Schengen Business Visa
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For business meetings, conferences, and professional travel
About the Business Visa
The Schengen business visa is a Type C short-stay visa for professional activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, and business events. It does not allow you to work — it's for business-related visits, not employment.
The application process is similar to a tourist visa, but requires additional documentation from the company or organization you're visiting in Europe.
Business Visa Quick Facts
Purpose Business Meetings, conferences
Cost €80 Standard visa fee
Max stay 90 days Per 180-day period
Work allowed No Business visits only
What You Can Do with a Business Visa
- Attend meetings: Business meetings with partners, clients, or colleagues
- Conferences: Industry conferences, trade shows, seminars
- Negotiations: Contract discussions, business deals
- Training: Short-term professional training or workshops
- Site visits: Inspecting facilities, meeting vendors
- Networking events: Professional networking and industry events
What You Cannot Do
- Employment: You cannot be paid by a European company
- Self-employment: You cannot run a business in the Schengen Area
- Long-term assignment: Extended work placements require different visas
- Manual labor: Physical work is not permitted
Required: Business Invitation Letter
The key additional document for a business visa is an invitation letter from the European company you're visiting. This letter should include:
- Company name, address, and contact details
- Your name and passport details
- Purpose of the visit (meetings, training, etc.)
- Dates of the visit
- Who you'll be meeting (names and positions)
- Who covers travel expenses (company or yourself)
- Signature of an authorized company representative
Company Sponsorship
If the inviting company is covering your expenses, they should include their company registration documents and sometimes bank statements to prove they can support your visit. Requirements vary by embassy.
Additional Documents for Business Visa
Besides the standard Schengen visa documents and the business invitation letter, you may need:
- Employment letter: From your company confirming your position, salary, and purpose of travel
- Conference registration: If attending a conference, proof of registration
- Meeting agenda: Schedule of planned business activities
- Proof of business relationship: Previous correspondence, contracts, etc.
- Company letter: From your employer authorizing the trip
Business Visa FAQs
What's the difference between business and tourist visa?
The main difference is purpose. A business visa requires an invitation from a European company and is for professional activities. A tourist visa is for leisure. The application process and fees are similar, but documentation differs.
Can I do sightseeing on a business visa?
Yes. You can engage in tourist activities during non-business hours. Many business travelers combine work with some tourism. Your primary purpose must still be business.
Do I need a new visa for each business trip?
Not if you have a multiple-entry visa that's still valid. Frequent business travelers often receive multiple-entry visas valid for 1-5 years, allowing repeated trips without new applications.
Can I get paid for work during my visit?
No. A business visa doesn't permit employment. You can attend meetings and conduct business negotiations, but you cannot receive salary from a European company. For paid work, you'd need a work permit.
Which embassy should I apply to?
Apply to the embassy of the country where your main business activities will take place. If meetings are spread equally across multiple countries, apply to the country of first entry.
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