If you plan to visit one of the Schengen area states on a business trip, then you should apply for an appropriate permit. Its duration is the same as for the tourist one but the needed documents are different. Discover how to obtain a business Schengen visa seamlessly and without worries.
Business Schengen Visa Requirements
Existing Schengen visas vary in their purposes, validity, number of entries, etc. If you plan a business visit, there is a special option for this. It gives permission for a 90-day stay for 180 days and may come with one or a few entries.
To submit the request, one needs to collect:
- a special form for applicants, filled in and signed;
- two photos;
- a current passport with at least 3-months more validity;
- old passports, if they contained similar permits;
- detailed information about the trip, such as booked flights and accommodation.
The applicant has to prove his or her financial sustainability. This can be done by a recent bank statement that provides information about funds enough for a planned stay. The sponsorship letter, including the one from your company, will also do.
Furthermore, it is important to provide as many details as possible to substantiate the purpose of the trip. Thus, the employer writes a cover letter with the main aim and plan of the stay. If there is an invitation from a foreign company, you should also attach it.
Employees have to add their current contract, banking information with the salary for the last half a year, the employer’s permission for a visit, and an income tax return.
Those who are self-employed, add their current license. All other files are the same.
Eligibility Criteria for a Business Schengen Visa
Any person who is full of age has rights to apply for this permit. The common situations when there is such a need are as follows:
- meetings of the companies’ representatives;
- trade fairs and exhibitions;
- courses or instructions;
- scientific events.
One can apply three months before the date. The deadline for application is 15 days. According to My Schengen expert Polly Johnson, it is advisable to apply three weeks before the trip. Thus, there will be enough time for the consideration of the candidate. Moreover, in the case of rejection, there will be the possibility for one more attempt and renewal of the primary application.
Steps to Apply for a Business Schengen Visa
If you already know the dates and destination for your visit, then it’s high time to follow the next steps:
- Select the consulate or embassy that is suitable for you. If you plan to visit one country, it has to be the appropriate authority. In other cases, select the country, which is the first on your way or where you will stay for the longest period.
- Book an appointment on the chosen site. This can be done in advance. Remember about the timeframe and plan the visit to the authorities only if there are more than 15 days left.
- Collect the package of documents. The standard form can be downloaded from the website of the chosen authority. They also provide comprehensive examples for those who fill in the forms for the first time.
- Come for the interview at the chosen date and time. You have to bring hard copies of all documents, be ready to provide the biometrics and pay a fee of 80 euro.
- Wait for the decision and issuance of your permit. This usually takes approximately 15 days. In most cases, the results are nowadays provided online, so you will be informed at once.
In the case of rejection, do not hesitate to learn more about the reasons and resubmit your request if there is still time left. More about this process is explained by the experts on myschengen.com and the websites of the corresponding authorities. They also provide contacts for the solving of pressing issues.
Tips for a Successful Business Schengen Visa Application
Both first-time and experienced applicants will benefit from the following pieces of advice:
- Carefully select the date for the visit. Remember about timeframes and deadlines. Give yourself at least a month before the planned trip to avoid hassle.
- Study all the criteria and provide all the files, especially those that substantiate the visit, and provide the details on your role in the planned event.
- Be confident and calm during the interview. Get ready to explain why you are going abroad and why you are definitely coming back. Your answers have to fully correspond to the information provided in the attachments.
- In case of rejection, find out the reasons and appeal the decision after adding more documents or other necessary data.
- Do not neglect consultations with experts, especially if it is your first attempt.
Conclusion
Altogether, this permit is similar to the one for tourists. In this case, the purpose of your visit will be clearly stated, which is usually important for your employer or the inviting company. Follow the recommended tips and prepare your documents carefully. The more data you provide, the easier and faster the application proceeds.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
