Germany Business Visa for Indian Nationals 

Germany is one of the best countries in the world to set up a business or invest in one. The country is the 4th largest economy in the world and offers strong legal protection for innovations and ideas. Moreover, the German government provides several incentive programmes for entrepreneurs who want to expand their preexisting businesses. However, to engage in business activities in Germany you need to obtain a German visa. A German business visa is a short-stay visa or a Schengen visa. This visa is also called a C visa. In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about the Germany business visa.

What is a Germany Business Visa?

Foreigners who want to work in Germany need to obtain a Germany business visa. The Schengen Short Stay Visa or C visa is a Germany business visa. You need to obtain this visa to enter Germany, stay, and engage in business for up to 90 days within 6 months. A business activity would refer to starting a business, attending meetings, dealing with business contacts, etc.

Who Needs a Germany Business Visa?

The business visa requirement is based on the nationality of the applicant. At present, the visa waiver program includes 62 countries. Nationals from these countries do not need to apply for a Schengen visa. All other countries will have to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa. This includes Indian nationals.

Learn all about Germany study visa

Germany Business Visa Requirements 

The German short-stay visa is given for other purposes as well. You must meet all these requirements for a smooth visa application process.

• Fill out the short-stay visa application form 
• Submit a declaration of the accuracy of the information
• You also need to submit 2 photographs of yourself that is not older than 2 months 
• A valid passport that is not older than 10 years. You must also have 1 blank page to affix the visa sticker
• Provide 1 copy of the passport’s data page 
• Apart from this, you also need to get travel health insurance of at least EUR 30,000. This insurance must cover the entire Schengen area and not just Germany
• Accommodation proof for the entire duration of stay. This can be a hotel booking or a letter of invitation by a German host.
• Provide proof of civil status. This can be your marriage certificate, the death certificate of your spouse, the birth certificate of your children, etc.
• Submit proof of finances– Employed persons can submit last 3 month’s payslips or the employment contract. Those who are self-employed can submit a Certificate of Proprietorship or any other proof of ownership. For example, proof of land title, agricultural income, etc
• Submit the last 3 months’ bank statements of your business and business references 
• Get an invitation letter from a business partner in Germany in German or English 
• Along with this, you need to submit a detailed business meeting schedule (for stays over 30 days)
• A company cover letter that includes the entire travel plan or itinerary. The letter must include details of the invitee, the purpose of the trip, the dates of the trip, the business meeting schedule and other information.
• The Incorporation of the company certificate 

Ensure that you have photocopies of each of these documents. The embassy can ask you to submit additional documents if applicable.

Application Process for Germany Business Visa 

The Germany business visa application is the same for all visa types. You can apply for a Schengen short-stay visa 6 months to 3 weeks before the date of your travel. You must apply for the trip at a Consulate or Embassy in Germany.

• First, gather the essential documents for the visa application. You can download the official checklist below.
• Ensure that the photos meet the biometric requirements. Click here to download the biometric requirements for a Germany business visa
• Fill out the visa application form, print out, and sign the same along with all the other documents. The visa application form must be in accordance with the VIDEX format. The printout of the barcode must be of high quality 
• Next, print out and sign the declaration forms.(The declaration on health insurance, declaration on true and complete information, and declaration on additional contact and legal representation information
• Schedule an appointment for the visa application form submission and submit these documents at a visa application centre. 
• Pay the Germany business visa application fee 
• Your application will be forwarded to the German Consulate General Mumbai
• A decision on your application will be made, and you will be informed of the same 

Click here to download the checklist for German business visa application

Watch this video to learn more about Germany visa application process 

Credit: @WorldofVeshali

Germany Business Visa Fee

The Germany Short Stay visa or business visa fee is as follows. The visa fee payment can be made in the local currency according to the current exchange rate. However, the fees will not be reimbursed even if the visa application is rejected. The visa fees are subject to change anytime.

Particulars	Fee
Germany Business Visa Fee	€90

How much bank balance is required for a Germany business visa?

A minimum bank balance needs to be maintained to obtain the visa. The minimum requirement is 7,300 INR (€80) for each day of stay. Proof of other financial resources must be presented, For example, a job offer letter, or a letter from a sponsor. The exact documentation needed as proof of finances can be viewed in the checklist provided.

Click here to learn about the cost of living in Germany 

Processing Time for Germany Business Visa 

The Germany business visa processing time is as follows. Due to the time taken, it is suggested that you submit ther visa application at least 3 weeks prior to the date of travel. The visa application processing can take longer or can be delayed in certain circumstances. For example, the embassy receiving too many applications at the same time.

Particulars	Processing Time (working days)
Germany Business Visa Processing Time	10-15 days

Read this Detailed Guide for Part Time Jobs in Germany

Germany Business Visa Validity

The business visa validity depends on the embassy that has issued the visa. The embassy can issue two types of visa. 

• Single Entry:  A single entry visa allows you to enter the country and stay there for several days. For example, 10 days.
• Multiple entry visa: This visa is given to those who want to enter the country multiple times in a given period. For example, 1st January to 1st May.  The condition is that you cannot overstay the permitted number of days. For example, 20 days. A multiple-entry visa can be obtained for 1 year period as well. In such cases, you must ensure that you do not violate the 90-day per 6-month rule. 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what is a germany business visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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