Business Visa Germany

Business Visa Germany

We help you apply for a German Business Visa.

The Business Visa is a short term visa. Short term visas are any visas that are valid for under 90 days. The Business Visa is a form of a Schengen Visa and allows third-nation nationals that are not part of a visa waiver program to enter Germany for 90 days within 180 days to take part in business related activities like client meetings or attending conferences.

When seeking a business visa, our lawyers are happy to provide you with advice on exactly what to do. Contact us today to get connected with one of our expert German immigration lawyers.

Application Requirements

For your application appointment at the German embassy, you should bring the following documents:

  • a valid passport,
  • a completed application form,
  • affidavit about the accuracy of the information,
  • a set of two photos,
  • proof of health insurance, which is valid for the whole Schengen Zone,
  • travel itinerary,
  • confirmation of accommodation (either booking receipts or invitations from Friends or family),
  • proof of financial means/employment (e.g. copies of bank statements),
  • business references.

Further documents that may be required are:

  • For stays over 30 days: a complete schedule of business meetings,
  • For consultancy work: the invitation letter from a business partner or client,
  • a company registration certificate,
  • a certificate of association.

Extending a Business Visa

Under certain circumstances it is possible to extend a Business Visa. Many of the initial requirements (see above) have to be fulfilled again (for example photographs, application form, proof of income and health insurance) and additionally the applicant has to have a valid reason to apply for an extension.

These reasons are:

  • Late entry: One of the most common reasons is, that the applicant entered the Schengen Zone after his visa already started. This can be a valid reason to extend the visa.
  • Humanitarian reasons: These are given, if the applicant or their family members experiences hardship in the Schengen Zone, if the applicant needs to complete medical treatment or attend a funeral for example.
  • Events beyond the applicants control: Those can be natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or unsafe situations that are arising in the home country. In these cases the visa can be extended until the situation calms down.
  • If none of the above reasons apply, the applicant can still argue his personal reasons in an interview with the authorities, who will ultimately decide whether the reason is valid.

Furthermore, an extension application has to be handed in before the visa expires. Our lawyers are happy to help you apply for a Business Visa or Business Visa extension and assist you during the whole process.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Visa

No, the Business Visa is a form of a Schengen Visa and is applicable only for short-term stays. The Entrepreneur Visa according to § 21 of the Residence Act is a long term residence permit for entrepreneurs to come to Germany and start a business.

Processing time is up to two weeks but can take longer if authorities decide to investigate further.

The suspicion of false documents can, but does not have to be the reason for longer processing times Applying with false documents likely leads to the refusal of the Business Visa and further consequences.  

The application fee is about 60 € 

The Business Visa is a short-term visa; it is not possible to set up a business on this visa. If you are looking to build a business in Germany, consider applying for an Entrepreneur Visa.  

You can choose whether you require single, double or multi-entry. However, bear in mind: the maximum stay is 90 days within 180 days.  

Contact us now

„Business Immigration Germany – by Schlun & Elseven“ is a website for all matters of Business Immigration from all over the world to Germany by the renowned German Law firm Schlun & Elseven. Due to our extensive experience in German residence and work permits, family reunification and various immigration cases, we can offer full-service legal advice and comprehensive support you can trust. 

Don’t hesitate to use our contact form. Our lawyers are happy to help you figure out the best way to approach your business immigration process now.

Locations & Office Times

Mo – Fr: 09:00 – 19:00
24h Contact: 0221 93295960
Email: info@se-legal.de
Appointments made by telephone only.

Business Immigration Germany
Düsseldorf

Düsseldorfer Str. 70
40545 Düsseldorf
Tel: +49 211 171 8280
Fax: 0221 932959669

Business Immigration Germany
Cologne

Kyffhäuserstr. 45
50674 Cologne
Tel: +49 221 93295960
Fax: 0221 932959669

Business Immigration Germany
Aachen

Von-Coels-Str. 214
52080 Aachen
Tel: +49 241 4757140
Fax: 0241 47571469

Locations & Office Times

Mo – Fr: 09:00 – 19:00

24h Contact: 0221 93295960

Conference Rooms

Berlin 10785, Potsdamer Platz 10

Hamburg 20354, Neuer Wall 63

München 80339, Theresienhöhe 28

Frankfurt 60314, Hanauer Landstrasse 291 B