How to file a Schengen (C-Visa) visa application and what are the requirements?

A Schengen visa issued by a Schengen Area member country allows free movement to its holder within the European Union Schengen Member States as well as the EFTA Schengen members for business and private reasons.

A Schengen visa can be recognized by the stamped category which is C-Visa in this case. In comparison to a D-Visa, a Schengen visa is only issued to cover a short term stay and usually also does not grant to work in Germany.

Depending on the circumstances a Schengen visa can be either issued as a single or a multi entry visa.

As Schengen does not need to be collected if the applicant is a national of one of those states that are exempted from the visa requirements (such as USA, Canada, Japan, Israel etc).

To obtain a Schengen visa for business purposes, the applicant needs to approach the relevant German consulate within his jurisdiction (central place of living and working) and provide the consulate with documentation and proof on

  1. His living location
  2. His employment or self-employment in his living country
  3. The requirements for the travel
  4. His intentions to return to his living country after the task is completed
  5. Sufficient funds / income to cover the costs of the trip
  6. A full health insurance coverage for the time of the trip.

Additional documents might have to be provided on request of the consulates.

In regard to number 3, an employee traveling for his company should at least provide a side letter from his employer, confirming the employment situation, explaining the business situation and the requirement for the trip (travel details like traveling dates, locations people / companies to meet) and confirming that the employee will not productively work in Germany. It also needs to be made clear that the employee will return to his work place after the business discussions in Europe. In addition, the letter should also confirm that the company will cover all costs of the trip.

In addition, if possible, an invitation letter from the client(s) or at least some general documentation on the background should be provided, so the consulate can understand that the purpose is really given.

Once all documents are handed in, the visa processing itself will usually only take 3-4 days.

Should the consulate be convinced by the circumstances described the applicant will then recieve the Visa as a stamp in his passport.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need additional information or support with your company C- or D-visa-processing.

Dwyer Legal Law Firm, Schwanthalerstr 13, Aufgang IV, 80336 Munich

Tel: +49 (0)89 24 88 14 310, www.dwyer-legal.com

Note: Information provided in this Knowledge Database is for orientation only and not binding.