Germany Business Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Indian nationals intending to visit Germany for business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or establishing business relations, can apply for either a Schengen Visa (Category C) for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period or a National Visa (Long-Stay Visa) for stays exceeding 90 days.a

The application form for the Germany business visa must be filled online. However, the submission of the forms and documents has to be made offline at an outsourced Visa Application Center (VAC) or at a German mission as per the jurisdiction. The procedure can be described as follows -

 Obtain the necessary documents for the business visa.

• Visit the German embassy website, and fill in the Schengen visa application form online. Take a print out of the form, as well as sign any required declarations. Note that the application form is the same for all types of Schengen. You will simply have to mention your purpose of visit as ‘business’
• Proceed to schedule your appointment at a VAC or German Mission according to the respective jurisdiction. You can do this online, or by contacting them via call. 
• You should then visit the appointment centre with the application form, fees, and the documents required. 
• You will be subjected to a biometric at the centre if you have not submitted a biometric for a Schengen in the past 5 years. Keep in mind that if your appointment is at a German Mission, you will have to pay the fees in the form of a demand draft. 

It is very essential to make sure that the processes are completed properly, and that only original documents are submitted. Any errors or incomplete applications may lead to one receiving the visa late, or even getting a visa rejection.

It is therefore vital to use the services of visa agencies for the process.BTW has been providing a reliable visa service provider for the past few years. We have built a large network of clients, opting us to get the visa procedure done through crystal clear transparency.  

• Schengen Business Visa:
  

• Duration: Up to 90 days.
  
  
• Purpose: Short-term business activities (e.g., meetings, seminars, trade fairs).

• National Business Visa:
  

• Duration: Exceeding 90 days.
  
  
• Purpose: Long-term business activities (e.g., establishing a company, work contracts).

The Germany business visa requirements for Indian citizens are categorized after considering the applicant’s status. The below categories can help you understand the documents as per Germany visa requirements.

Common Documents (For Both Schengen and National Business Visas)

• Valid Indian Passport:
  

• Issued within the last 10 years.
• Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Germany.
• At least two blank pages.
  

• Completed and Signed Application Form:

• Schengen Visa application form (download from the German Embassy/Consulate website).
• National Visa application form (if stay exceeds 90 days).
  
  

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:

• 2-3 photos meeting Schengen requirements.
  
  

• Travel Health Insurance:

• For Schengen Visa: Coverage of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states.
• For National Visa: Check with the embassy/consulate for specific requirements.
  
  

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:

• Proof of onward or return ticket.
  
  

• Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation:

• Confirmation of hotel reservation or an invitation from the host.
  
  

• Proof of Financial Means:

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €45 per day for Schengen Visa).
  
  

• Business Invitation Letter:

• From the German company, detailing the purpose, duration, and arrangements for your stay.
  
  

Additional Documents for Schengen Business Visa

• Employment Certificate:
  

• From your Indian employer, stating your position, salary, and approving your business trip.
  
  

• ID Proof:
  

• PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, or Driving License.
  
  

• Company Registration Documents (If Applicable):
  

• If representing a company, provide proof of the company’s registration.

Additional Documents for National Business Visa

• Detailed Business Plan:

• If establishing a business in Germany.
  
  

• Proof of Qualification:

• Diplomas, certificates, or any relevant qualifications.
  
  

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):

• May be required in some cases.
  
  

• Language Proficiency:

• Proof of German language proficiency (A1 level or higher) may be beneficial.
  
  

• Proof of Accommodation in Germany:

• Rental agreement or proof of purchase of property.

The Germany business visa photo specification is given below -

• Photograph size: 35mm X 45mm
  
  
• Height from top to bottom of the face: 32- 36mm.
  
  
• The photograph should be centrally aligned.
   
• The photo must be clearly visible.
  
  
• No edits will be allowed. 
  
  
• The photograph must be recently clicked.

Step-by-Step Application Guide for Germany Business Visa

Step 1: Determine the Correct Visa Type

• Based on Trip’s Duration:

• • Up to 90 Days: Schengen Business Visa (Category C)

• • Exceeding 90 Days: National Business Visa (Long-Stay Visa)
    
    

• Based on Trip’s Purpose:

• • Business Meetings, Conferences, Trade Fairs: Schengen Business Visa

• • Establishing a Business, Work Contracts, Long-Term Business Activities: National Business Visa
    
    

• Action:

• • Review your trip itinerary and purpose.

• • Match your trip details with the visa types.

• • Decide on the correct visa type (Schengen or National Business Visa).
    
    

Step 2: Gather All Documents

• Common Documents (Refer to Previous Section for Details):

• • Valid Indian Passport

• • Completed and Signed Application Form

• • Recent Passport-Sized Photos

• • Travel Health Insurance

• • Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

• • Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation

• • Proof of Financial Means

• • Business Invitation Letter

• Additional Documents (Depending on Visa Type):

• • For Schengen Business Visa: Employment Certificate, ID Proof, Company Registration Documents (if applicable)

• • For National Business Visa: Detailed Business Plan, Proof of Qualification, Police Clearance Certificate (if required), Language Proficiency Proof
    

• Action:

• • Review the list of required documents for your chosen visa type.

• • Gather all necessary documents, ensuring they meet the specified criteria.

• • Make photocopies of all documents as per the embassy/consulate’s requirements.
    
    

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Application Form Types:

• • Schengen Visa Application Form (download from the German Embassy/Consulate website)

• • National Visa Application Form (if stay exceeds 90 days)
    
    

• Filling the Form:

• • Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate and matches your documents.

• • Legibility: Fill the form clearly and legibly.

• • Completion: Complete all required sections; leave no mandatory fields blank.

• • Signature: Sign the form as required.
    
    

• Action:

• • Download the correct application form for your visa type.

• • Fill the form carefully, referring to your documents for accuracy.

• • Review the form for completeness and accuracy before signing.
    
    

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment

• Locations:

• • German Embassy in New Delhi
    
    

• Consulate Generals in:

• • Bengaluru

• • Chennai

• • Kolkata

• • Mumbai
    
    

• Jurisdiction:

• • Apply at the mission responsible for your place of residence in India.
    
    

• Scheduling:

• • Online Platform: Use the embassy/consulate’s online appointment system, if available.

• • Phone/Email: Contact the embassy/consulate directly to schedule an appointment, if no online system is available.
    
    

• Action:

• • Determine the correct German mission based on your residence in India.

• • Visit the mission’s website for appointment scheduling information.

• • Schedule your appointment well in advance to avoid delays.

Step 5: Attend the Interview

• What to Bring:

• • Completed Application Form

• • All Required Documents (Originals and Photocopies)

• • Biometric Data (if required for Schengen Visa applicants above 12 years)
    
    

• During the Interview:

• • Be Prepared: Answer questions about your trip, business, and documents.

• • Submit Application: Hand over your application and documents.

• • Biometric Data Collection: Provide biometric data if required.
    
    

• Action:

• • Ensure you have all documents and, if required, be prepared for biometric data collection.

• • Attend the interview at the scheduled time.

• • Clearly answer all questions posed by the embassy/consulate representative.
    
    

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

• Fee Structure:

• • Schengen Business Visa: Approximately €60 (subject to change; free for children under 6)

• • National Business Visa: Variable; check with the embassy/consulate
    
    

• Payment Methods:

• • Cash: Usually accepted

• • Bank Draft: Sometimes accepted; check with the embassy/consulate
    
    

• Action:

• • Check the current visa fee on the embassy/consulate’s website.

• • Prepare the exact fee amount in the accepted payment method.

• • Pay the fee at the time of application submission or as instructed.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

• Processing Time:
  
  

• • Schengen Business Visa: Typically 10-15 working days

• • National Business Visa: Variable, often longer than Schengen Visas
    
    

• Checking Application Status:
  
  

• • Online: Through the embassy/consulate’s website, if available

• • Direct Contact: By contacting the embassy/consulate directly
    
    

• Action:
  
  

• • Wait patiently for the processing to complete.

• • Check your application status as per the mission’s guidelines.

• • Once approved, proceed to collect your passport.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport

• Collection Process:

• • In Person: Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy/consulate.

• • Authorized Person: If you cannot collect in person, ensure the authorized person has the required documents (e.g., authorization letter, ID).
    
    

• Verification:

• • Ensure All Documents Are Returned: Verify that all your original documents are returned with your passport.

• • Check the Visa Sticker: Ensure the visa sticker is correctly placed and all details are accurate.
    
    

• Action:

• • Collect your passport at the designated time or as instructed.

• • Verify the return of all your original documents.

• • Check the visa sticker for accuracy and correctness.

Biometric Data Requirements

• For Schengen Visa:

• • Applicants Above 12 Years: Biometric data (fingerprints) is required, unless exempt.

• • Exemptions: Check with the embassy/consulate for exemption criteria (e.g., diplomatic or service passports).
    
    

• For National Visa:

• • Check with the Embassy/Consulate: Biometric data requirements may vary; confirm before your application.
    
    

• Action:

• • Determine if you need to provide biometric data based on your visa type and age.

  • Prepare accordingly for your appointment, if biometric data collection is required.

• Schengen Visa Fee: Approximately €60 (subject to change; free for children under 6).
  
  
• National Visa Fee: Varies; check with the embassy/consulate.
  
  
• Payment Methods: Usually in cash or sometimes by bank draft, depending on the mission’s policy.
  
  

• Typical Processing Time:

• Schengen Visa: 10-15 working days.
  
  
• National Visa: Variable, often longer than Schengen Visas.
  

• Check Application Status:

• Through the embassy/consulate’s website or by contacting them directly.

• Collection Process: Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy/consulate.
  
  
• Ensure All Documents Are Returned: Verify that all your original documents are returned with your passport.

• Border Control: Present your passport and visa (if required) to the border authorities.
  
  
• Registration in Germany:
  
  
• For stays exceeding 90 days, register with the local authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt).
  
  
• For shorter stays, check with your host or accommodation provider for any local registration requirements.

• Schengen Visa: Extensions are rare and usually only granted in exceptional circumstances.
  
  
• National Visa: Apply for an extension at the local Alien Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) before your visa expires.

• German Embassy New Delhi:
  
  

• Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 44199 199
• Email: visa@new-delhi.diplo.de
  
  

• Consulate Generals in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai:
  
  

• Refer to the official German Embassy/Consulate website for contact details and jurisdiction.

Need more clarity on the Germany business visa? Check out helpful resources below

Germany Visa Requirement
Germany Tourist Visa Requirement
Germany Study Visa Requirement
Germany Work Visa Requirement
Germany Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection