Czech Republic Business Visa - Definitive Guide

People looking to enter the Czech Republic for the purpose of performing business activities require a business permit. Falling under the short term C category of the Schengen visa, the Czech business visa is issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180 day period. Issued as single entry type, double-entry, and multiple entries, this permit allows you to move throughout the Schengen region. However, in some cases, you may be given a Limited Territory Validity (LTV) visa where you will only be able to visit specific Schengen state(s).

As per the Czech Republic business visa requirements for Indian citizens, the process is done offline. Before applying, you must check if you are eligible to apply for this. If you are, you may proceed to make the application as follows -  

1. Obtain all the necessary documents for your visa category.
2. Fill in your details in the application form. You can do this offline by downloading the form from the Czech Republic embassy website, print it, and then fill it by hand or fill in the details online and then print it. 
3. Proceed to book your visa appointment at one of the VACs, or at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi. You can do this online, or by calling or emailing them. 
4. With the completed application form and the documents, attend the appointment. You will also have to pay the fees and submit your biometrics.

Please note that if you have submitted biometrics in the last 5 years, you are not required to submit them again. Also, in this case, you may not have to submit the application in person.

Ensure that you submit all the original documents, and perform translation to the Czech language if necessary. Submission of fake documents or incorrect information will lead to visa rejection. A visa rejection is considered as a black mark in your travel history.

To be able to apply for a business permit, you must qualify to the following criteria - 

1. You must be in your country of residence if you are applying there. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you can apply it to the embassy over there. 
2. You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
3. Your sole purpose of the visit has to be to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, and so on. 
4. You must possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
5. You should be covered by travel insurance.
6. You must apply for the permit only if -

1. • Czechia is your only destination, or
   • The Czech Republic is one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, you are spending time in all the other destinations where the Czech Republic is your port of entry.

As per the Czech Republic business visa requirements, you must submit the following documents -

• A valid passport
• 2 valid photographs
• Covering letter from the Indian company/organization 
• Travel itinerary for the business trip 
• Proof of accommodation
• Confirmed round flight tickets
• Invitation letter from the Czech company/organization in the Czech language. 
• Travel insurance covering expenses up to 30000 Euros
• Proof of sufficient funds to show that you can cover your expenses in the Czech Republic.

Please note that you must translate the important documents into the Czech language. 

The photo specifications for the Czech Republic Schengen Business Visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The time taken for the processing of the business permit is approximately 15 working days. However, this may easily vary depending on several factors such as the number of entries required, volume of application at the embassy, express processing option, and so on. It is therefore advised to apply for the permit well in advance. 

The total fees to be paid for obtaining this permit depends on a few factors such as the biometric charges, as well as other service charges. Also, due to the fluctuating nature of the currency exchange rates, it is recommended to know the exact fees before applying.

Once you have submitted the application and paid the fees, your application will be processed. If the embassy requires further verification or documentation, you will be asked to submit them. Once approved, you can pick up the visa in person, or you may ask them to be delivered to you for a fee. 

While your application is being processed you may opt for you to be notified of the status via SMS. Alternately, you may check the status online by visiting the online portal of the VAC and entering your application number and name. You can also check it by contacting your travel agent or the embassy directly via email or call. 

Once you obtain this permit, you must keep in mind the following points - 

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, and the number of entries. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents with you while you are travelling within the country. You must carry your passport and visa if you are travelling to other Schengen countries. 
• While you are on a business permit, you cannot take part in any work-related activities.
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme unforeseeable circumstances such as a force majeure, unfavourable situation in the home country, etc.