Company Transfers Getting Transferred to Spain
A strategy guide for employees at multinational companies who want to relocate to a Spanish office via intra-company transfer — one of the smoothest paths to working in Spain.
What Is an Intra-Company Transfer?
An Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) allows employees of multinational companies to relocate to an office in another country while staying with the same employer. In Spain, the ICT permit is governed by the EU ICT Directive (2014/66/EU), transposed into Spanish law.
For non-EU workers already employed at a company with a Spanish office, this is often the easiest path to Spain. There's no labor market test, the employer handles most paperwork, and you keep your existing job, tenure, and (usually) equity.
Why ICT Is Popular
How ICT Permits Work in Spain
The ICT permit has specific requirements set by EU and Spanish law. Here's what you need to know:
Eligible Roles
- Managers: Senior leadership roles directing the company or a department
- Specialists: Employees with specialized knowledge critical to the business (most tech workers qualify here)
- Trainees: Graduate employees on a structured training program
Key Requirements
- Employed by the company (or group) for at least 3-12 months prior to the transfer
- The sending and receiving entities must be part of the same corporate group
- The Spanish entity must be genuinely established and operational
- A valid assignment letter specifying role, duration, and conditions
- No labor market test required (major advantage over Cuenta Ajena)
Duration
Up to 3 years for managers and specialists, or 1 year for trainees. The permit is tied to the specific company — if you leave, you'll need a different work permit. Many transferees transition to a local contract or EU Blue Card before the ICT expires.
Positioning Yourself for a Transfer
Getting transferred isn't just about asking — it's about making yourself the obvious choice. Here's how to build your case:
Express Interest Early
Tell your manager and HR that you're interested in international mobility. Many companies have formal internal mobility programs — ask about them. The earlier you signal interest, the more likely you'll be considered when an opening arises.
Build Cross-Office Relationships
Volunteer for projects that involve the Spanish office. Attend (or initiate) cross-team meetings. If your company has an annual gathering or offsites in Spain, be there. Having allies in the target office dramatically improves your chances.
Time It Right
Transfers are most likely during headcount expansion, new office launches, or leadership changes. If the Spanish office just raised a new round or announced growth plans, that's your window. Keep an eye on internal job postings and headcount plans.
Make the Business Case
Frame the transfer as a business need, not a personal favor. Examples: "I can help scale the European team," "My expertise in [X] aligns with the Madrid roadmap," or "Having a bridge between the US and Spain teams would improve coordination."
Types of Companies That Offer Transfers
Not every employer has the infrastructure for international transfers. These categories are your best bet:
US Tech Giants with EU Offices
Companies like Datadog, Cloudflare, Stripe, and Databricks have established Spanish offices and regularly transfer employees between regions. They have dedicated global mobility teams and established processes.
European Companies with Spanish Hubs
Companies headquartered in Europe — like N26, Contentquare, Celonis, and GetYourGuide — often have offices in Barcelona or Madrid and facilitate transfers within Europe.
Consulting & Services Firms
Firms like Thoughtworks, EPAM, and large consulting companies regularly move people between offices based on client needs. If you work at one, client projects in Spain can be your ticket.
Startups Expanding to Spain
High-growth startups opening their first Spanish office often transfer existing employees to seed the new team. If your company is expanding to Spain, volunteer to be part of the founding team.
Multinationals with Spanish Offices
Here are examples of companies from our database that have offices in Spain, grouped by city:
Madrid
Datadog, Cloudflare, Databricks, Cabify, Celonis, Stripe, Rubrik, Netskope — Madrid is Spain's largest tech hub with a strong presence of US multinationals and European scale-ups.
Barcelona
Airbnb, TravelPerk, Typeform, Contentquare, N26, Thoughtworks, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide — Barcelona attracts a diverse mix of international companies, especially in travel tech, e-commerce, and SaaS.
Other Cities
EPAM (Malaga), Commercetools (València), and a growing number of companies in emerging tech hubs across Spain. See our tech hubs guide for city comparisons.
Browse our companies page to explore all companies hiring in Spain.
ICT vs. Direct Hire — Pros and Cons
If you could either transfer with your current employer or get hired directly by a Spanish company, how do they compare?
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
- Keep your tenure, equity vesting, and seniority
- No labor market test — faster processing
- Employer handles most paperwork
- May keep home-country salary (if higher)
- Permit tied to your employer — less flexibility
- Maximum 3 years on ICT permit
Direct Hire (New Employer)
- Local Spanish contract from day one
- Full employee rights under Spanish labor law
- Not tied to a single employer for your permit
- Restarts your tenure, equity, and benefits
- May require labor market test (Cuenta Ajena)
- Need to interview and negotiate from scratch
Our take: If you like your current employer and they have a Spanish office, the ICT route is usually easier and less risky. If you want a fresh start or your company doesn't have a Spanish presence, check our visa sponsorship guide for how to find a new sponsor.
Practical Timeline & Steps
A typical intra-company transfer takes 3-6 months from initial conversation to landing in Spain. Here's a rough timeline:
Months 1-2: Internal Approval
- Discuss intent with your manager and HR
- Connect with the Spanish office hiring manager
- Formalize the transfer request through internal mobility program
- Agree on role, compensation, and duration
Month 2-3: Documentation & Application
- Company's legal team prepares ICT application
- Gather personal documents (passport, degree, criminal record)
- Assignment letter drafted and signed
- Application submitted to Spanish immigration (UGE)
Month 3-4: Processing & Visa
- ICT authorization processed (typically 30-45 days)
- Once approved, apply for visa at Spanish consulate
- Consulate visa appointment (wait times vary by country)
Month 4-6: Move & Settle
- Arrive in Spain and register at local police station
- Obtain NIE and TIE (foreigner identity card)
- Open bank account, find permanent housing
- Register with social security (if applicable)
Tips & Common Pitfalls
Check Beckham Law Eligibility
Transferees who haven't been Spanish tax residents in the prior 5 years may qualify for the Beckham Law — a special tax regime with a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income (up to €600,000). This can save you thousands per year. Consult a tax advisor before your move.
Understand Your Contract Structure
Some transfers use a "dual contract" (home + host country), while others suspend your original contract. This affects your social security contributions, tax obligations, and benefits. Get clarity in writing before accepting.
Plan for Housing Early
Spanish rental markets in Madrid and Barcelona are competitive. Most landlords require a NIE, employment contract, and 2-3 months deposit. Your company may offer temporary housing — ask about it. See our cost of living guide for budgeting.
Think Long-Term
The ICT is capped at 3 years. If you want to stay permanently, start planning your transition to a local contract, EU Blue Card, or long-term residency early. Many companies are happy to convert ICT employees to local hires — raise it around the 1-year mark. See our visa guide for all permit options.
Last updated: February 2026. ICT regulations may change — always verify with your company's legal team or an immigration lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to work at my company before requesting a transfer to Spain?
For an ICT permit, you must have been employed by the company (or its group) for at least 3 to 12 months immediately prior to the transfer, depending on your role. Managers and specialists typically need 3-6 months, while trainees need at least 3 months. In practice, most companies prefer you to have at least 1-2 years of tenure before considering an international transfer.
Can my family come with me on an ICT transfer to Spain?
Yes. ICT permit holders can bring their spouse/partner and dependent children. Family members receive a residence permit tied to the duration of your ICT. They can also apply for work authorization independently. The application for family members can be submitted simultaneously with the main ICT application.
What happens to my salary and benefits during an intra-company transfer?
This varies by company. Some maintain your home-country salary (common for US-to-Spain transfers), while others adjust to local market rates. Benefits like equity vesting usually continue. You may receive a relocation package covering moving costs, temporary housing, and tax advisory. Discuss compensation structure early in the process.
Can I stay in Spain permanently after my ICT permit expires?
The ICT permit itself is temporary (up to 3 years). However, you can transition to a standard work permit or EU Blue Card before it expires if you want to stay. Many transferees negotiate a local contract with their employer after 1-2 years. Time spent on an ICT counts toward long-term residency in some cases.
Ready to start your Spanish adventure?
Explore curated roles from top companies hiring in Spain — with visa sponsorship info included.