Austria Business Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

To visit Austria for the purpose of involving in business-related activities such as conferences, meetings, fairs, contracts, etc, you require a business visa, Being a type of short term Schengen visa (C), this is also known as the Austria Schengen Business Visa. The permit is valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, similar to other Schengen visas, people belonging to Schengen countries, and other visa-exempt countries for Austria do not require this.

The application for the business permit is done offline. Before starting the application, it is necessary to determine if this is the right type for you. Check this by finding the eligibility criteria. Once you are eligible, you may proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Get the relevant documents required as per the embassy.
2. Download the application form from the Austrian embassy website. The form is the same for all the Visa C categories. You will only have to mention the purpose of the visit in the required column.
3. Fill in your details, affix passport size photos, and sign at the respective places in the form.
4. Book a visa appointment at the Austrian embassy or a visa application centre (VAC) as per your convenience for the document and biometric submission. 
5. Visit the respective VAC or the embassy for your document and biometric submission, along with your documents. You will also have to pay the fees to complete the application. 

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics at a VAC in the past 5 years, you are not required to submit it again. Also, keep in mind that you will have to submit the application in-person or via a travel agent. Sending them by post is not a permissible option.

Ensure that you submit only the original documents, as well as the right information on the form. False information and fake documents can easily get your visa application rejected. A visa rejection can definitely affect your future travel. 

• You must be present in India while applying in India. If you are on a resident permit in another country, you may be able to apply for a visa at an embassy over there. 
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, 
• Your sole purpose of the visit has to take part in business activities.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the country.
• You should have travel insurance  
• You should be able to prove that you will return to India once your visa is expired. 
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Austria is your only destination, or
  2. Austria is one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of the travel period in Austria, or, you are spending equal time in all the other destinations where Austria is your port of entry.

As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents required for the application - 

1. Original Passport - Valid 6 months after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages
2. Two Photos - 80% Face size, White background, Matt finish, 35x45 mm, without smile
3. Cover letter - Mentioning all travel details. Who bears expenses etc… (If self employed then
the cover letter is required on company letter head with seal and signature of the company)
4. Air ticket - Blocked (Do not confirmed your air tickets before visa decision)
5. Cancellable hotel bookings - Accommodation proof
6. Itinerary - Day to day wise Itinerary
7. Original last 6 months bank statements with seal and signature of the bank
8. Last 3 years Income tax returns acknowledgement page
9. Leave sanction letter from company with seal and signature
10. Travel Insurance - 30,000/- euros Coverage required

11. Profession proof -

If employee - Last 3 months salary slips + Leave sanction letter
If self employed - GST Registration certificate / MOA / Shop act / Partnership deed
If Retired - retirement letter / Last 6 months original pension bank account statements
If Student - ID card / Bonafide certificate / NOC

12. If Family / Friend visit -

1. Invitation letter from Invitee
2. Passport copy of Invitee
3. PR / Visa copy of Invitee
4. Address proof of Invitee (Electricity bill / Water bill or Rent agreement)

13. If Business visit -

● Invitation letter from Invitee organization (Mentioning all the details with name & passport number)
● Identity proof of Invitee (If any)

14. Duly filled Visa application form with signature
15. Appointment letter

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy a central position in the photo
• It must have been captured in the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Thin-framed and prescription glasses are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The processing time for the Austrian business permit depends on several factors such as the number of entries, express processing, the volume of applications at the embassy, previous travel history, and so on. However, normally, you should be able to get your visa within 15 working days. Since last moment visas can get quite a trouble, it is suggested to apply for the permit well in advance.

The fees for this type varies according to the entry type, express processing charges, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges, It is recommended to check the exact fees before applying.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive the business permit as per the processing time. In the special cases that the embassy requires additional verification or documentation, you may have to visit the embassy or VAC again. 

You can check the status of your visa in a few different ways. You can directly enter your application reference number and name at the portal on the VAC website, or you can contact the embassy directly via email or call to check the status. You can also receive SMS updates from the VAC regarding the application. If you have applied through a travel agency, you can ask them to check the status for you.

On receipt of your tourist permit, keep in mind the following points to ensure a hassle-free trip. 

• Please be aware of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries. You cannot stay back in the country beyond this period.
• You must travel to the country within 6 months of your visa issue date or as per the validity determined by the embassy.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa with you while you are in the country.
• While you are on a business permit, you cannot take part in professional or work-related activities. You also are prohibited from selling goods to the public.
• You must abide by the Austrian laws.