travel-or-do-business-in-schengen-countries
A frequent traveller can tell you that applying for a Schengen visa is more complex than it sounds. It is because there are various visa types and distinct travel purposes when applying for a Schengen Visa.
Generally, the Schengen Visa application process is the same regardless of the reason for traveling. However, the documents that you submit may differ slightly. But the rules like making flight reservations before flying and submission of dummy documents while the process is ongoing are the same for everyone.
In this blog, we will discuss the fundamental distinctions between traveling for business purposes and tourism. Also, we will share with you why applying for a tourist visa is preferable when traveling for business purposes.
So, let’s begin with fundamental visa guidance!
Schengen Visa Guidance: Travel & Business
The documents mandatory for a visa application are the same for every visa category. So, whether you opt for a student, work, travel, or business visa, you must submit mandatory and supporting documents like a dummy ticket for Schengen visa, hotel booking, travel insurance, etc. But if you want to travel to Schengen areas on your tourist visa and plan for a business, you must read our fundamental distinctions.
The common reasons people apply for tourist and business visas are discussed in detail below.
Taking A Trip For Tourism
Tourism is one of the most popular reasons people go to the Schengen Zone. When people travel for tourism, they often want to try traditional foods, see tourist sites, or even explore public cultural events and collect ideas for business opportunities in the country. The duration for staying in the Schengen area with a tourist visa is 90 days, however you can always extend it according to your plans and visa eligibility.
Going On A Business Trip
You must apply for a Schengen Visa to travel for work. With this visa, you can only go into the country for business. For business reasons, you might have a job interview, go to a seminar for your present job, or meet with other businesses in one of the Schengen Countries.
The Schengen business visa is only suitable for two weeks instead of 90 days. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to know about business Schengen Visa eligibility before applying. Also, in some cases it depends on the dates you put on your entry form.
Necessary Documents For Schengen Business And Travel Visa
Whether you apply for a business visa or travel visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Schengen visa application form. The application form is the same for all visa categories.
- Payment receipt for visa application. (The fee for application is the same for every visa category. However, it differs in currency rate as to from which country the applicant is applying).
- Valid passport with blank pages. (If you are a frequent traveller then submit your previous passport copies).
- Two or three recent passport size photographs. The photos must meet Schengen visa requirements.
- Dummy ticket or flight booking for Schengen visa with round trip details.
- Travel insurance for Schengen areas that offers coverage of at least $50,000 only. As Schengen areas have set limits for travel insurance packages, ensure that you book packages that meet Schengen visa requirements.
- Proof of accommodation with complete details of staying in the country.
These mandatory documents are the same whether you apply for a business or tourist visa. However, the two supporting documents that differ are as follows:
- Cover Letter. When you write a cover letter for the business visa application, you must mention details of your purpose of planning business in the Schengen area, when you will return, what benefits and opportunities the business will bring to the country, and convince the officer that you will not indulge in illegal acts, etc.
Whereas for the traveler visa, you must mention your trip details, how you will spend vacations, why you select the specific country for tourism, etc.
In both cases, the cover letter must be ambiguity free.
- NOC Letter. It is mandatory for student, business, and work visas. So when you apply for a Schengen Business Visa, you must submit a NOC Letter, which is generated by the legal authorities as proof that the applicant is serious about the business activities in the country.
- Invitation Letter: For a business visa, along with the NOC Letter, the applicant is required to submit an invitation letter from the partner company in the Schengen Zone. This letter should look like a request for meetings or other important events.
Getting these documents is more demanding than the normal documents for a Schengen Visa. So prepare your documents for the visa application and apply for the visa at least six months before your departure date: before your flight reservation for Schengen visa. After applying for the visa, keep an eye on the portal for upcoming notifications regarding the visa application.
