Luxembourg Business Visa - Definitive Guide

More commonly known as the Luxembourg Schengen business visa, this category of the Schengen C visa is issued for individuals visiting the country for the purpose of engaging in business. It is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and can be available as a single-entry type, double-entry type, and multiple-entries. Being a Schengen permit, you can travel through the Schengen area with this category. 

The process of applying for the business permit is done offline. The application handling is outsourced to VACs in India (Visa Application Center) by the Luxembourg embassy. Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a business trip. After this, you may make the application as follows - 

• Acquire all the documents necessary for the application. 
• Visit the website of the Luxembourg embassy in India or the website of the VAC and download the application form. The form is the same as a general Schengen application for all other types. However, you will have to mention your purpose of visit as ‘business’.  
• Fill in your details and take a print out of the completed application form. 
• Book an appointment at one of the VACs located across the major cities in India. You may do this by visiting the website of the VAC or by using the online portal. 
• Visit the VAC for the application and biometric submission along with your documents, duly filled and signed application form and fees.  

Note that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. The biometric data from your previous application will be copied and used again. Ensure that you submit only the genuine documents and provide the right information. Providing fake documents and false information can lead to Schengen visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for this business permit, you must meet a certain set of requirements as follows - 

• You must be living in a country where you are lodging the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa authority in that country.
• You must possess a valid passport as per the regulations.
• The primary purpose of your visit must be to take part in business-related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

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

As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents you must produce for a successful application.

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must have 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.
• A covering letter from the sending company - 
  1. This should include the visitor’s basic details and source of funds. 
  2. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  3. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  4. It should be addressed to the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
• Invitation letter from the Luxembourgian organisation/company stating complete details of the visit, or entry tickets to trade fairs, conferences, etc in Luxembourg.
• Registration certificate of the Indian company.
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

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

• Financial documents -

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

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

The processing time for the business visa is normally around 15 working days. However, this may vary depending on several factors such as the number of entries, the validity of the permit, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history, etc. As a result, it is suggested that you make the application well in advance. You must apply at least 15 days in advance, but no more than 3 months prior to the trip.

The fees for the process depends on a few parameters such as the biometric charges, number of entries, as well as any other service charges. It can also depend on the currency exchange rates. As a result, it is suggested that you check the exact fees before applying.

Once you have submitted your application at the VAC, the application will begin processing. The VAC will forward the application to the Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi. Even though the application is submitted at the VAC, the processing is the sole responsibility of the embassy. Once approved, you may collect the visa directly from the VAC, or have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

Once the application has been submitted, you can check the status of your application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering the reference number and your date of birth. You may also ask your travel agency to track it for you. 

Once you are in receipt of this permit, you must keep in mind the following points. This is to ensure that you have a pleasant journey and stay in Luxembourg.

• Keep note of the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must not stay longer than the allowed stay duration. 
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. If you do not possess them, you will be denied entry. 
• Ensure that you travel to Luxembourg within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. If you are travelling to other countries within the Schengen, you will have to carry your original travel documents.
• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work or engage in other work-related activities. 
• You will not be able to extend the business visa under any normal conditions.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as permitted.