A business visa is a type of entry permit that allows short-term travel abroad for business meetings, conferences, and other commercial events. Business visas can be obtained for travel to various countries, with the most popular destinations being the Schengen countries, China, India, and the United States. However, it does not allow you to get a job or perform other paid activities.
If you are planning to start your own business and obtain , the United Arab Emirates (UAE), or Serbia, please contact our company’s migration lawyers. We will help you obtain a residence permit based on legal grounds under different migration programs.
Business visa: what exactly is it and its special features
A business visa is intended for entrepreneurs, businesspeople, investors, and company representatives who plan short-term, business-related trips. It is important to understand that a business visa does not entitle you to long-term residence in the host country; its sole purpose is business activities.
Unlike a work visa, a business visa does not allow you to work and earn income in the host country. Violating this rule can lead to the annulment of the current document and refusal to issue a new one in the future. Some entrepreneurs use tourist visas for business travel. However, entrepreneurs should avoid doing so because each visa has a specific purpose and period of validity.
Which individuals are not eligible for a business visa?
To obtain the visa, you must specify the purpose of your trip and provide supporting documents. This could be an invitation from a business partner, a business plan, or a document confirming entrepreneurial activity. You should also provide confirmation that you plan to return to your home country. This could be a booked airplane ticket or a document showing communication with family members who remain in your country of residence. According to U.S. law, if you do not leave the country in time, your business visa will be cancelled.
Business visas have many restrictions and requirements, which is why it is better to apply for a business residence permit. For example, the United States provides a temporary residence permit for investors. Under this program’s terms, spouses and children under 21 are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) at the same time as the applicant. Typically, a business residence permit in different countries gives applicants the opportunity to participate in business matters and enjoy the rights of citizens, such as:
- Opening a bank account and obtaining a loan;
- Tax benefits, if any, provided by the country’s legislation;
- The opportunity to bring the family to live together;
- Access to education, medicine, and social benefits.
Startup Visa: a new immigration destination for entrepreneurs
The Startup visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs who plan to develop or are already active in innovative businesses. This permit is popular among applicants who wish to immigrate to EU countries. In order to be granted the visa, applicants must obtain a project implementation authorization from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). ENISA works to improve the security and reliability of innovative products. With ENISA’s approval, you are eligible for a one-year startup visa.
Spain offers some of the best conditions for obtaining a startup visa. Entrepreneurs working in innovative technologies in Spain can obtain a three-year residence permit for their startups. After the initial period, you can apply to extend your stay for an additional two years. This will allow you to carry out and develop economic activities in Spain, leading to permanent residence.
If you have a business idea or startup development plan and want to grow your business in the European Union, iWorld specialists can help you register your business with ENISA and apply for .
Schengen Business Visa
A Schengen business visa is intended for short-term travel within the Schengen area for the purpose of attending conferences, seminars, business negotiations, or sports or cultural events. It does not permit employment. It is issued to citizens of countries that have a visa regime with the European Union. The visa is granted for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
To obtain a Schengen multiple-entry business visa, apply to the diplomatic mission of your intended destination. To apply, submit the following documents:
- An application form, available at the migration service;
- Passport;
- A passport-sized photo;
- Proof of the purpose of your trip, such as an invitation from a company or business partner or a ticket to a congress, forum, conference, or fair related to your field of work;
- A hotel/accommodation booking;
- Bank statement showing the financial resources available;
- Health insurance.
Additionally, the migration service may request proof that you plan to return to your home country. This may include a reservation for a specific date, proof of employment, proof of property ownership, or evidence of close family ties.
Obtaining a business visa to China
In order to travel to China for commercial or business purposes, one must obtain a category M business visa. This permit allows for a stay of up to six months, with the option to extend it for an additional month. It is a nonimmigrant visa issued for a specific purpose: short-term commercial activities.
To obtain a business visa, you must submit an invitation letter containing detailed information about the inviting party and the applicant. You should also fill out an online application form and make an appointment with a migration specialist in advance. The following documents must be submitted to the migration service:
- A passport with two or more blank pages that is valid for at least six months;
- A copy of the passport;
- A certificate of no criminal record;
- A completed visa application form with a recent color photograph of the applicant attached;
- A detailed travel itinerary including the purpose of the trip, arrival and departure dates, addresses of places visited, documents confirming business relations between the guest and host, and financial resources;
- Details of the inviting party, including name, contact telephone number, address, and stamp and signature of the representative.
If the applicant has a business permit or investment documents, they should be attached to the application. There is a fee for the issuance of a business visa. The fee amount can be determined by contacting the Migration Department.
Obtain the Spanish residence permit through a startup.
Apply for a Spanish residence permit and open up new opportunities for yourself and your family:
- Life in a developed country;
- The opportunity to obtain a residence permit for all family members;
- Prospects for permanent residence and citizenship;
- Visa-free travel throughout Europe.
Leave an application and get a consultation with an immigration specialist
Opening a business visa to the USA
If you want to enter the United States to conduct business negotiations, participate in conferences, seminars, or other events related to your business activities, you must obtain a B-1 nonimmigrant visa. This visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. There is also an EB-5 visa for investors who want to obtain a green card in exchange for making significant investments in the U.S. economy.
A B-1 business visa is valid for 1 to 6 months and can be extended up to 6 months, for a maximum stay of 12 months. Applicants must have at least one year of business management experience within the last three years. To obtain a business visa, applicants must prove:
- The purpose of the trip;
- Intention to return home;
- Sufficient funds to cover necessary expenses.
After the interview, your application will be sent for administrative processing, which can take up to 180 days. Due to the lengthy processing and issuance time required for visas, it is recommended that you apply early. Note that a family is not eligible to apply for authorization to enter and reside in the United States on the basis of your B-1 business visa.
Opening a business visa to India
Foreign nationals need a business visa to set up commercial or industrial production in India. This document is required for the purchase and sale of industrial products, as well as for businesses from other countries to study the work of Indian enterprises.
A business visa is issued for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of extension in India. If the initial visa is issued for a shorter period, it can be extended to a maximum of 5 years. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is not possible to use it to move to India for permanent residence. The maximum period of continuous stay in the country is 180 days without the need for registration.
Businessmen must meet the requirements specified in the application form and refrain from engaging in other activities. Financial solvency must also be proven.
Before visiting the embassy or consulate to apply for a business visa, the online application form must be filled out and printed. Additionally, applicants will need to complete a questionnaire. It is possible to obtain an electronic business visa to India. Visit the IndianVisaOnline website to apply.
Legal support for business immigration
Deciding on a country for business immigration is an important step that requires thorough research. During the decision-making process, determine what visas are available for entrepreneurs and the terms and requirements for obtaining them. Another important issue is studying the country’s taxation system and the benefits available to foreigners. Be sure to clarify whether a double taxation agreement exists to avoid paying taxes in two countries. To ensure business success, study the laws of the country to which you plan to migrate.
Spain is an excellent choice for business immigration. The country has a program that allows entrepreneurs to obtain a residence permit through a startup. This is an easy way to obtain a residence permit in a European Union territory. The method’s main advantage is that it doesn’t require large financial investments. The main requirement is a well-developed business plan based on a profitable business idea that will generate significant profits in the future.
P4 specialists can help you open a business residence permit, valid for three years with the opportunity for renewal. Contact us for legal support in choosing a country for immigration and processing documents for legal residency.
