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

• Purpose: A business visa for Iceland, a Schengen country, allows Indian citizens to enter Iceland for professional, economic, or work-related activities.
  
  
• Duration: Typically issued for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Yes, Indian citizens require a Schengen Business Visa to enter Iceland for business purposes.
  
  
• Schengen Area: Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, facilitating travel between member states with a unified visa policy.

• Schengen Agreement: Allows for passport-free movement within the Schengen Area.
  

• Schengen Visa Types:
  
  
• Type C (Short-Stay): For stays up to 90 days, including business visits.
  
  
• Type D (Long-Stay): For stays exceeding 90 days; not applicable for standard business visits.
  

• Schengen Visa Policy: Uniform visa requirements and procedures across member states.

Mandatory Documents

• Valid Indian Passport
  

• At least two blank pages.
• Valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
  
  

• Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
  

• Download from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or VFS Global websites.
• Fill electronically, then print and sign.
  
  

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos
  

• 2-3 photos as per Schengen specifications (35x45mm, recent, and with a light background).
  
  

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Reservation
  

• Proof of entry and exit dates from the Schengen Area.
  
  

• Travel Insurance
  

• Covering at least €30,000 for medical, hospital, and repatriation expenses, including COVID-19 related costs.
  
  

• Proof of Accommodation in Iceland
  

• Hotel reservation.
• Rental agreement.
• Letter from the host (if staying with someone in Iceland).
  
  

• Proof of Financial Means
  

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €40-€50 per day for the entire stay in the Schengen Area).
  
  

• Business Invitation Letter from Iceland
  

• Company’s name, address, and contact details.
• Purpose, duration, and schedule of the visit.
• Company’s financial responsibility for the visitor’s stay (if applicable).
  
  

• Employment Proof from India
  

• Letter from your employer detailing:
  
  
• Your position.
• Reason for the visit.
• Confirmation of employment continuation upon return.
  
  

Additional Requirements (If Applicable)

• Previous Passports: If applicable.
• Proof of Retirement/Student Status: If not employed.

Step 1: Prepare Documents (Timeline: 2-5 Days Before Appointment)

• Requirement: Ensure all mandatory and supporting documents are ready.
  
  
• Documents to Prepare:
  
  
• Valid Indian Passport
• Completed Schengen Visa Application Form (will be filled electronically in the next step)
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos (2-3)
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Proof of Accommodation in Iceland
• Proof of Financial Means
• Business Invitation Letter from Iceland
• Employment Proof from India
• Previous Passports (if applicable)
• Proof of Retirement/Student Status (if not employed)
  
  
• Tips for Preparation:
  
  
• Ensure all documents are original and in good condition.
• Make photocopies of all documents for your records.
• Double-check the expiration dates of your passport and travel insurance.
  
  

Step 2: Fill Application Form (Electronic, Before Printing)

• Tool Needed: Computer with internet access.
  
  
• Steps to Fill the Form:
  
  
• Access the Application Form:
  
  
• Visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or VFS Global website.
• Navigate to the "Application Form" or "Download Application" section.
  
  
• Download and Electronically Fill the Form:
  
  
• The form is usually in PDF format, editable with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Fill in all required fields (marked with an asterisk *).
• Save the Form after filling it out.
  
  
• Print the Form:
  
• Use a high-quality printer.
• Sign the Form above your printed name.
  
  
• Example of Form Sections:
  
  
• Personal Details
• Travel Information
• Accommodation Details
• Purpose of Visit (Select "Business")
• Additional Information
  
  

Step 3: Book an Appointment at VFS Global (Recommended 1-2 Weeks in Advance)

• Booking Methods:
  
  
• Online Booking:
  
  
• Visit the VFS Global Website for Iceland in India.
• Click on "Schedule an Appointment".
• Fill in the required details and choose a time slot.
  
  
• Phone Booking:
  
  
• Call the VFS Global Helpline (found on their website).
• Provide the required information to the representative.
  
  
• Information Needed for Booking:
  
  
• Name
• Contact Number
• Email
• Preferred Date and Time for the Appointment
• Type of Visa (Schengen Business Visa)
  
  
• Tips for Booking:
  
  
• Book early to secure your preferred date and time.
• Ensure you have all documents ready before the appointment.
  
  

Step 4: Submit Application at VFS Global Center

• What to Bring:
  
  
• All Original Documents as prepared.
• Printed and Signed Application Form.
• Payment for Application and Service Fees.
  
  
  
• Steps at the VFS Center:
  
  
• Arrival and Waiting:
  
  
• Reach the center at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Wait for your turn.
  
  
• Submission and Biometrics:
  
  
• Present your documents to the VFS officer.
• Provide Biometric Data (Fingerprints) unless exempt (done within the last 59 months).
  
  
• Payment of Fees:
  
  
• Pay the Application Fee (currently €60).
• Pay any Additional Service Fees (e.g., for courier services).
  
  
• Receipt and Tracking Information:
  
  
• Receive a Receipt for your payment and application submission.
• Get a Reference Number to track your application status.
  
  

Step 5: Pay Application Fee and Additional Service Fees

• Fees to Pay:
  
  
• Schengen Business Visa Application Fee: Currently €60 (subject to change).
• VFS Global Service Fee: Varies, check the VFS website.
• Optional Services (e.g., Courier Service for passport return).
  
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Cash
• Credit/Debit Cards
• Bank Transfers (if specified by VFS)
  
  
  
• Tips for Payment:
  
  
• Confirm the fees with VFS before payment.
• Keep the payment receipt safe.
  
  

Step 6: Track Your Application

• Tracking Method:
  

• Online Tracking:
  
  
• Visit the VFS Global Website for Iceland in India.
• Click on "Track Your Application".
• Enter your Reference Number and Date of Birth.
  
  
• Phone Inquiry:
  
  
• Call the VFS Global Helpline.
• Provide your Reference Number for status updates.
  
  

• Tracking Stages:
  
  

• "Submitted": Application received by VFS.
  
  
• "Under Process": Application being processed by the Icelandic Embassy/Consulate.
  
  
• "Ready for Collection": Passport with visa (if approved) is ready for pickup.
  
  
  
• Tips for Tracking:
  
  
• Track your application regularly for updates.
• If the status shows an issue, contact VFS for clarification.

• Application Fee: Currently €60 (subject to change).
  
  
• Service Fee (VFS Global): Additional, varies by service.
  
  
• Payment Methods: Typically cash, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers, as specified by VFS Global.

• Standard Processing Time: 15 calendar days, but can vary.
  
  
• Urgent Processing (if available): Reduces processing time for an additional fee.
  
  
• Track Status:
  
  
• Online through the VFS Global website.
  
  
• By contacting the VFS Global helpline.

• Police Clearance Certificate: In some cases, to ensure the applicant does not pose a security risk.
  
  
• Health Certificate: If the applicant’s health could pose a risk to the public.
  
  
• Other Documents: As deemed necessary by the Icelandic authorities.

• Common Reasons for Rejection:
  

• Incomplete application.
• Insufficient financial means.
• Unclear purpose of visit.
  
  
  

• Tips for Approval:
  

• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
• Provide clear, detailed information about your business visit.
• Apply well in advance of your trip.

• Eligibility: Under exceptional circumstances, with a well-founded reason.
  
  
  
• Application Process:
  
  
• Submit an application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration before your current visa expires.
  
  
• Provide justification for the extension and supporting documents.
  
  
  
• Outcome: The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the Icelandic authorities.

• Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun): www.utl.is
  
  
• VFS Global (for India): www.vfsglobal.com/Iceland/India/
  
  
• Schengen Visa Info: www.schengenvisainfo.com
  
  
• Embassy of Iceland in India: (New Delhi) - For general inquiries and diplomatic relations.

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

Iceland Visa Requirement
Iceland Tourist Visa Requirement
Iceland Visit Visa Requirement
Iceland Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection