TL;DR
A Schengen business visa from the UK is the same short-stay visa applied for a work purpose. Apply through the centre for your main destination, adding an invitation letter from the host company, an employer letter, and proof of funds. The fixed facts are unchanged:
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Visa fee (child 6–12) | €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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