| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Visa fee (child 6 to 11) | €45 |
| Visa fee (child under 6) | Free |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in any rolling 180-day period |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases) |
| Travel insurance, minimum cover | €30,000 |
| Passport | Issued within 10 years; valid 3+ months beyond your trip |
| Member states | 29 countries |
What "business visa" actually means
There is no separate visa type, it's the standard short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa with "business" selected as the purpose. The fee, insurance and processing are the same; what changes is the supporting documents.
Documents, the business add-ons
On top of the standard Schengen document set:
| Add-on | Why |
|---|---|
| Invitation letter from the host company | States the dates, purpose and who covers costs, see invitation letter |
| UK employer letter | Confirms your role, that the trip is work, and your return-to-work date |
| Proof of funding | Whether you, your employer or the host pays |
| UK residence proof + return ties | You still apply as a UK resident |
Who pays, and proof of funds
Make the funding explicit. If your employer or the host company covers the trip, include a letter saying so; otherwise show your own money. There's no single fixed figure, it depends on trip length and the destination consulate. Provide bank statements for the last 3 months as standard evidence and budget for accommodation and food, see bank statement requirements.
Where to lodge it
Apply to your main destination, where the meetings or work happen, or where you'll spend the most nights (see which country to apply to). That country's operator handles it; Poland and Luxembourg are applied for at their London embassy. If you travel for work often, ask about a multiple-entry visa.
Practical steps
- Get the invitation letter from the host company early.
- Book the appointment through your destination's operator, slots are scarce before summer (see getting an appointment).
- Gather documents, including the business add-ons.
- Attend for biometrics and submit.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator, your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor, assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before you submit? Our done-for-you Schengen service reviews your whole application; see what's inside the price. Start at the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
Is there a separate Schengen business visa?
It's the same short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa, applied for with a business purpose. You select 'business' as the reason on the form and add business-specific documents, chiefly an invitation from the host company, but the fee, insurance and processing rules are identical to a tourist application.
- 02
What documents do I need for a Schengen business trip from the UK?
The standard set plus business documents: an invitation letter from the host company in the Schengen country (with dates and purpose), a letter from your UK employer confirming your role and the trip, and proof of who is funding it. Your UK residence proof and return ties still matter.
- 03
Who pays for a Schengen business visa, me or my employer?
Either, but it must be clear. If your employer or the host company covers costs, include a letter stating so; otherwise show your own funds. There's no single fixed daily figure, it depends on trip length and the destination consulate. Bank statements for the last 3 months are standard.
- 04
Where do I apply for a Schengen business visa from the UK?
Through the visa centre for your main destination, where the meetings or work take place, or where you'll spend the most time. That country's operator (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS or GVC) handles it; Poland and Luxembourg are applied for at their London embassy.
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