

Teresa Vanderlaan, Global Humans Resources Manager 

Many times we are all rushing to get work completed and forget the simple words of “thank you”. I wanted to stop today and tell you I truly appreciate how responsive you and your team are, how you communicate and explain the world of immigration to myself and colleagues, and your availability to myself and anyone on my team. While I am half Dutch, I have heard generalizations made, that the Dutch are very slow in responding and working. That has not been the case with you and you have no idea how helpful it has been for me to work with you. So “thank you”. You help me make my job easier.

Barak Bar-Hen, CEO Elad Europe

"The Elad Europe group has started working with Mr. Sander Groen since 2007, and is using his good services for its employees. Mr. Groen has shown that he has vast knowledge, experience and good contacts within the authorities and always provided best results in minimum time."

Cristina Ruz, HR Director, Strategic Business Partner

"Sheryl Goldberg is one of the best Immigration professionals that I have worked with. She has a vast knowledge of the immigration system but her differentiator is the way she applies this to any business situation together with her direct and plain way to explain the solutions. In additional to this, Sheryl is great and positive person and we find her as an extension to our HR team. Thanks so much Sheryl for all your help!"

Amy Darling

“Jelle was a fantastic partner and advisor throughout the process of applying for nearly 20 work permits for our staff. He was always very transparent about the work that needed to be completed for the best results and was very upfront about the costs of that work. We never felt manipulated or neglected, and both Jelle and his team were very pleasant to work with. We would highly recommend hiring Jelle and his team for any US companies hoping to obtain permits for working in the Netherlands.”

Murat Alexandrovich Koedanetov, Directeur

"Kroes Advocaten has been assisting Arkoil Technologies Netherlands for many years with applications for visas and work permits for its staff, with legal issues and all our questions regarding the Aliens Act. We at Arkoil Technologies Netherlands believe that Kroes Advocaten offers excellent and client-oriented service. And points that we find very important are: flexibility, good communication, quick answers and of course solutions that are always found by Kroes Advocaten."

Rony Barbi, Director of HR

"Fornova started working with Mr. Sander Groen on January 2016 and is using his excellent services for its employees. Mr. Groen has shown that he has vast knowledge, experience and always available to give us the professional services we needed.“

Pieter Viljoen Sr, CEO and founder of Infomet

"I wish to express my satisfaction and extreme gratitude for the very competent and thorough work done by Sander Groen with respect to the handling of Pieter Viljoen Jr.'s immigration matters. He is a true professional and a truly pleasant individual to work with! He is knowledgeable, factual, and wise!"

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