Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 calendar days if additional checks needed
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-12), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Single entry
Schengen Type C visa for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and professional activities not involving employment in Malta. Frequent business travelers may be eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for 1-5 years. An invitation letter from a Malta-based business is required; otherwise the applicant must apply as a tourist.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806.
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Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, or professional consultations. Must not involve paid employment in Malta.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means, either personal or through company sponsorship.
Minimum funds: EUR 48/day
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, taken against a light background, ICAO compliant
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: 30000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation or confirmation of accommodation arranged by the inviting company; Must cover full stay: No
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Invitation letter from a Malta-based company or organization, signed and recent (not older than 1 month), specifying the purpose of visit, duration of stay, travel dates, and arrangements for accommodation/travel. Must include company registration details.
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen visa application form
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["cash", "card"]; Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents including business invitation letter, employer letter, passport, photos, insurance, and financial proof. All documents must be in English or Maltese.
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Maltese embassy, consulate, or authorized VFS Global center.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 90.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person during your appointment.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) unless recorded within the past 59 months.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days.
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa sticker.