Planning a trip to Europe with your friends, family or colleagues? Then opt for a business visa, as it will allow all of you to spend more time exploring the cities and countries of your choice. The best part is that, while business class offers you a whole new experience of travelling and sightseeing, it also leaves you with a good sum of money in your pocket at the end of your trip.

The Schengen area is one of the most popular destinations for business travelers. With visa-free travel, a wide range of flight options, and a consolidated border, the Schengen zone can make traveling more attractive than ever before. The European Union (EU) has developed a single EU-wide visa policy to facilitate international mobility for both EU and non-EU citizens seeking business opportunities in Europe.

Business Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for Business Purposes

A business visa is an authorization of the designated country/countries of destination within the Schengen Area issued to the citizens of countries that have mandatory visa requirements from the Schengen Zone with the sole purpose of doing business in the EU.

The holder of this type of visa is not required to have the citizenship of the designated country in order to follow their business agenda yet such an authorization has its limitations as well.

What Documents are Required When Applying for a Business Schengen Visa?

The following documents are required for a Business Schengen visa application:

• Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
• Two recently taken photos must be attached. Both photos must be taken within the last three months, according to the Schengen visa photo requirements.
• A valid passport. It should valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).
• Round trip reservation or itinerary  It must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area. You can use the visa consultation services like this one. These guys can handle most of your business visas mandatory requirements such as flight itineraries, and hotel reservations along with free consultation over email.
• Travel insurance policy. A document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency such as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death. The insurance policy accepted by the EU Authorities when applying for a business visa can easily be purchased online from AXA Schengen or Europ Assistance.
• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will be accommodated throughout your stay in Schengen. This could be a hotel booking, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying.
• Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially during your Business trip to Europe. This can be one of the following:
  • Bank account statement – that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.
  • Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
  • A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.

• Proof of paid visa fee.
• Cover letter. Explaining the purpose of the visit to the Schengen country.
• A short profile of the applicant’s working place.
• Letter from employer. Meticulously describing the purpose of the travel as well as the itinerary of the days spend within the Schengen zone.
• Invitation letter. Written by the partner company in the Schengen zone, faxed also to the corresponding consulate. This letter has to appear as an invitation to attend meetings or other relevant events matching trade, industry or work.
• Proof of financial means. It must be stated either in the employer’s letter or the partner company’s invitation that one of both parties will be covering the applicant’s travel expenses during his/her stay in the Schengen Zone.
• If there were previous trade relations between the two companies proof of such an event.
• For employees:
  • Employment contract.
  • Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
  • Leave permission from the employer.