International groups that want to send a manager or an expert to a French entity for a temporary mission can use the intra-corporate transfer (ICT) scheme, derived from EU Directive 2014/66. The employee remains bound by his or her employment contract with the foreign company and receives a “posted employee ICT” visa or residence permit (salarié détaché ICT).
Who is concerned?
You must meet all of the following conditions:
- be a non-EU national (special rules apply to Algerian nationals);
- come to France to hold a senior management position or to provide expertise;
- have an employment contract with the company that employs you abroad;
- have at least six months’ seniority in the group;
- hold a long-stay visa or a “posted employee ICT” VLS-TS.
Visa or card?
- For a mission of more than three months and up to one year, a “posted employee ICT” VLS-TS is sufficient.
- For a mission of more than one year, you apply for a multi-year “posted employee ICT” card, valid for the duration of the mission up to three years in total, minus the time already spent in France with the VLS-TS (for example, two years maximum after one year on a VLS-TS).
The ICT card cannot be renewed. A new card can be issued for a new intra-group transfer after a period of six cumulative months outside the European Union.
No work authorisation
The ICT visa or card authorises the salaried activity for which it was issued, as part of the posting: the employer does not need to apply for a work authorisation.
Documents
- valid long-stay visa or residence permit, passport, proof of address, photos or e-photo code;
- form cerfa no. 15619 and the documents it requires;
- employment contract with the company employing you outside France;
- proof of at least six months’ seniority in the group (employer certificate and payslips);
- proof of resources (service-public.fr currently indicates at least €1,867.02 gross per month);
- proof that your employer and the host entity belong to the same group;
- diplomas corresponding to the management or expert position;
- signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic.
New in October 2026: a salary condition
Decree no. 2026-1001 of 26 October 2026, in force since 30 October 2026, introduces a reference salary condition for the “posted employee ICT”, “mobile ICT”, “ICT trainee” and “mobile ICT trainee” permits. The amount is set by ministerial order. The official pages are still being updated: check the current threshold before filing.
Grounds for refusal specific to ICT
The prefecture refuses the card if the host entity was created mainly to facilitate the entry of posted foreigners, if the employer or host entity has been convicted of fraud to obtain a work permit for a foreigner, or if the three-year maximum has been reached. It may also refuse it in the event of illegal work, employment of foreigners without authorisation, or breaches of social security, tax or labour obligations.
Family
The spouse and minor children benefit from the simplified “accompanying family” procedure, even if they arrive after the employee or if the marriage takes place after arrival. The spouse receives a “posted employee ICT (family)” card for the remaining period of the employee’s stay, which allows any professional activity.
ICT trainees and mobile ICT
- ICT trainee: for an internship in a group entity, with an internship agreement or employment contract with the foreign employer and six months’ seniority. The card is valid for up to one year (minus the time on the VLS-TS) and does not allow other work.
- Mobile ICT: an employee holding an ICT permit issued by another EU State can carry out a mission of up to 90 days in France without a work authorisation; beyond 90 days, a work authorisation and a French residence permit are required.
Refusal
The prefecture’s silence is deemed a refusal after 90 days. You then have two months to appeal. An explicit refusal with an OQTF must be challenged within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF.
Source: Service-public.fr – Carte de séjour salarié détaché ICT and Visa ou carte de séjour stagiaire ICT (checked on 3 November 2026).
Need help with your application?
FATOU BABOU AVOCAT assists employees, entrepreneurs, investors and companies with every step of business immigration to France: eligibility analysis, preparation of the application, follow-up with the consulate or the prefecture, and appeals in the event of refusal.
- Bordeaux office: 11 rue Galin, 33100 Bordeaux, France – +33 9 85 40 18 64 – contact@legalfb-avocat.fr
- Dakar office: 14 rue Woro Fila, Fann Hock, Dakar, Senegal – +221 77 173 69 05 / +221 33 844 29 16 – contact@fbavocat-sn.com
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and amounts change regularly: always check your own situation with a lawyer.