Schengen Business Visa

Wondering about visiting a Schengen area for business? Well, then let us help you with some essential information regarding it. If you are planning to visit any Schengen country for business purposes, the first document that you must obtain as an Indian is a Schengen Business Visa. 

In this blog, we have put together everything you need to know about a Schengen business visa, along with its type, fees, application process and other essential details.

A Schengen business visa is an official document which is made mandatory for some non-Europeans to visit a country that comes under the jurisdiction of the Schengen Area for business engagements. 26 countries come under a section, together known as the Schengen Area. 

You can stay in any of the Schengen countries based on the validity of your visa. But that validity depends on the type of business visa you have applied for. Hence, if you wish to visit any enlisted country in the Schengen Area to pursue a new business or extend your present one, you must have a Schengen business visa.

It is essential for you to have a deeper understanding of the validity of a Schengen business visa based on its type when you are applying for one. Hence, given below is a comprehensive table regarding the same.

Please note that the issuing authority determines the duration of stay after getting knowledge of the purpose of the visit and can vary among individuals. Also the extension of such stays is also determined based on valid reasons.

Given below is a comprehensive table mentioning the Schengen business visa fees according to the types of visas available.

Please note that the fees mentioned above depend on the current exchange rate and, hence, are subject to change. So make sure to check the fees before you apply for a Schengen business visa.

You need to fulfil a few parameters in order to be eligible for a Schengen business visa. Hence, below are the eligibility requirements you must consider before starting the Schengen business visa application process.

You must know about the required documents to ensure a smooth and successful Schengen business visa application process. However, such requirements can vary based on the purpose of the visit and the type of visa you are applying for.

Given below is a general list of the business Schengen visa requirements:

Standard Documents Required for All Types of Schengen Business Visa:

Documents Required Required for a Single-Entry Visa

Documents Required Required for a Double-Entry Visa

Documents Required Required for a Multiple-Entry Visa

Photograph Requirements for All Types of Schengen Business Visa for Indians

Here are the photograph requirements you need to consider when applying for a Schengen business visa:

Once you are aware of the eligibility criteria and documents required, you can proceed with the visa application process. Read below to know the step-by-step application process for a Schengen business visa for Indians.

Step 1: After deciding the type of business visa you need to apply for, you can download the Schengen visa application form online. You need to fill it out and take a printout of it. Handwritten forms are not allowed.

Step 2: You need to submit the printed hard copy of the business visa application form in person at the application centre of the Schengen country you wish to visit. You are not allowed to send visa application forms via post, hence you can also send them through an authorised travel agent.

Step 3: After submission, you need to book an appointment for a visa interview at your nearest application centre for fingerprints and photo biometrics information. You can book it from the official website of the application centre or by contacting them for the same.

Step 4: You need to pay the required application fees at the centre on your appointment day. Visit the application centre with the required documents. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier at the centre.

Step 5: After your interview is done at the centre you will receive a reference number to track the status of your visa application.

Step 6: Once your Schengen business visa has been approved, you need to collect the receipt from the centre in person.

It can take about 15-30 days to process a Schengen business visa for Indians. The minimum and maximum processing time for each visa type can vary based on its purpose, number of visits, visa types and several other reasons. Hence, the total number of days can fluctuate. So, regularly check the official website of the application centre or contact them via phone or e-mail to ensure the Schengen business visa processing time.

You may come across certain circumstances during the application process which may lead to the rejection of your visa application. So given below are some of the reasons for visa application rejection.

In case your Schengen Business visa gets rejected, you can consider referring to the following tips given below to rectify your mistakes.

Overall, you can have a convenient international trip to a Schengen country with a better understanding of a Schengen business visa and details related to it. It is important to refer to the guidelines mentioned in the article to ensure a seamless Schengen business visa application process. 

Ending with a friendly advice for you, go for travel insurance early if you wish to visit a Schengen country. Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement to enter the Schengen Area, through which you can get financial coverage for any unforeseen circumstances like loss of baggage, items, passport, medical emergencies while travelling etc.

So, do not forget to buy travel insurance and plan your hassle-free business trip to the Schengen Area!