austria business visa

Austria Business Visa - Definitive Guide

Austria is among the richest countries in terms of GDP per capita. With a large chunk of the GDP accounting for manufacturing and tourism, as well as the service industries, there are platforms for any foreigners to establish business or quite possibly, consider business options in Austria. To do this, however, you will require the Austria Business Visa.

What is an Austria Business Visa?

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.

How to apply for Austria Business Visa?

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. 

Eligibility for Austria Business Visa

  • 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.

Documents required for Austria Business Visa

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

  • A valid passport 
  • Covering letter mentioning the purpose and duration of the visit, along with personal details
  • Travel itinerary for the business trip 
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Confirmed round flight tickets
  • Invitation letter from the Austrian company/organization stating the details of the travel, applicant and company profile, etc
  • Travel insurance covering expenses up to 30000 Euros
  • Proof of occupation 
  • Financial documents 

Photo specification

  • 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

Austria Business Visa processing time

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.

Austria Business visa fees

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.

Entry Stay Duration Validity Fees
Single entry Normal 90 days 3 months 8940.0
Single entry Normal 90 days 3 months 8940.0

After submission

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. 

How to check visa status

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.

When you have this visa

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I extend my Austria Business Visa?

You cannot extend your visa in normal scenarios.  The business visa, being a form of the short term visa, are non-extendable. However, under extreme circumstances such as unforeseeable situations in the home country, medical reasons, etc, you may be granted an extension. For this, you would have to visit the immigration office in Austria.

After expiring my Austria Schengen Business Visa, how long can I stay?

You are not permitted to stay in the country after your visa expiry. You are expected to leave before the day the permit expires. In case you stay back, it is considered as an offence, and you will be subjected to penal actions and deportation. Apart from this, your travel history will severely be affected. However, you can try for a visa extension if you really wish to stay in the country.

What is the medical test for Austria Business Visa?

Similar to other short term Schengen visas, there are no specific health requirements to be met. However, if you are applying for other long term permits, you may require additional medical test reports and so on. Although, it is a fairly obvious option to get a checkup done for your health safety before flying.

Can I convert my Austria Schengen Business Visa into a tourist visa?

No, there is no provision for conversion of a short term visa into another type. At a point in time, you can only possess one visa. Either way, even though the business visa is for business-related purposes, it does not stop you from taking part in tourist activities. As a result, you do not require another tourist visa.

 

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