Greece Business Visa for Indians - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

More commonly known as the Greece Schengen business visa, this particular type allows people to visit the Hellenic Republic (Greece) to take part in business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, signing contracts, etc. This permit is valid for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period and can be issued as a single-entry type, double-entry, or even multiple-entry depending on the application. However, the final decision for this is still dependent on the consular officer. Being a Schengen nation itself, note that citizens of Schengen countries or other visa-exempt nations do not require a permit to enter Greece.

To apply for the Greek business permit, you must first ensure that you are eligible for the business category. The application can be done offline or online. However, to simplify the process and make it faster, the embassy has urged that you choose the online mode of application. However, the submission of the documents is done offline. You may proceed to make the application as follows- 

• The first step is to obtain all the necessary documents you require for the process.
• If you choose the offline method, download the Greece business visa application form from the website of the embassy, fill it, and then take a print out.
• If you choose to apply online, you must create an account at the website of the Visa Application Center for Greece (VAC), login to your account and fill in the application form. You must then take a print out of the confirmation you receive via email.
• Proceed to make an appointment at one of the VACs, or at the embassy as you seem fit. You can do this by call, email, or using the online portal for the VAC. 
• With the completed application form ( confirmation page in case of online application), documents, and the fees, attend the appointment at the respective centre.
• You will also have to submit your biometrics here. If required by the embassy, you may also have a personal interview. In certain cases, there are provisions to do this via Skype. 

Keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS ( Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, these are still valid for use. As a result, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, it is not necessary for you to submit the application in person at the VAC or embassy.

Ensure that you submit all the original documents and mention only the truth in the application form. Lying on the form or submitting fake documents are grounds for automatic visa refusal.

To be eligible to apply for the business category of the Schengen, you must meet the following conditions. Failure to do so will result in a rejection. 

• You must be residing in your home country while making your application. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply it from the respective country.
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your main objective of the visit must be to take part in business-related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
• You must be invited by a Greek company or organisation.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Greece is your only destination, or
  2. Greece is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Greece is your port of entry.

As per the Greece business visa requirements, the following are the list of documents you will have to provide to ensure that your application is successful. However, do note that there may be minor differences in the documents as per your individual eligibility.

• A valid passport- 
  1. It must consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  2. Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• Print out of the application confirmation/completed application form, and appointment confirmation
• A covering letter from the sending company - 
  1. This should include traveller’s basic details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds for the stay.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  5. It should be addressed to the Embassy of Greece.
• Invitation letter from the Greek organisation/company stating complete details of the visit. This much match those with the covering letter. 
• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• 1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight tickets
  3. Proof of accommodation 

• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

1. 1. Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

• Financial documents -

1. 1. Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

Please note that you must carry all your original documents to the appointment. You will have to show these to the officers. However, you must only submit photocopies of these documents (except passport) as you will not receive these back.

The photo specification of Greece business visa are as follows -

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

The time taken to process the Greece business visa application depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, previous travel history, and so on. Normally, it is issued in about 15 working days. In certain cases, it can take up to 30 days. In extreme cases, it may even take up to 60 days. As a result, you are expected to apply well in advance. Apply at least 15 days before the intended travel date, and not more than 3 months before. 

The Greece business visa fees from India depend on a few parameters that affect the exact amount. These include the number of entries, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary upon the currency rates of the Euro. As a result, it is strongly advised that you check the exact fee at the time of your application.

Once you have submitted the application for the Greece business visa from India, and have submitted the biometrics, paid the fees, and attended an interview, your application will begin processing. If the embassy requires any additional documents or verification, you will be notified. If approved, you can either pick up the passport from the VAC or embassy, or you can have the VAC deliver it to you for a certain fee. You may also authorize a third party to collect it on your behalf provided that they have a letter of authorization from you.

While you wait for a response from the embassy, you can track the status of your application. You can do this by entering your application number and name at https://in-gr.gvcworld.eu/visa-status/. Alternately, you can contact the embassy directly, however, this may not get the expected results. You can also contact your travel agency to have them track it.

While you are in possession of this category permit, you must keep in mind the following key points. These are essential to ensure that you have a pleasant and hassle-free journey.

• Keep track of the expiry date, duration of stay, and the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. 
• Ensure that you travel to Greece within 6 months of the date of issuance. After this period, your permit will become invalid.
• While you are Greece, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. Also, ensure that you keep the original documents safe as losing this can lead to issues regarding your stay and return journey.
• While you are on a business-specific permit, you are not allowed to take part in work activities. However, you are permitted to take part in other activities that fall under the Schengen category such as visit friends, sightseeing, etc.
• You will not be able to extend this type of Schengen under normal circumstances.
• Since this is a Schengen type, you are allowed to visit any of the Schengen nations. However, if you receive the Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) type, you can only visit the countries that are listed on your sticker.