What is a Schengen business visa and how do I get one?

A Schengen business visa allows you to travel to the Schengen Area countries for business purposes. It is required by citizens of countries that have mandatory visa requirements for visits to Europe, and who are traveling with the sole purpose of conducting business.

What different type of Schengen visas exist ?

How do I get a Schengen Business Visa?

The process of applying for a Schengen Business Visa is much the same as applying for a tourist visa. You must apply to the consulate or embassy of the country you are planning to visit - or a visa application center if these are handled by a third party. Most of the documents and requirements will be the same - but you will need to provide additional information and documents justifying your work visit.

Where do I get my Schengen Business Visa?

You will need to apply via the embassy or consulate or a visa application center - these often offer you the chance to make an initial application online before making an in-person appointment. If you are planning to visit more than one country, then you need to apply to the country where you will be spending most of your stay, or if staying for equal amounts of time, the country you visit first.

After submitting your application, either to the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to visit or via a visa application center acting on their behalf, you will need to schedule an appointment and attend a visa interview, bringing with you hard copies of the documents supporting your application.

What documents are required when applying for a Schengen business visa?

The following documents are required for a Schengen business visa application :

  • a fully completed and signed visa application form,
  • two recently taken passport photographs,
  • a valid passport with more than three months left until it expires,
  • older passports with past visas on them, if you possess them,
  • an itinerary of your trip - including dates, flight numbers, and hotel reservations, or proof of accommodation.

How much is a Schengen Business Visa?

You will need to provide proof that you have paid your visa application fee of €80 - the adult fee for a short-stay Schengen Visa.

What do I need to apply for a Schengen Business Visa?

You will also need to prove your financial means - providing evidence you have enough money to support yourself during your business trip - and need to include a bank statement no older than three months and/or a sponsorship letter if someone else is funding your trip. You will need to provide a bank statement from your sponsor if this is the case. You can also provide a combination of the two.

Employees traveling on company business will also need to provide a letter from your employer describing the purpose of your visit, while those invited by a company within the Schengen Area will need to present a letter of invitation documenting the reasons for your visit - sent via email to the consulate of the country you plan to travel to. You will also need to provide an employment contract, a bank statement documenting the last six months of statements, permission from your employer, and an income tax return.

The self-employed will need to provide a copy of your business license, a company bank statement for the last six months, and your income tax return.

Where should I submit my Schengen business visa application?

You have to submit your application for a Schengen business visa to the consulate or embassy of the country where you will be entering or residing for the duration of your business trip or to a visa application center acting on their behalf. If you are planning to visit more than one country, then you need to apply to the country where you will be spending most of your stay, or if staying for equal amounts of time, the country you visit first.

When should I apply for my Schengen business visa?

The earliest time to apply for a Schengen business visa is three months before your planned trip and the latest is at most 15 working days before you intend to travel. However, you are advised to apply at least three weeks before your trip.

How long and for how many trips is a Schengen business visa valid for?

The visa stamp indicates the validity of the visa and the authorized length of stay. A visa may be issued for a single entry or multiple entries.

The maximum length of a stay is that which is indicated on the visa and will vary depending on the purpose of your stay.

If you have been authorized to stay for 90 days, you must not remain in the Schengen area for over 90 days in each 180-day period.

How can AXA help?

Our annual Schengen visa insurance Multi-Trip is available to customers planning to travel in and out of the Schengen Area on multiple occasions - perfect for those traveling on business regularly.

You are covered for 1 year and you can travel as often as you like within a limit of 90 days per stay. This insurance plan provides protection for all EU countries ( Ireland included) + the United Kingdom. It also provides the mandatory insurance certificate needed for a Schengen visa. Medical expenses, emergency hospitalisation and repatriation are covered up to 100,000€. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about applying for a Schengen business visa

Which is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from?

The easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from is Lithuania.

How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a Schengen Visa?

Depending on the country you are staying in - you will be asked to show you have a certain amount of funds in your bank to cover your stay. Alternatively you must prove someone or an organization or business is sponsoring your visit.

How long does it take to get a business visa?

It usually takes 3-5 weeks to process your visa application.

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