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Schengen Business Visa
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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. Along with this, having Schengen travel insurance is a must to ensure a smooth and secure trip.
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.
What is a Schengen Business Visa for Indians?
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.
Types of Schengen Business Visa for Indians
A Schengen business visa comes in three types. So you can apply for either of them based on the requirements in the Schengen country. A vital requirement for applying for a Schengen business visa is obtaining international travel insurance. Detailed information on these types is provided below.
Single-Entry
You can apply for a single-entry Schengen business visa if your travel plans to the Schengen country are limited to a short-stay (Visa C) one. This type of visa allows you to enter the Schengen country only once. It means you cannot re-enter the Schengen Area with the same visa.
Double-Entry
A double-entry Schengen business visa allows you to enter a Schengen country twice within the same validity period. Hence, you can apply for this type of visa when you can sort out your travel plans within two visits to the country in the stipulated time.
Multiple-Entry
With a multiple-entry Schengen business visa, you can enter a Schengen country multiple times within the same validity period of your visa. These are issued based on the requirements of your visit to the Schengen country, which can only be fulfilled with your multiple visits.
Validity of Schengen Business Visa for Indians
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.
Schengen Business Visa Types | Validity of Visa | Schengen Business Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
Single-Entry | 180 days | 90 days |
Double-Entry | 180 days | 90 days |
Multiple-Entry | 180 days. Can be extended up to 5 years. | 90 days |
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.
Fees of Schengen Business Visa for Indians
Given below is a comprehensive table mentioning the Schengen business visa fees according to the types of visas available.
Schengen Business Visa Types | Validity of Visa | Schengen Business Visa Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
Single-Entry | 180 days | 90 days | €80 or Rs. 7,243.79 for adults, €40 or Rs. 3,621.89 for children (6-12 years), free for children below 6 years. |
Double-Entry | 180 days | 90 days | €80 or Rs. 7,243.79 for adults, €40 or Rs. 3,621.89 for children (6-12 years), free for children below 6 years. |
Multiple-Entry | 180 days. Can be extended up to 5 years. | 90 days | €80 or Rs. 7,243.79 for adults, €40 or Rs. 3,621.89 for children (6-12 years), free for children below 6 years. |
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.
Eligibility of Schengen Business Visa for Indians
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 be an Indian citizen, holding a valid Indian passport.
You must have an Indian passport, issued within the last 10 years of your stay in Schengen country and should be valid after a minimum of 3 months of your visit to the Schengen Area.
The primary purpose of your visit to the Schengen country must be to engage in business activities.
You have the supporting documents depicting your stay in the country.
You must provide the necessary medical documents to meet the health requirements.
You have sufficient funds to afford your expenses.
You have the supporting documents to show your travel insurance.
Documents Required for Work Visa for Indians
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:
You must have a valid Indian passport, which should be valid up to a minimum of 6 months after you visit the Schengen country, with a minimum of three blank pages for visa stamps.
A duly filled Schengen business visa application form.
Return flight tickets.
Last three months' salary slips.
Bank statements of the last six months.
Income Tax Returns (ITR).
A cover letter mentioning all your travel details for the entire duration of your stay in the country.
Supporting documents to prove your stay in the country.
Travel insurance documents.
Invitation letter from the company located in the Schengen Area with whom you would engage in business, stating the dates of your entry and exit from the country.
The bank statements of your company for the last six months.
If your journey is sponsored by your company, you need to provide a letter from your employer confirming the same.
A letter mentioning the profile of your company.
Documents Required Required for a Single-Entry Visa
Travel itinerary, mentioning the requirement of your visit to the Schengen country once.
Documents Required Required for a Double-Entry Visa
Supporting documents to show a valid reason to visit the Schengen country twice.
Documents Required Required for a Multiple-Entry Visa
Supporting documents to show a valid reason to visit the Schengen country multiple times.
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:
Two identical passport-size photographs, taken within the last 6 months of your visa application.
80% of your face should be visible, showing your eyes, and ears clearly without wearing any glasses or any religious headgear
Coloured passport-size photo with a white background.
Your clothing in the photograph should not match the background.
Dimensions of the photo should be 35mm in width x 45 mm in height.
How to Apply for a Schengen Business Visa for Indians?
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.
Processing Time for Schengen Business Visa for Indians
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.
Why Does a Schengen Business Visa Get Rejected?
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.
If you have criminal records in the past, it can create strong grounds for the rejection of your visa application. It is because they would consider you as a threat to their country.
If you provide any incorrect/ incomplete information or unclear photographs, it can lead to the rejection of your application.
If you provide an invalid or damaged passport, documents, reference letters or invitation letters.
Poor health conditions can also lead to the rejection of your visa application.
Your inability to provide sufficient documents can also be responsible for the rejection of your business visa application.
Lack of funds can create a strong ground for the rejection of your visa instantly. So make sure to have sufficient funds when travelling to the country to afford your expenses.
What to Do If My Schengen Business Visa Gets Rejected?
In case your Schengen Business visa gets rejected, you can consider referring to the following tips given below to rectify your mistakes.
You can reapply for a Schengen Business visa for Indians within 15 days of its rejection, following the same procedure. However, you need to ensure not repeating the mistakes you made previously that led to its rejection.
You can also consider contacting the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you wish to visit within 15 days of your visa rejection to confirm the reasons for your visa rejection.
You must make sure to provide a completely filled visa application form not leaving any blank spaces, and double-check all the information you fill in the form.
You must follow the latest guidelines from the official website and upload all the required documents along with your recent photograph.
Final Words
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the commonly asked questions regarding a Schengen business visa.
Which countries are included in the Schengen Area?
Counties included in the Schengen Area are Italy, Iceland, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Norway, Malta, Finland, Luxembourg, Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Latvia, France, Belgium, Slovenia and Slovakia.
What is a Schengen Short-Stay business visa?
A Schengen short-stay business visa allows you to stay within the jurisdiction of a Schengen country for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days. It is also called a C-type visa.
Will I get a refund if my Schengen business visa application is rejected?
No, the Schengen business visa fee is non-refundable, and hence you will not get a refund if your application is rejected on any grounds.
How early should I apply for a Schengen business visa?
You can apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. However, it is better to apply well in advance, for example around 3 months before the due travel date to avoid any unnecessary delays or risks of rejection.
Is it possible to cancel the interview appointment for my Schengen business visa?
Yes, you can cancel and reschedule your visa interview appointment only two times. Also, the service charges will not be refunded after the cancellation of your visa appointment.
Is there any application fee for children below six years of age?
No, there is no application fee charged for children below six years of age.
Is it possible to extend my stay with a Schengen business visa?
You can extend your stay in the Schengen country on valid grounds by visiting the nearest immigration office and informing them about the same. They can start legal procedures to extend the duration of your stay. Also, without a valid reason, you may be required to leave the country immediately.
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