To improve startability of a control device for a variable valve lift mechanism continuously varying a valve lift amount of an engine valve (an intake valve or an exhaust valve).

In the control device for a variable valve lift mechanism continuously varying the vale lift amount of the engine valve by using an electric motor, a target valve lift amount vTGVEL is set to a predetermined valve lift amount mTGVELINT between a minimum valve lift amount and a maximum valve lift amount with an ignition switch turned off and an engine being rotated. Then, by outputting a control signal of carrying out control to the target valve lift amount vTGVEL to the electric motor, an actual valve lift amount at engine starting is set as an engine starting valve lift amount mTGVELINT.