Type C — Schengen Visa Type C - Business Visitor

Tourist Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €90

Stay Duration

3 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Business visitor visa for short-term meetings, conferences, and trade fairs in Switzerland for up to 90 days with no employment permitted.

The Schengen Type C Business Visa is a short-stay authorization for international professionals engaging in non-remunerative business activities in Switzerland—such as attending conferences, trade fairs, or contract negotiations. It requires applicants to demonstrate a legitimate business purpose, travel health insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, and proof of sufficient funds.

Visitors may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period; the visa is not renewable, and spouses cannot work in Switzerland under this permit. A standard application fee of EUR 90 applies. Processing typically takes 10–15 days for complete applications, though it may extend in cases requiring inter-Schengen consultation.

This visa is ideal for corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry experts making short-term business trips to engage in non-employment-based collaboration across the Schengen area.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must intend to stay in the Schengen area for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period

Must have a valid passport issued within the last 10 years with at least 3 months validity beyond the intended departure

Must provide proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay

Must have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 valid for all Schengen states

Must provide a clear purpose for the visit (e.g., business meetings, conferences, trade fairs)

Must provide proof of accommodation and return travel arrangements

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Completed visa application form

Proof of financial means

Travel insurance

Proof of accommodation

Return/onward ticket

Letter of purpose

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Quick processing: decisions typically within 10–15 days for complete applications
Multiple Schengen area entries within the 90-day window for ongoing business activities
Streamlined application path for established business professionals with clear invitations
Moderate fixed fee of EUR 90 with transparent, non-refundable pricing
Harmonized Schengen standards eliminate fragmented national visa requirements across EU
Flexibility for project-based collaboration across multiple Schengen countries within validity
No employment contract or job offer required for short-term business visits

Worth Knowing

Strict 90-day maximum stay within any 180-day period—requires careful planning for frequent travelers
Spouse cannot work in Switzerland; family members must obtain separate visas if traveling
Requires proof of travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000) and financial means for entire stay
No work authorization—any employment or receiving salary from Swiss employer disqualifies the visa
Mandatory personal interview and fingerprint registration required during application process
Strictly non-renewable—each business visit requires a new application after the visa expires
Passport must have 3+ months validity beyond intended departure; insufficient validity invalidates application
Zero tolerance for employment or remuneration—any paid work violates visa conditions