updated at 11/11/2024
Business Schengen Visa to Germany
UK residents which aren't UK, EEA/EU or Swiss citizens planning business trips to Germany need to obtain a business Schengen visa through the German embassy or consulate.
While the visa permits entry to other Schengen countries, business activities are restricted to Germany unless additional permits are obtained. You must declare your planned business activities upon arrival in Germany.
Apply now for a hassle-free experience and focus on your business success in Germany.
15 Business Days
To get a visa
90 Days
To Stay
180 Days
Visa Validity
Multiple entries
Number of Entries
£77
Consulate Fee
Prevent the expense of missed business meetings
Avoid potential legal issues and fines
Maintain your company's reputation
Get confidence, that every traveler receives support
Business Activities Eligibility within Business Schengen Visa to Germany
Check if your planned business activities in Germany are eligible with the Schengen business visa.
Attending business meetings and conferences
In order to book an appointment as a participant in a conference you must be able to present a formal invitation from the conference organisers.
Participating in trade fairs and exhibitions
In order to book an appointment as trade fair exhibitor or visitor you must be able to present an exhibitor pass or a trade fair admission pass for trade fair in Germany.
Business negotiations and contract signing
Site visits and business consultations
Training sessions and workshops (attending, not conducting)
Board meetings and shareholder meetings
Market research and business development activities
Client meetings and business partner visits
Company internal meetings and workshops
Purchase or sale of goods for business purposes (subject to customs regulations)
Attending professional conferences and seminars
Business-related research activities
Prepare a formal invitation from your German academic hosts (university, research facility etc.) or hosting agreement (“Aufnahmevereinbarung”).
Documents Required
Completed and Printed Schengen visa application form (VIDEX)
Online form (VIDEX) available on the official website.
Proof of Address in UK
Proof that you live in UK. Could be any of the documents below:
Employment Letter
Confirming duration of employment, business relationship with German company, travel purpose, duration of business trip(s) and if applicable a guarantee that all travel expenses will be covered, including travel health insurance.
Payslips
A document that's given to you as an employee each payday.
Usually it demonstrates the total amount earned, deductions for things like tax, income from salary, hourly wages or commission.
Valid Original Passport
A document issued by the government to individuals.
Business Invitation Letter from German company
The German invitation letter is an essential requirement for Schengen business visa application to Germany.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance from the list of provided suppliers.
Proof of Accommodation
UK Residence permit (original) and UKVI outcome letter
If don't have a biometric residence card or it expires before 31 Decmber 2024, provide UKVI printout.
Biometric Passport Photos (original)
Follow the next guidelines:
Flight Itinerary
All applicants applying for a Schengen business visa to Germany, must provide a copy of their flight itinerary.
Application Process To-Do List
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for the German business visa application process for UK residents
Limitations of Schengen Business Visa to Germany
Geographic Business Restrictions
Despite Schengen visa allowing travel to other countries, business activities are strictly limited to Germany
Example
A business traveler attending a conference in Germany gets an impromptu invitation to a business meeting in Netherlands.
Consequence
Cannot legally participate in the Dutch business meeting without additional permits.
Violation can result in future visa rejections and potential fines.
Mitigation
Plan all business activities within Germany only
Apply for additional country-specific permits if cross-border business activities are anticipated
Limit activities in other Schengen countries to tourism only
90/180 Day Rule
3-day registration requirement often catches travelers off guard
Affects even short business stays
Significant fines for non-compliance
Example
A sales manager has multiple week-long trade shows in Germany over 6 months, and assumes each short trip is fine as long as individual trips are within limits.
Consequence
May unexpectedly hit the 90-day limit mid-trip due to cumulative calculation of previous stays.
Forced to leave immediately, missing crucial business events and risking future visa refusal.
Mitigation
Use official Schengen Calculator before planning each trip
Keep detailed log of all Schengen entries/exits
Business Activity Changes
Need to report changes to declared activities
Can't spontaneously engage in undeclared business activities
Affects ability to pursue unexpected opportunities
Example
Visa obtained for attending a trade fair, but opportunity arises to also conduct client meetings.
Consequence
Cannot legally engage in undeclared business activities, even if seemingly minor.
Violation of visa terms can result in immediate visa cancellation and future application impacts.
Mitigation
Declare broad enough scope of activities initially
Document new business necessity with supporting evidence
Contact Ausländerbehörde for emergency appointment
Get written confirmation from German business partner
Maintain detailed records of all business activities
Please note that VisaDoc LTD. is not an affiliate of any official government service, embassy, or any government department.
VisaDoc LTD is a data resource and doesn't provide legal advice.
We strongly recommend to check the information provided by the official websites.
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