How to apply for a Schengen business visa to Europe?

Travel Insurance is mandatory to obtain a Schengen visa

Written by: Kurt Hambadda
Published on: 07/18/2025

According to the International Air Transport Association (aka IATA), roughly 600 million business trips are taken globally each year. And a good chunk of these, of course, happens to be to, from, and throughout the most visited continent on the planet – aka Europe.

If you too are planning to be among the thousands of people saying “business” at a European airport on any given day, you might be wondering about the right type of visa for your trip. And that’s why AXA has all you need to know about the Schengen business visa below.

• What is a Schengen Business Visa?
• Who needs a Schengen Business visa?
• What are the main requirements for a Business Schengen Visa application?
• Where and when should I apply for a Business Schengen Visa?
• Tips to complete the application process for a Business Schengen Visa
• Why choose AXA Travel Insurance for my Business Schengen Visa?
• Schengen Business Visa FAQ

What Is a Schengen Business Visa?

As its name suggests, a Schengen Business Visa is essentially a type of short-stay (aka Type C) Schengen visa ​–​this one designed specifically for non EU/EEA nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for business-related activities. Think meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, industry events, and so on (IMPORTANT: However, don’t think full-time employment–but more on that in our FAQs section below).

Being granted a Schengen Business Visa (or a Business Schengen visa, if you prefer as they’re interchangeable) allows you to enter not just one but any of Europe’s dozens of Schengen countries. And, once there, it also offers you the freedom to cross any of their borders, and without needing any other separate visas.
That is, so long as your trip doesn’t exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

PRO-BUSINESS TIP: Don’t worry, AXA can gladly help you wrap your head around the 90/180 Schengen visa rule too.

Do I need a Schengen Business visa?

That depends. Generally speaking, if you’re one of the 5-6 billion nationals of over 100 countries worldwide that don't have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area, you’ll need a Schengen visa to enter most of Europe–be it for business or anything else.

And if you’re trying to enter Europe for professional reasons (i.e., to buy, sell, attend meetings and/or conferences, sign contracts, network at trade shows, and so on), the visa you apply for is going to have to be… You guessed it: a business Schengen visa.

Also keep in mind that if you only plan to stay in Europe for a few days, a visa is still most likely required. And the same goes for even if your company (or employer, client, etc.) is footing the bill for your trip. But but more on that below!

PRO-BUSINESS TIPS: And fear not! AXA can help you figure out who needs a Schengen visa and who doesn’t need a Schengen visa in no time too.

IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: Meanwhile, if you're from a country whose citizens don’t need a Schengen visa (i.e., Canada, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 60 more), you typically should be ok for short business trips under 90 days. However, you’ll still likely need at least some paperwork attesting to the trip’s “business” nature.

In other words, whether you need that visa or not, it’s still always best to check with the authorities (i.e., consulates and/or embassies) of the specific Schengen state you plan to visit beforehand.

What Are the Main Requirements for a Business Schengen Visa Application?

Along with meeting the general requirements for a Schengen visa, you must also prove that your trip is for genuine business activities (i.e., attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, and so on).

And depending on your particular situation–as well as the specific Schengen authorities–this proof can be in the form of an invitation and/or sponsorship letter (see below!), a conference registration, a meeting agenda, a contract or other official business-related documents, and the like.

Which documents do I need to provide for a Business Schengen Visa?

You’ll also, at the very least, likely need the following:

• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos (matching Schengen visa photo requirements)
• Proof of Schengen travel medical insurance (PRO-BUSINESS TIP: Proper travel insurance is mandatory to be granted a Schengen visa and all of AXA’s plans are proper indeed!)
• Your flight itinerary
• ​​Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
• Proof of means of subsistence (if applicable)

What documents do I need from my company or business partner for the application?

Your company or business partner must indeed provide at least some official documentation to support your application. However, specifically what that documentation is can be as varied as there are ways of doing business!

Usually, though, this will include a formal invitation letter outlining the purpose and length of your visit, evidence of the ongoing business relationship, a bank statement or two, proof of who (and how) is footing the bill, and so on.

PRO-BUSINESS TIPS: Luckily, AXA can also gladly guide you, step by step, through the processes of getting both an invitation letter and a letter of sponsorship for your Schengen visa (be it business or other), respectively.

Where and When Should I Apply for a Business Schengen Visa?

In terms of where and when, the Schengen business visa application process is pretty universal.
Apply at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the Schengen country you plan to do business in, the one where you will spend the most time, or–if your stay is equally split between countries– at the embassy of the Schengen country you plan to enter first.

Time-wise, all Schengen visa applications –be it business or any other type– should be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before your trip.

But, again, it’s best to check the specific Schengen embassy/consulate’s official websites for any local appointment or documentation requirements (and you can see our FINAL PRO-TIP below for more on those).

How much does a Business Schengen Visa cost?

​​​​And the same goes for the costs. That is, although some additional fees may vary from country to country if you’re applying through a visa center, what you pay for the Schengen visa itself remains universal no matter where you’re going (or what type of visa you’re applying for).
take a look at AXA’s comprehensive Schengen visa costs guide.

What is the difference between a Business Visa and a Work Visa?

Great question. In a nutshell, a Business Visa allows short stays for activities like meetings or conferences, while a Work Visa permits actual employment within the Schengen Area.

PRO-BUSINESS TIP: But to better answer it, AXA has all you need to know about a Schengen work visa too.

How long is a Business Schengen Visa valid?

Traditionally, it’s valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (see our piece on this rule above).

PRO-BUSINESS TIP: Oh, and we’ve also got all you need to know about both Schengen visa validity (and Schengen visa extension) just in case too.

How many entries does a Business Schengen Visa allow?

That depends on what type of visa you request (and what the Schengen authorities grant, of course). For example, you can get a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. And all three are fairly self-explanatory.

A single-entry is more common for first-time business travelers, while the double-entry and multiple-entry Schengen visa is usually approved for frequent flyers (and/or those who’ve previously held Schengen visas). But regardless of entries, you’re still bound by the aforementioned 90/180-day rule.

PRO-BUSINESS TIP: AXA can familiarize you with all the different types of Schengen visas in no time as well.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Business Schengen Visa application?

Yes, to be granted your visa, you must have a Schengen travel insurance plan when you apply. And said plan, in turn, should:

• be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;
• have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);
• be accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone;
• be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

And it goes without saying that all of AXA’s plans meet the criteria above.

How long does it take to get a Business Schengen Visa?

Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can be longer during peak seasons (and/or depending on your particular situation).

What are the most common reasons for Business Schengen Visa refusal?

Your Schengen business visa might be refused due to one (or more) of the following:

• Incomplete or incorrect application
• Insufficient proof of business purpose
• Previous visa violations or overstays
• Doubts (from the Schengen authorities) about your financial means, return intentions, and so on
• Lack of valid travel insurance (hint hint)

What should I do if my Business Schengen Visa application is rejected?

In the off-chance that your Schengen visa is refused, you can either appeal the decision or reapply with corrected documentation. In any case, consult your destination Schengen embassy’s website (and/or representatives) for further guidance.

BONUS PRO-BUSINESS TIP: And remember that not only is AXA rooting for you but we can also help you cover all the possible bases to avoid having your business Schengen visa rejected in the first place!

Tips to complete the application process for a Business Schengen Visa

So, to summarize, here’s how you can help guarantee that you can take your Schengen business visa to the bank:

• Familiarize yourself and your business partner(s) with your Schengen destination country’s specific rules, requirements, and regulations;
• Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission;
• Clearly demonstrate the business purpose (with official invitations, contracts, and so on);
• Apply early to allow time for processing (and/or margins for error);
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records (and, of course, get as much as you can in writing);
• Consult with AXA’s comprehensive guide above;
• Purchase top-quality travel insurance that meets all Schengen requirements.

FINAL BUSINESS PRO-TIP: Business travel–much like business itself–can be tricky, even if it happens to be to (or within) the largest free movement zone on Earth.

So while AXA continuously strives to bring you all the latest info regarding your particular visa, it’s still always best to double-check all the official specific entry requirements of your destination country before travel.

Fortunately for both you and your business, the European Union’s official website provides links to all Schengen diplomatic missions worldwide to help you do just that!
 

Why choose AXA Travel Insurance for my Business Schengen Visa?

There are, of course, plenty of ways AXA can help secure your Schengen business visa (as well as keep you safe throughout Europe).
For example, AXA’s plans:

• Meet all the criteria required for a Schengen visa

• Are accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide
• Are refundable in the event of visa refusal (in most cases)

• Can be quickly and easily purchased online

• Are an excellent value for their cost
• Offer coverage of medical and repatriation costs of up to €2 Million

• Offer 24/7 emergency assistance and support

…The list just goes on and on. But for the sake of getting down to business, we’ll let the plans speak for themselves. So make sure to

compare our various plan options
and/or

get your free AXA quote today
(without any obligation, and without providing any personal data).

And see for yourself how saying “business” at your next European airport will feel more and more like a pleasure indeed!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• What is a Schengen student visa (and how do I get one)?
• How to visit and/or stay with your partner living in the Schengen Area
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance

FAQ

Can I visit multiple Schengen countries with a business visa?

Yes. A Business Schengen Visa lets you travel freely between any and all Schengen countries during its validity.

Can I extend my business Schengen visa if my trip is prolonged unexpectedly?

Maybe. However, extensions are rare, only usually granted for serious reasons like medical emergencies. And if you do plan to apply for an extension, make sure to do so before your visa expires.

Is it possible to apply for a multiple-entry business Schengen visa?

Yes. You can request a multiple-entry visa if you need to travel in and out of the Schengen Area for business –again, so long as you stay within the visa’s validity period.