A business visa to Germany is a permit issued by entrepreneurs, journalists, business travelers, international drivers, and others. In other words, we are talking about a business trip for work or for conducting business activities.
Types and purposes of obtaining
A business visa to Germany can be short-term (Schengen) and long-term (national). The decision is made taking into account the goals of the planned train and the length of stay in the country. The traveler is entitled to receive one of the following types of German visa:
Schengen
This option is suitable for international drivers, journalists, representatives of official delegations, and train drivers. A Schengen permit is issued only if a person plans to visit several countries. If the work will be carried out only in Germany, a national visa will be required. In a situation where a person is sent to the country for short-term work or as part of a delegation, the maximum time spent in the country should not exceed 90 days. Schengen is also issued during a business trip, when it is planned to conduct negotiations, sign contracts, or meet future (present) partners.
National
Sometimes a German business visa implies a trip for a longer period. The reason could be research, internship, or business. In all cases, a person plans to stay in the country for more than 3 months within six months. It may be difficult to obtain such a stamp for a train to Germany due to stringent requirements from the Consulate.
To avoid time delays before applying for a business visa to Germany, it is important to determine the goals and timing of the trip, because further steps depend on this.
How much does a German business visa cost
An important issue when obtaining a business visa to Germany is the price. Much depends on the timing of the trip. Consider two options:
Schengen registration. In such circumstances, it is necessary to pay a consular fee of 35 € for the standard regime or 70 € for the fast track.
National visa. A long-term residence permit in Germany for business and business purposes is more expensive – 75 €. Persons under 18 pay half the price (35 €).
Money is transferred at the cash desk and only in rubles at the rate of the German Consulate on the day of payment. Available forms of payment are cash or bank cards.
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What you need to get a German visa: a list of documents
The biggest problems are associated with the bureaucratic component, namely the collection of documents for obtaining a business visa to Germany. To successfully solve the problem, you must have with you:
Invitation
This is a mandatory document when applying for a German business visa. If an employee of the Consulate is not satisfied with the reason for the trip, he has the right to refuse. For example, participation in an exhibition or forum is not a reason for obtaining a business visa. The invitation is filled out on the official letterhead of the inviting company with the contact details of the organization, information from the guest’s passport, information about the place of work and the date of travel, the basis for entry, expenses, and other data.
Business visa to Germany
Extract from the Business visa to Germany: invitation (copy). The document is not required if a world-famous company acts as the inviting party. Otherwise, it is necessary to prove that the company operates legally in Germany.
Passports
Passports (copies) of the parties who signed the invitation. The signature of an authorized person is required.
International passport (old or new type). Validity period – from 3 months. The countdown starts from the day of returning home. There should be two or more blank pages.
Application form
The set of documents for a business visa to Germany includes a questionnaire filled in online and in Latin. The document is printed and sent with the rest of the packet. In the printed application form, you must sign three times with a ballpoint pen.
Photos
Two-color photos. Dimensions 3.5×4.5 cm. Made no later than six months before the transfer. Requirements – 70-80% is occupied by the face, matte photographic paper, neutral facial expressions.
income
Help from the employer. It is drawn up on the letterhead of the company, containing the position, term of work, amount of income.
Financial guarantees. A bank statement is presented. The account must be from 60 € and more based on the day of stay in the country. The certificate must be “fresh” – no more than a month.
Processing time for a business visa to Germany
The time it takes to obtain a business travel permit depends on the type of permit and the workload of the Consulate representatives. In the case of Schengen, the process takes no more than 10 days for a regular visa and three days for an express visa. In a situation with a national permit, it will take longer. The issuance of a German long-term business visa takes up to seven to eight weeks. The degree of readiness of the permit can be controlled at the office of the Visa Center
Validity
As noted, the time spent in the country (within a year) on a German business visa is up to three months for Schengen and up to six months for a national permit. Concerning the general period of validity of the stamp, it can be up to 3-5 years. When obtaining a long-term visa to Germany, a person must, upon arrival in the country, appear at the department dealing with the affairs of foreign citizens and obtain their approval. The authority makes decisions on the extension of the period of stay in the country, if necessary.
