Greece implements EU ICT directive

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Greece has implemented the European Union’s Intra-Corporate Transferees Directive.

What does the change mean? Non-EU/EEA managers, specialists or trainees transferred within the same corporate group from outside the EU to work in Greece may now apply for ICT permits under the framework of the directive.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: ICT permits.
• Who is affected: Non-EU/EEA managers, specialists or trainees transferring from outside the EU to work in Greece for more than 90 days.
• Impact on processing times: The legislation states that Greek authorities will issue ICT permits within 90 days of the submission of an application and the required supporting documentation. Employers should note, however, that in order to apply for an ICT permit for the first time, employees must first obtain an ICT visa from the Greek consulate in the country from which they are coming. Processing times for ICT visas will vary from consulate to consulate but generally are not expected to exceed one month.
• Business impact: The ICT permits will allow for greater intra-Europe mobility.

Background: The EU’s Intra-Corporate Transferees Directive, adopted in 2014, unified the rules for multinational companies transferring non-EU nationals to a European office in the same corporate group. Greece recently began accepting applications for EU ICT permits, becoming one of the final countries to comply with the directive. ICT permits will be available to managers, specialists or trainees who have been employed by the corporate group for at least 12 months (six months for trainees). The permits will be valid for up to three years for managers and specialists and up to one year for trainees. Foreign nationals who hold an ICT permit issued by another EU country may come to Greece for short- or long-term assignments provided they provide notice at least 20 days before the commencement of their assignment in Greece.

Analysis & Comments: Greece’s move to make EU ICT permits available will ease intra-Europe mobility for non-EU intra-corporate transfers.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.