At Remitly, we’re committed to supporting you in your business journey. If that journey is taking you abroad, understanding the business visa process will be crucial to your professional expansion and success.
We go over the application process and requirements for a business visa so that you can feel empowered and confident as you approach any international business trips. Like with any visa application process, fully understanding how to go about it is the first step to ensuring stress-free travel.
What is a business visa?
A business visa is issued by countries to individuals who are entering the country for professional reasons but will not be joining the local workforce. A business visa is a temporary visa that does not grant local working rights and is distinct from residency.
Who needs a business visa?
If you’re looking to enter a foreign country to hold meetings, explore business opportunities, or attend conferences, a business visa could be right for you.
However, it’s important to note that because a business visa is not the same as a work visa or residency, you won’t need a business visa if you have visa-free entrance into a foreign country. For example, American citizens can enter France for 90 days without a visa. In this case, a business visa would not be necessary.
Eligibility
If you’re employed in your home country and you have temporary business to conduct in a foreign country, you can pursue a business visa. You’ll have to provide documents that prove your ability to travel and what sort of business you’ll be conducting while in your destination.
Common business visa situations
The primary purpose of business visas is not to seek employment in the destination country, but to conduct regular professional activities. Here are some common situations where you might use a business visa.
- Conducting meetings: attending meetings with clients, partners, or suppliers
- Attending conferences: hosting or participating in industry conferences, trade fairs, or conventions
- Consulting and negotiation: providing business advice or negotiating contracts with potential business partners
- Training: attending short-term training courses to advance business skills
- Investment research: investigating potential investment opportunities in the destination country
- Official government visits: conducting official government business
Application process
The application process for a business visa will depend on your intended destination country, but in general, it is fairly straightforward.
Step-by-step instructions
Determine your visa type
First, determine whether a business visa is right for you. The country you’re intending to travel to might have different business visa options. Determine which one is right for the business activities you’ll be conducting.
Gather the necessary documents
Understand the different documents that you’ll need to submit, and start to collect and prepare them well in advance of your intended travel dates
Complete the application form
Carefully fill out the appropriate application form, providing clear, true, and current information.
Pay any associated fees
Navigate to the destination country’s website to learn about application fees and accepted payment methods. Keep in mind that visa application fees are typically not refunded, even if your visa is denied.
Schedule an appointment or interview if necessary
In some countries, business visa applications require an in-person appointment or interview at your nearest embassy or consulate location. Schedule this if necessary.
Submit your application
Turn in your application form, supporting documents, and application fee or proof of payment. Processes vary, so this might be done in person during an appointment or interview, online, or by mail.
Common requirements
Like with any visa application, you’ll need a valid passport for a business visa. Ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay. You’ll also need the specific application form, associated fee, and passport-sized photos. Common supporting documents that are specific to business visas are:
- An invitation letter. This document is usually provided by the company hosting or associated with your trip. It will outline the business purposes of your trip as well as the duration of your stay.
- Proof of financial support. Bank statements that show sufficient finances to support you throughout your trip are often requested when applying for a business visa.
- Travel information. As a business visa is not associated with residency, booked round-trip tickets that show intended departure from the destination country will be a strong support in your business visa application. If you haven’t yet booked return travel at the time of your visa application, it can be helpful to provide hotel reservations or a detailed itinerary of your scheduled meetings or conferences.
- Proof of employment. A contract from your employer, business registration documents, or self-employment documents are sometimes requested.
As always, the best practice is to refer to the embassy or consulate of the country to which you’re intending to travel to get specific information about business visa requirements.
Key considerations when applying
Applying for any type of visa can be a little bit tricky. Keep these considerations in mind as you consider a business visa in a foreign country.
Country-specific differences
One of the main considerations to keep in mind when applying for a business visa is the significant variations in the process depending on the country.
Types of visas
In many countries, the term “business visa” is a blanket phrase that encompasses several different visa options. For example, in the United States, you have the B-1 visa for short-term business activities, the E-2 visa for treaty investors, and the L-1 visa for transferees within a company.
Application process
Many countries offer a completely online business visa application process, while others require an in-person interview.
Permitted activities
The actions you can take while operating under a business visa vary. However, in general, they allow for business meetings and negotiations without conducting any labor or paid activities.
Documentation
The supporting documents required for a business visa application will vary from country to country. Be prepared to provide materials that represent your intended business activities.
Duration and extensions
Your ability to renew or extend a business visa depends on the country where you intend to travel, the local immigration laws, and the business activities you’re conducting.
Schengen area
If you’re traveling to multiple countries within the Schengen area, you should apply for a business visa in the primary destination.
Common pitfalls
One of the most common pitfalls when applying for a business visa is incomplete or inconsistent documentation. Ensure that your supporting documents adhere to the requirements of your destination country and present a complete picture of your intended business activities.
If the country where you’re applying for a visa requires an in-person interview, be sure that you’re sufficiently prepared. It’s a good idea to bring the original documents that you’ve submitted, as well as physical copies, to the embassy or consulate when attending the interview.
Best practices
If you’re ready to apply for a business visa, set yourself up for success by following these best practices:
- Ensure that your documents are complete and up-to-date. Provide truthful and accurate documentation on your application. Make sure that the documents are consistent with each other and as current as possible.
- Demonstrate ties to your home country. Remember, a business visa is not associated with residency, so you’ll want to prove that your roots are in your home country. Demonstrating your employment status, family ties, and any property ownership will support your business visa application.
- Prepare in advance for the interview. If you’re applying for a business interview in a country that requires an in-person interview, make sure that you prepare for it well in advance. Practice answering potential interview questions with poise and honesty. Be sure to dress professionally and in accordance with any local customs regarding conservative attire and behavior.
- Seek professional help when necessary. If you’re unsure about any portion of the immigration process, don’t hesitate to employ the help of an immigration lawyer. The ability to consult with someone who is familiar with the application process and the local language can be a huge comfort.
Benefits of a business visa
Business visa schemes in foreign countries offer huge benefits to take your professional career to the next level. You’ll have opportunities to network and collaborate with industry leaders on a global scale. Business visas also provide an avenue for international market exploration.
For individuals, business visas ensure safe and smooth entry and exit into foreign countries for work-related reasons. They also typically have faster processing times than visas that are related to immigration. So, embarking on international business could be a great way to see the world at a faster pace.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a business visa?
The turnaround time on a business visa application depends on the country where you’re applying. In general, you should expect the process to take a few days to several weeks.
Some destinations, like China, have rush services that allow business visa applications to be reviewed in as little as 2-3 days. Other countries, like the United States, have slower processing times that can take up to a few weeks.
Regardless of where you’re applying, make sure you research the business visa application process and start collecting necessary documents well in advance of your intended travel dates.
Can a business visa lead to a work visa or permanent residency?
Business visas themselves don’t directly lead to work visas or permanent residencies. However, in some countries, having visa status can indirectly lead to these outcomes through further application processes.
What happens if my business visa application is denied?
You’ll receive a rejection letter or official notification that includes the reasons for your refusal. From there, you have three options:
- Accept the decision
- Keep the same application open by appealing or objecting to the decision, when possible
- Start a new application with a stronger case