Schengen Business Visa
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
- Cost
- €80
- Max stay
- 90 days
- Work allowed
- No
Meetings, conferences
Standard visa fee
Per 180-day period
Business visits only
What you can and cannot do on a business visa
Meetings, conferences, training are fine. Getting paid by a European company is not.
- 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
- 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
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