A control device for an internal combustion engine that includes an external EGR device having an EGR passage and an EGR valve installed at an end portion of the EGR passage on the side of a cylinder is configured, when a high intake air pressure condition is met and there is no EGR gas introduction request, to execute an EGR cut control using a variable valve operating device. In the EGR cut control, the control device is configured to open an intake valve during the intake stroke after the EGR valve opens, and adjust an overlap area such that an outflow gas amount via the EGR valve becomes equal to an inflow gas amount via the EGR valve. The EGR passage is configured so as to store a gas that flows out to the EGR passage from the cylinder via the EGR valve during of the EGR cut control.