Schengen Short-Stay Business Visa (Type C)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (up to 45 days in exceptional cases)
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- Up to 5 years for frequent business travelers
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For short-stay business trips such as meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, and trade fairs. Does not permit employment in France. Applicants must demonstrate the professional purpose of the trip with supporting documentation from the French or home-country business entity.
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, contract negotiation, professional training (not employment)
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Financial
Must show sufficient funds or corporate sponsorship for the duration of stay
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, recent (less than 6 months), ICAO compliant
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Company sponsorship letter, bank statements, payslips; Minimum amount: EUR 120 per day
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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
Coverage area: All Schengen member states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking, company-arranged accommodation letter; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from French company or organization stating purpose of visit, duration, and who bears the costs
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Cerfa no. 14076*02 - Schengen visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card (varies by consulate/service provider); Amount: EUR 90
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Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: Business registration, company letterhead documents, trade license
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the application form online at France-Visas and receive a confirmation receipt.
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Document gathering
Collect passport, photos, invitation letter from French company, employment letter, company registration, bank statements, travel insurance, and flight reservation.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the French consulate or authorized visa center (VFS Global/TLS Contact).
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Fee payment
Pay the visa fee of EUR 90 at the application center.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the scheduled appointment.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data if not collected in the last 59 months.
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Processing wait
Processing takes approximately 15 calendar days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa or receive by courier.