Description
A business visa is required if you plan to engage in business or commercial activities during your visit, such as attending meetings, conferences, training sessions, or trade fairs. It is important to note that this visa is only applicable to individuals who will not be receiving payment for their work from a French entity. If you intend to undertake paid work in the France, you will need to obtain a work permit.
Visa Validity:
Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, it is crucial to carefully review it and promptly inform the staff if you notice any errors. Correcting any mistakes discovered after leaving the center will require a new visa registration and payment of a new handling fee.
If you receive your visa by courier, it is essential to check it immediately and contact the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find any errors.
The validity of your visa indicates the dates within which you should enter and leave the Schengen area.
Please note that the length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days specified on your visa, even if the visa sticker itself has a longer validity. Overstaying your visa may result in a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.
For visas valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is limited to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you possess a multiple-entry visa, you are allowed to leave and return to the region any number of times within the 180-day period. However, the total combined stay within the region must not exceed 90 days.
Documents Required
Please see the checklist for a business visa with the complete list of requirements.
Documents Required
The list of documents provided below is not exhaustive, and the customer may be asked to provide additional information or documents if requested by the Mission.
Both the standard and supporting documentation must be recent, not older than one month, and must be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies unless specified otherwise.
Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to carefully review the requirements under the Overview section to ensure eligibility for the chosen visa category.
- Standard Documentation for Schengen Visa Application
- Visa application form (original) – Please refer to the link provided.
- Passport (original) – A signed passport with at least two blank pages for visa purposes. It must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and should have been issued within the last 10 years on the day of departure from the Schengen Area.
Note: An extended passport may still be valid, but if it is older than 10 years, it is no longer acceptable. In such cases, the customer must first apply for a new passport.
- Photocopies of previous Schengen visas – If applicable, include photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued within the last 3 years.
- UK Residence permit – If you are not a national of the UK: proof that you are legally resident in that country (e.g. Biometric residence permit) and if applicable proof that you are in the process of renewing it or proof that your residency permit has been extended: written confirmation from UKVI of your “immigration status” allowing you to stay beyond the date indicated on your BRP card. In the latter case, the applicant has to get a share code from UKVI in order for the Consulate of France to check the immigration status.
If you have an official travel document, a note verbale is required.
To support your Schengen visa application, you need to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of current occupation:
- Employer letter (original): recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and/or pay slips for the last 3 months.
- Student letter (original): If you are a student, you need a recent letter from your UK university. It should be addressed to the Mission and include the name and position of the signee. The letter should confirm your enrollment as a student.
- Self-employment letter (original): a recent letter from your accountant, banker, or solicitor that confirms your professional independent activity or ownership of a company in the UK. Additionally, we require a letter from the British financial authorities.
Proof of business invitation:
You need an original cover letter from the inviting company or organization in France. The letter should confirm your name, purpose of visit, period of visit, and confirm travel and/or accommodation arrangements.
Proof of Funds
The last three months’ worth of bank statements from your UK current account. These statements should display your full name and address and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the entire duration of your trip. Alternatively, you may present travelers’ cheques that offer the same level of financial security.
If you are being financially sponsored by your spouse or partner, please include a copy of your marriage certificate along with bank statements from your spouse or partner.
Proof of Travel
A confirmed return ticket to France (by plane, ferry, bus, etc.).
Additionally, a reservation confirmation for an organized trip or any other document outlining the planned itinerary is required.
Proof of Accommodation
Provide either a hotel booking or rental agreement. This document should include your full name, along with the dates and address of your stay. Alternatively, you can present an “Attestation d’accueil” issued by the local town hall of your host’s residence in France. If you have booked through a travel agency, a booking confirmation from them will also suffice. These options will help us verify your accommodation arrangements.
Travel Insurance (Comprehensive Medical Coverage)
A travel insurance that provides all-risk medical coverage. The insurance policy must clearly display the customer’s name and be valid throughout the entire Schengen Area. It must cover the entire duration of the customer’s intended stay in the Schengen Area. The minimum coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, including the necessary clause, should amount to at least €30,000.
Please ensure that all the aforementioned requirements are met in order to comply with the regulations set forth by the authorities.
Photo Specification
Please ensure that you include a recent color photograph of yourself, taken within the last six months, adhering to the following specifications:
- Background: The photograph should be taken against a plain light background, preferably white or off-white. This will ensure that your features are clearly distinguishable and stand out against the background.
- Clarity: The photograph must be of high quality, with your face in sharp focus. This will enable us to accurately verify your identity.
- Facial expression: Please maintain a non-smiling expression in the photograph. Additionally, avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, caps, or any head covering, unless it is worn due to religious beliefs or ethnic background.
- Printing: The photograph should be printed on regular photographic paper, as obtained from a camera print. This will ensure that the image is clear and of suitable quality.
- Attachment: Please securely attach (glue) the photograph to the Visa Application Form.
In the event that the submitted photographs fail to meet these requirements, the visa application will be considered incomplete. In such cases, the applicant will be requested to obtain new photographs from the photo booth available at the visa application center.
Downloads
You may access and download all the relevant forms from this location.
Sample Visa Form Word: Sample vis -Schengen-WORD.docx
Sample Visa Form PDF: Sample vis -Schengen-WORD.pdf
Application form: Visa Application Form pdf
Processing time
Customers are advised to submit their Schengen visa applications up to six months before their intended travel date to the Schengen Area.
Please take note of the following:
The processing time for applications starts only upon the Embassy receiving the required documents.
To ensure a smooth process, applications must be submitted at least 15 calendar days before the intended travel date (as mentioned above) and can be submitted up to six months in advance. Failure to adhere to these deadlines may result in the Embassy deeming your application inadmissible. In such cases, your visa application will not be processed, and your passport will be promptly returned to you.
On average, the visa processing time is 15 calendar days. However, in certain instances where additional scrutiny of the application is necessary and/or when it is referred to the German Immigration Service, this period may be extended up to the requirement.
Free Consultation
To proceed with your visa application, please fill out the attached sample form (PDF, Word) completely. If you are unsure about any information, leave it blank. Once you have completed the form, please return it to us along with your passport, BRP card/UK residency, and copies of any previous Schengen visas that you have held.
Please forward the documents through email: sales@globalvisaagent.co.uk
A consultation call will be scheduled after we have received this information to further discuss the application.
OR
After sending the documents you can call us at +442035001580.
We strictly follow the GDPR Policy, your documents will be handled/saved & deleted accordingly.
