29 European Countries · Enterprise Access

Schengen Business Visa — Type C

Enterprise Schengen visa solutions for organizations sending teams across Europe's single market. One visa unlocks 29 countries for business meetings, conferences, site visits, and multi-country deployments. Bulk processing, dedicated account management, and compliance with EU Posted Workers Directive.

Visa Type

Schengen Business Visa (Type C)

Indicative Processing

15 calendar days

Government Fee

€90

Government fees and processing times are set by the destination and change without notice — last reviewed 2026-09-01. Processing figures are indicative, not commitments: most authorities publish estimates drawn from recently decided applications rather than a guaranteed standard, and they vary by where you apply. We confirm the current figures for your specific route before you commit to travel dates. Our service fee is quoted separately.

Request a Quote How It Works

Doing Business in Schengen

Main Business Cities

BrusselsFrankfurtParisAmsterdamMilanMadridBerlin

Key Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingPharmaceuticalsAutomotiveFashion

Business Culture

European business culture values punctuality, formal communication, and structured meetings. Initial meetings focus on relationship building before discussing business terms.

Timing Your Trip

Avoid August (summer holidays) and late December (Christmas break). Best periods: March-June and September-November.

Networking and Meetings

Attend industry trade fairs, join European business chambers, and leverage LinkedIn for professional connections before arrival.

The 29 Schengen Countries

One Schengen Type C visa admits you to all 29 countries below. The fee, the statutory decision period, the document list, and the 90-days-in-any-180 limit are harmonised across every one of them — there is no "easier" Schengen country to apply through, and any agency suggesting otherwise is selling you a myth.

Where you apply is not a choice. You lodge with the country that is your main destination, judged by length of stay. If the trip is evenly split, you apply to whichever country you enter first. Applying through the wrong consulate is a common reason for a file being rejected without a decision on the merits.

What genuinely differs by country: which outsourced centre accepts the application, the currency you will be expensing in, euro adoption, the national holidays that close consular sections, and — for hands-on work rather than meetings — the posted-worker declaration system.

AustriaEUR

Central Europe's business gateway, UN city hosting IAEA, OPEC, and OSCE international organizations.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Austrian consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1997
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Vienna (VIE), Salzburg (SZG), Graz (GRZ)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Austria observes a comparatively high number of Catholic holidays, including Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Assumption, All Saints' and Immaculate Conception. Several fall midweek and are commonly bridged, so consular lead times lengthen around them.
Business culture: Austrian business culture emphasizes formality, titles, and hierarchy. Use formal titles (Herr/Frau + surname) until invited to use first names. Punctuality is non-negotiable.
Timing: Peak: September-October (trade fair season). Avoid: August and Christmas/New Year periods.

Posted worker declaration: ZKO-3

Austria requires a ZKO-3 posting notification (ZKO-4 for cross-border hiring out of labour) submitted to the Central Coordinating Agency before work begins.

BelgiumEUR

Home to the European Union institutions and NATO, and a major base for international companies' European headquarters.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Belgian consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Brussels (BRU), Antwerp (ANR), Brussels South Charleroi (CRL)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: National Day on 21 July falls in the middle of the summer slowdown. Because Brussels hosts the EU institutions, parliamentary recess periods in August and around year-end also reduce the availability of counterparties, not just consulates.
Business culture: Belgian business culture blends French and Dutch influences. Brussels is multilingual (French/Dutch/English). Meetings are formal but collaborative.
Timing: Prime: March-June and September-November. Avoid July-August and EU parliamentary breaks.

Posted worker declaration: LIMOSA

Belgium requires a LIMOSA declaration before the posting starts. The Belgian client must verify that the declaration exists or assumes liability.

BulgariaBGN · non-euro

Emerging IT and outsourcing hub with lowest corporate tax rate in EU (10%); joined Schengen (air/sea) March 2024.

Where to apply: Direct Bulgarian consulates or authorized visa centres
Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN)Bulgaria has been working toward euro adoption and the position has moved recently — confirm the current status before relying on it for expense or contract planning.
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2024 (air and sea borders), extended to land borders in 2025
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Sofia (SOF), Varna (VAR)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Bulgaria follows the Orthodox calendar for Easter. Liberation Day on 3 March and the Day of Slavonic Alphabet on 24 May are national holidays. Where a holiday falls at a weekend, the following working day is generally given in lieu.
Business culture: Bulgarian business culture values relationships and hospitality. Meetings often begin with coffee or refreshments; direct approaches are appreciated.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-October. Avoid August (summer holidays).

CroatiaEUR

Adriatic coast tourism powerhouse; joined Schengen in January 2023; growing IT and pharmaceutical sectors.

Where to apply: Direct Croatian consulates or VFS Global centres
Currency: Euro (EUR)Croatia adopted the euro in 2023, replacing the kuna.
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2023
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Statehood Day on 30 May, Anti-Fascist Struggle Day on 22 June and Victory Day on 5 August are all national holidays. The coastal business calendar is heavily shaped by the summer tourist season, which affects availability from July through August.
Business culture: Croatian business culture combines Mediterranean warmth with Central European structure. Personal connections matter significantly.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-October. Avoid July-August (peak tourism season).

Czech RepublicCZK · non-euro

Central European manufacturing powerhouse; home to Škoda Auto, major automotive supplier hub for German automakers.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Czech consulates
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Prague (PRG), Brno (BRQ)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Two national holidays fall consecutively on 5 and 6 July (Saints Cyril and Methodius, then Jan Hus), commonly producing a long midsummer break. Czech Statehood Day on 28 September and Independence Day on 28 October also close offices.
Business culture: Czech business culture is formal and structured. Building trust takes time; personal relationships are important once established.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid August (summer holidays) and Christmas period.

DenmarkDKK · non-euro

Home to Maersk (world's largest shipping company), Novo Nordisk (global pharma leader), and LEGO; premier green transition economy.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Danish consulates
Currency: Danish krone (DKK)Denmark holds a formal opt-out from the euro, though the krone is pegged to it within a narrow band.
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2001
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Copenhagen (CPH), Billund (BLL), Aalborg (AAL)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Denmark has an unusually dense spring holiday calendar, including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension and Whit Monday. Several fall within weeks of each other, so April and May lead times are longer than they first appear.
Business culture: Danish business culture values flat hierarchies, work-life balance, and 'hygge' (comfortable togetherness). Meetings are efficient and consensus-oriented.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid July (summer holidays) and Christmas period.

Posted worker declaration: RUT register

Denmark requires registration in the Register of Foreign Service Providers (RUT) before work starts, with the Danish recipient obliged to check it.

EstoniaEUR

Digital society pioneer, home to Skype/Wise/Bolt/Playtech; e-Residency program serves 100,000+ global entrepreneurs.

Where to apply: Direct Estonian consulates or Nordic embassy partnerships
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Tallinn (TLL)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Independence Day on 24 February and Victory Day on 23 June, immediately followed by Midsummer on 24 June, create the two main closures. The June pair effectively removes a working week. Estonia's e-government infrastructure means many administrative steps continue online during closures.
Business culture: Estonian business culture is highly digital, efficient, and direct. Estonia is world-famous for digital government and startup culture.
Timing: Best: May-June and September-November. Avoid July (summer holidays) and Christmas.

FinlandEUR

Home to Nokia, Kone, Supercell; world leader in mobile gaming and forest tech; Nordic gateway with Russia border access considerations.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Finnish consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2001
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL), Tampere (TMP), Oulu (OUL)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Juhannus (Midsummer) in late June is a near-total shutdown. July is the main annual leave month. Independence Day on 6 December and Epiphany also close offices. Several Finnish holidays are observed on the nearest Saturday, which affects appointment scheduling differently to most of the region.
Business culture: Finnish business culture values silence, honesty, and reliability. Small talk is minimal - Finns get straight to business.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid July (Finnish summer holidays) and Christmas.

FranceEUR

The EU's second-largest economy and a global hub for luxury, aerospace, and technology.

Where to apply: France Visas online + TLS Contact or VFS Global centres
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Lyon (LYS), Nice (NCE)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: May contains several public holidays in close succession (Labour Day, Victory in Europe Day, Ascension), and many businesses bridge these into long weekends. August is the traditional national holiday month, with widely reduced consular and corporate availability.
Business culture: French business culture values intellectual discussion and relationship building. Expect lengthy initial meetings focused on getting to know partners.
Timing: Optimal: April-June and September-October. Avoid August (annual vacations) and major holidays.

Posted worker declaration: SIPSI

France requires a prior posting declaration through the SIPSI portal before the assignment begins, plus designation of a representative in France.

GermanyEUR

Europe's largest economy and the EU's industrial powerhouse.

Where to apply: VFS Global or direct at German consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), Düsseldorf (DUS)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Public holidays vary by federal state (Land), so consulate closures differ by jurisdiction. Corpus Christi, All Saints' Day and Assumption are observed in some states but not others. Expect reduced consular capacity between Christmas and Epiphany.
Business culture: German business culture prioritizes efficiency, precision, and thorough preparation. Meetings are formal, agenda-driven, and direct communication is valued.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid Oktoberfest (late Sept-early Oct) and summer holidays.

Posted worker declaration: Customs Administration (Zoll) notification

Germany requires prior notification for postings in sectors covered by the Posted Workers Act (AEntG), submitted to the Federal Customs Administration. Sector coverage and thresholds should be confirmed per assignment.

GreeceEUR

The world's largest shipping fleet by tonnage, and a gateway to Balkan and Mediterranean markets.

Where to apply: Direct Greek consulates or VFS Global centres
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2000
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Greece follows the Orthodox calendar, so Easter usually falls on a different date to Western Easter and shifts the main spring closure period. Clean Monday, Orthodox Good Friday and Easter Monday are all public holidays. 15 August is widely observed.
Business culture: Greek business culture is relationship-driven with an emphasis on personal trust. Extended business meals are common and expected.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-October. Avoid August (summer holidays) and Easter periods.

HungaryHUF · non-euro

Central European manufacturing hub, particularly for German automotive OEMs; growing IT and shared services center.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Hungarian consulates
Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Budapest (BUD)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: St Stephen's Day on 20 August is the principal national holiday. Hungary also operates a system of working-day rearrangement around holidays, where a nearby Saturday becomes a working day to create a longer break, so published closures can shift.
Business culture: Hungarian business culture blends Central European formality with warm hospitality. Business relationships develop over time and personal trust matters.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid August (summer holidays) and Christmas period.

IcelandISK · non-euro

World's largest per-capita renewable energy producer (100% renewable electricity); premier geothermal expertise exporter.

Where to apply: Direct Icelandic consulates or Nordic embassy partnerships
Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
Status: Non-EU Schengen member · Schengen since 2001
Time zone: GMT (UTC+0), no summer time
Main entry airports: Reykjavík Keflavík (KEF)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Iceland does not observe summer time, so the offset from continental Europe changes twice a year — worth checking when scheduling calls. National Day on 17 June and Commerce Day in early August are public holidays, as is the First Day of Summer in April.
Business culture: Icelandic business culture is informal, direct, and highly personal. First-name basis is universal.
Timing: Best: May-June and September-October. Avoid: December-February (limited daylight) and July (peak tourism).

ItalyEUR

The EU's third-largest economy, world leader in fashion, luxury design, and premium manufacturing.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres for most nationalities
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1997
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), Venice (VCE)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Ferragosto on 15 August effectively closes much of the country for the surrounding fortnight. Epiphany on 6 January extends the winter holiday period. Individual cities also observe their patron saint's day as a local holiday.
Business culture: Italian business culture emphasizes personal relationships and trust-building. Business discussions often occur over meals.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid August (Ferragosto) and Christmas through Epiphany.

Posted worker declaration: Modello UNI Distacco UE

Italy requires prior notification to the Ministry of Labour by midnight the day before the posting starts, filed electronically.

LatviaEUR

Baltic financial hub with major Nordic bank presence; growing IT services and startup ecosystem.

Where to apply: Direct Latvian consulates or authorized visa centres
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Riga (RIX)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Midsummer is observed across 23 and 24 June and is the most significant closure of the year. Independence Day on 18 November and the Restoration of Independence on 4 May are also national holidays.
Business culture: Latvian business culture blends Baltic reserve with growing entrepreneurial dynamism. Trust develops gradually but firmly.
Timing: Best: May-June and September-November. Avoid July (summer holidays) and Christmas.

LiechtensteinCHF · non-euro

One of world's wealthiest countries per capita; premier private banking and wealth management jurisdiction; Hilti global HQ.

Where to apply: Swiss consulates and VFS Global centres process Liechtenstein visas
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
Status: Non-EU Schengen member · Schengen since 2011
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Zurich (nearest — no airport in Liechtenstein) (ZRH)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Liechtenstein has no commercial airport; almost all business travelers arrive via Zurich and continue by road or rail. National Day on 15 August is the principal holiday, and the Catholic calendar is observed broadly, including Epiphany, Candlemas and Corpus Christi.
Business culture: Liechtenstein business culture combines Alpine formality with private banking sophistication. Discretion and long-term relationships are paramount.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid summer holidays and Christmas skiing season.

LithuaniaEUR

European fintech hub with second-most fintech licenses after UK; world leader in laser and biotech.

Where to apply: Direct Lithuanian consulates or Nordic embassy partnerships
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Vilnius (VNO), Kaunas (KUN)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Lithuania marks two separate independence dates — 16 February (Restoration of the State) and 11 March (Restoration of Independence) — both public holidays. Midsummer on 24 June and Statehood Day on 6 July add further closures.
Business culture: Lithuanian business culture combines Baltic straightforwardness with growing international openness. Fintech culture drives modern business practices.
Timing: Best: May-June and September-November. Avoid July (summer holidays) and Christmas.

LuxembourgEUR

Europe's largest investment fund center; second-largest globally after US; EU institutions and 150+ financial institutions.

Where to apply: Benelux visa center partnerships or direct Luxembourg consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Luxembourg (LUX)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: National Day on 23 June is the principal holiday. Because Luxembourg hosts several EU institutions, including the Court of Justice, institutional recess periods also affect counterparty availability. Many business travelers arrive via Brussels or Frankfurt.
Business culture: Luxembourg business culture is highly international and multilingual. Financial services dominate with sophisticated global outlook.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid July-August (summer holidays).

MaltaEUR

Mediterranean gateway with EU membership; global iGaming hub, aircraft registration center, and maritime services.

Where to apply: Direct Maltese consulates or authorized visa centres
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Malta (MLA)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Malta has one of the longest public holiday lists in the EU, combining Catholic feasts with national commemorations including Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Victory Day, Independence Day and Republic Day. Summer heat also shortens working hours in some sectors.
Business culture: Maltese business culture combines Mediterranean warmth with British legal traditions. Small island dynamics create tight-knit business networks.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid July-August (peak tourism season).

NetherlandsEUR

European headquarters for 3,000+ international companies, Amsterdam ranks as Europe's second-largest FX trading center.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Dutch consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Eindhoven (EIN), Rotterdam (RTM)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: King's Day on 27 April closes government offices nationally. Liberation Day on 5 May is observed by many employers. Ascension and Whit Monday are both public holidays, often bridged into extended weekends.
Business culture: Dutch business culture is direct, egalitarian, and pragmatic. Meetings are informal but efficient with valued straightforward communication.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid King's Day (April 27) and summer holidays.

Posted worker declaration: WagwEU online notification portal

The Netherlands requires posting notification via the dedicated WagwEU reporting portal before work commences, with the Dutch service recipient obliged to verify the filing.

NorwayNOK · non-euro

Northern Europe's energy powerhouse, home to the world's largest sovereign wealth fund and leading renewable energy companies.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or Norwegian consulates
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Status: Non-EU Schengen member · Schengen since 2001
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Bergen (BGO), Stavanger (SVG)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Constitution Day on 17 May is the principal national holiday. The spring calendar is dense, with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension and Whit Monday all observed. July is the dominant annual leave month.
Business culture: Norwegian business culture values equality, punctuality, and direct communication. Titles are used minimally; first-name basis is common.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid July (Norwegian summer holidays) and Easter week.

PolandPLN · non-euro

Central Europe's largest economy and a manufacturing/IT services powerhouse serving Western European clients.

Where to apply: e-Konsulat online + consulate appointments
Currency: Polish złoty (PLN)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Warsaw Chopin (WAW), Kraków (KRK), Gdańsk (GDN), Wrocław (WRO)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Corpus Christi is a public holiday and moves each year. Independence Day on 11 November and Constitution Day on 3 May both fall close to other holidays, producing extended closures. The Christmas period runs long, with 25 and 26 December both observed.
Business culture: Polish business culture is formal with hierarchical structures. Direct communication is valued once initial trust is established.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid Christmas/New Year and summer holidays.

Posted worker declaration: PIP notification

Poland requires a posting declaration to the National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy) no later than the day work begins.

PortugalEUR

Rapidly growing tech and nomad hub, gateway to Portuguese-speaking markets in Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Portuguese consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: WET (UTC+0)
Main entry airports: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Portugal Day on 10 June is a national holiday. Lisbon additionally observes St Anthony on 13 June and Porto observes St John on 24 June, so the two main business cities have different June availability.
Business culture: Portuguese business culture values personal relationships and warmth. Meetings often begin with small talk before business discussions.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-October. Avoid August (summer holidays) and major festivals.

RomaniaRON · non-euro

Emerging IT services powerhouse with Cluj-Napoca as 'Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe'; joined Schengen (air/sea) March 2024.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Romanian consulates
Currency: Romanian leu (RON)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2024 (air and sea borders), extended to land borders in 2025
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Main entry airports: Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Timișoara (TSR)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Romania follows the Orthodox calendar, so Easter generally falls on a different date to Western Easter. Both Orthodox Easter and Pentecost carry two-day closures. National Day on 1 December is observed nationally.
Business culture: Romanian business culture combines Latin warmth with Central European professionalism. Personal relationships matter, and hospitality is important.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid August (summer holidays) and Christmas/Easter periods.

SlovakiaEUR

World's largest per-capita car producer, home to Volkswagen, Kia, Peugeot, and Jaguar Land Rover plants.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Slovak consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Bratislava (BTS), Košice (KSC)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Constitution Day on 1 September and the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy on 17 November are national holidays. Slovakia observes both Catholic and state holidays, giving a denser calendar than neighbouring countries. Bratislava's proximity to Vienna means some business travelers route through VIE instead.
Business culture: Slovak business culture is formal and hierarchical. Trust-building through personal relationships is essential for long-term partnerships.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid August (summer holidays) and Christmas period.

SloveniaEUR

Alpine gateway between Central Europe and the Adriatic; strong pharmaceutical and automotive supplier sectors.

Where to apply: Direct Slovenian consulates or authorized visa centres
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2007
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Ljubljana (LJU)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Statehood Day on 25 June and Independence and Unity Day on 26 December are national holidays. Slovenia observes two days at both Easter and Christmas. With a single international airport, connections often route via Vienna, Munich or Venice.
Business culture: Slovenian business culture combines Alpine punctuality with Mediterranean sociability. Small country dynamics mean strong personal networks.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid August (summer holidays).

SpainEUR

The EU's fourth-largest economy, gateway to Latin American markets, and a major tourism/renewable energy hub.

Where to apply: BLS International or direct Spanish consulates
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 1995 (founding implementation)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Valencia (VLC), Bilbao (BIO)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Semana Santa (Holy Week) sees widespread closures nationally, with dates moving each year. August is a common shutdown month. Spain also has substantial regional and municipal holidays, so availability varies between Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Business culture: Spanish business culture is relationship-focused with a more relaxed sense of time. Business lunches are important and can last 2-3 hours.
Timing: Ideal: April-June and September-November. Avoid August and major festivals like Semana Santa.

Posted worker declaration: Regional labour authority notification

Spain requires prior communication to the labour authority of the autonomous community where the work will be performed, so the filing route depends on the region.

SwedenSEK · non-euro

Nordic tech powerhouse home to Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson, and Volvo; major green technology and innovation hub.

Where to apply: VFS Global centres or direct Swedish consulates
Currency: Swedish krona (SEK)
Status: EU member state · Schengen since 2001
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), Gothenburg (GOT), Malmö (MMX)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Midsummer in late June is one of the most significant closures in the Swedish calendar and effectively ends the business week early. July is the dominant holiday month, with much of the country on leave. Ascension is also commonly bridged.
Business culture: Swedish business culture emphasizes consensus, egalitarianism, and work-life balance. Decisions are collective and processes are transparent.
Timing: Best: March-June and September-November. Avoid July-August (Swedish holiday season) and Christmas.

Posted worker declaration: Arbetsmiljöverket register

Sweden requires registration of the posting with the Swedish Work Environment Authority, together with the appointment of a contact person in Sweden.

SwitzerlandCHF · non-euro

Home to 400+ multinational headquarters including Nestlé, Novartis, Roche, and world-leading financial services in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

Where to apply: VFS Global or TLS Contact centres
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
Status: Non-EU Schengen member · Schengen since 2008
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Main entry airports: Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), Basel (BSL)
Holiday closures affecting appointments: Holidays are set largely at cantonal level, so closures differ between Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Swiss National Day on 1 August is observed federally. Only a small number of holidays apply nationwide.
Business culture: Swiss business culture combines German precision, French sophistication, and Italian warmth depending on region. Punctuality, discretion, and quality are paramount.
Timing: Best: April-June and September-November. Avoid: Swiss school holidays and December ski season.

Posted-worker notification requirements are shown only where we could confirm the national system against a primary source. Absence here does not mean no obligation exists — if the assignment involves providing services rather than attending meetings, ask us to check the current regime for that country before travel.

Travelling to Schengen yourself?

You don't need a company travel programme to use us. Most people we help are arranging one trip — a client meeting, a conference, a site visit — and want it filed correctly the first time.

What you'll need

A passport with enough remaining validity, evidence of what you'll be doing, and usually an invitation or confirmation from whoever you're meeting. We send the exact list for your nationality before you gather anything.

How long to allow

15 calendar days is the indicative window for Schengen Business Visa (Type C). Appointment availability is usually the longer part, so the earlier you start the more room you have.

What it costs

The government fee is €90, payable to the authority whether you apply through us or yourself. Our fee is quoted separately once we know the route.

Is a business visa even the right one?

Meetings, negotiations, conferences and site visits normally fall under a business visitor category. Doing hands-on paid work usually does not, and entering on the wrong category is a common cause of refusal or a problem at the border. If you're unsure which applies, ask before you file — that check is free.

Which Service Fits You

Same specialists and the same Schengen expertise either way. The difference is the commercial structure.

One trip, or an occasional one

✓ Per-application pricing, quoted per route
✓ No minimum volume, no annual contract
✓ Document review before submission
✓ Email support from a specialist

Per-application service →

Corporate Programs

✓ Volume-based pricing tiers
✓ Dedicated account manager
✓ Bulk processing with consolidated status reporting
✓ Compliance reporting and HR workflow integration

Corporate service →

Sending Employees to Schengen

HR & Compliance

EU Posted Workers Directive applies across Schengen. A1 certificates provide social security portability for up to 24 months. Each destination country has specific registration requirements (SIPSI in France, ZKO-3 in Austria, etc.).

Tax Considerations

Each Schengen country has independent tax rules. 183-day rule generally applies but with country-specific variations. EU has extensive tax treaty network minimizing double-taxation. Employer must track physical presence carefully across multiple destinations.

Corporate Hubs

• Paris La Défense
• Frankfurt Financial District
• Amsterdam Zuidas
• Madrid AZCA
• Milan Porta Nuova
• Zurich Kreis 1
• Vienna Vienna DC
• Brussels European Quarter

Major B2B Events

• Web Summit Lisbon
• Slush Helsinki
• VivaTech Paris
• Salone del Mobile Milan
• Mobile World Congress Barcelona
• Hannover Messe
• IAA Munich

Travel Infrastructure

European high-speed rail network (TGV, ICE, Thalys, Frecciarossa) connects major business cities in 2-4 hours. Star Alliance and SkyTeam hubs at Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid support intra-European corporate travel efficiently.

Language for Legal Documents

26 official EU languages. Business language varies by country. English serves as pan-European lingua franca in corporate settings but local language documentation required for legal, tax, and HR compliance in each country.

Schengen Visa Questions

How long does a Schengen business visa take to process?

Under the EU Visa Code the consulate must decide within 15 calendar days of lodging, extendable to 45 days where further scrutiny is needed. Counted from the date of application submission. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer. With our premium service, we help expedite where possible.

Can I visit all 29 Schengen countries with one visa?

Yes, a Schengen business visa allows you to travel freely across all 29 Schengen Area countries (Bulgaria and Romania joined in March 2024) within the validity period, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How much does a Schengen business visa cost?

The Schengen business visa government fee is €90 for adults (€40 for children 6-12). Our service fee is quoted per case based on urgency and case complexity — request a personalized quote via our contact page.

Which country should I apply through for a Schengen visa?

You should apply through the consulate of your main destination (where you'll spend the most time). If visiting multiple countries equally, apply through the country of first entry.

What documents do I need for a Schengen business visa?

Key documents include: valid passport, business invitation letter, company registration proof, bank statements (3-6 months), travel insurance covering €30,000, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and employment verification.

How long can I stay in the Schengen Area with a business visa?

A standard Schengen business visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Multi-entry visas allow multiple visits within the validity period.

How does one Schengen visa cover 29 European countries for corporate travel?

A single Schengen business visa authorizes travel across all 29 Schengen Area countries (Bulgaria and Romania joined in March 2024) within the validity period, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This makes it exceptionally efficient for corporate teams conducting multi-country European business tours or serving pan-European clients.

What is the EU Posted Workers Directive and how does it affect corporate travel?

The Posted Workers Directive (96/71/EC, amended 2018/957) requires employers sending workers to another EU country for services to comply with host country labor law, minimum wages, and working conditions. Each destination country has its own notification system (SIPSI in France, ZKO-3 in Austria, WagwEU in the Netherlands), and which form applies can depend on whether workers are posted or hired out. Our corporate service manages these registrations.

Do our employees need A1 certificates for Schengen business travel?

A1 certificates provide social security portability, keeping employees on their home country's social security during EU assignments. Required for postings up to 24 months. Missing A1 certificates can trigger substantial fines during inspections. Our service coordinates A1 issuance alongside visa processing for corporate clients.

How does volume-based pricing work for corporate Schengen visa applications?

Our per-application rate scales with your annual volume: larger programs qualify for progressively better rates. Companies processing high volumes annually receive custom enterprise agreements with dedicated account teams, priority handling in our queue, and consolidated reporting. Request a quote based on your projected volume.

Can our Schengen visa program integrate with our HR management system?

We do not offer a prebuilt API or off-the-shelf connectors, and would rather say so than imply otherwise. What we do is fit your process: intake through the channel your team already uses, status reporting in your format and cadence, and exports your systems can ingest. If a genuine integration matters to your program, tell us which platforms you run and we will scope it in the proposal.

Which country should we apply through for a multi-country Schengen business trip?

Employees should apply through the consulate of the main destination country (where most business will be conducted) or country of first entry if visits are evenly distributed. Our team assesses each employee's specific itinerary to route applications through the most efficient consulate.

What corporate reporting do we get for Schengen visa applications?

Corporate clients receive periodic reports covering application volumes, processing times, geographic distribution, and compliance status, on a cadence you set. Data is exportable for internal HR, finance, and travel program reporting. We flag regulatory changes affecting your routes as they happen. We do not publish approval-rate figures, because the decision belongs to the destination authority and any rate we quoted would be unverifiable.

Official Sources

Requirements, fees, and processing times on this page are drawn from European Commission and individual Schengen member states and the sources below. Last reviewed 2026-09-01.

European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs ↗
Official EU policy on Schengen visas, EES, and ETIAS
EU Travel Portal ↗
Official EU information for travelers, including ETIAS status
European Council — Entry/Exit System ↗
Official EES documentation (fully operational since April 2026)
IATA Travel Centre ↗
Airline industry authority on cross-border travel requirements

See all government sources we cite →

Get a quote for Schengen

Tell us the traveler's nationality and your travel dates. We confirm the right visa category, send the document checklist, and come back within 24 hours on weekdays with a quote for your specific route.

Request a Quote How Pricing Works

Other Destinations

USA

B-1 Business Visitor Visa

Australia

Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Brazil

VITEM II Business Visa

Canada

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) - Business Visitor

India

Business e-Visa

Mexico

Business Visitor Visa / FMM

UAE

UAE Business Visa (e-Visa)

Important: Granted Global is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency, embassy, or consulate. You may also apply directly through official government portals, where government fees may be lower. Government fees, processing times, and approval decisions are set by the relevant authorities and change without notice. We do not guarantee approval — decisions rest solely with the destination country's authorities.