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2 ways to enter

Germany visas

Germany business visa

Short business visits use the Schengen short-stay rules. Eligible travellers can visit without a visa.

Ways to get a Germany business visa

  1. Visa-free business visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-free countries and territories can visit Germany for business.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  2. Schengen visa for a business visit

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for a short business visit.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Up to five years; normally the intended trip for new applicants.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    Normally €90, with applicable reductions or exemptions. An outside application service may charge up to €120 extra.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an application accepted for processing with no issues; delays can occur.
    1. Apply to the embassy or consulate of your main destination, or first Schengen entry country if there is no main destination.
    2. Submit no earlier than six months before entry.
    3. Attend your first application in person for an interview and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.
    4. Pay the applicable fee.

Who needs it

Business visitors whose nationality requires a visa must apply unless another exemption applies.

Who doesn't

Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-free countries and territories can make short business visits without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Germany's embassy or consulate if Germany is your main destination.
  2. Submit no earlier than six months before your planned entry.
  3. Attend in person for a first application and interview, and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.
  4. Pay the applicable fee.

What to bring

  • An accepted travel document.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photo, if required.

Good to know

  • Count short stays in all Schengen countries together.
  • Visa-free business travel does not allow work in Germany.
  • A business visit and permission to work are separate matters.

Questions

Do I need a business visa for Germany?

Business visitors whose nationality requires a visa must apply unless another exemption applies. Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-free countries and territories can make short business visits without a visa.

What are the ways to get a business visa for Germany?

There are 2 options: Visa-free business visit (no visa at all); Schengen visa for a business visit (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Germany without a business visa?

Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-free countries and territories can visit Germany for business.

How long can I stay on a Germany business visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Germany business visa cost?

Normally €90, with applicable reductions or exemptions. An outside application service may charge up to €120 extra.

How long does a Germany business visa take?

15 calendar days for an application accepted for processing with no issues; delays can occur.

How long is a Germany business visa valid?

Schengen visas may be valid for up to five years. Entries: One, two or multiple entries..

What documents do I need for a Germany business visa?

An accepted travel document.; Fingerprints and a digital photo, if required..

How do I apply for a Germany business visa?

1. 1. Apply to Germany's embassy or consulate if Germany is your main destination. 2. 2. Submit no earlier than six months before your planned entry. 3. 3. Attend in person for a first application and interview, and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required. 4. 4. Pay the applicable fee.

What rules do I have to follow on a Germany business visa?

Count short stays in all Schengen countries together. Visa-free business travel does not allow work in Germany.

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