A business visa lets you enter a country for short-term business activities such as meetings, negotiations, attending trade fairs and exploring partnerships. It does not allow you to take up local employment.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Updated 2026-09-15
Find requirements by country
Pick a destination and your passport — we'll open the right guide.
Destination
Passport
Purpose
Short business activities — meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs and partner visits.
Who it’s for
Professionals, entrepreneurs and company representatives travelling for business without being employed locally.
How you apply
Online eVisa, embassy sticker visa, or sponsor-based application with an invitation letter.
How Krosz helps
Krosz helps you confirm the business route, prepare the invitation letter and documents, and submit the application. We are a private service, not a government authority.
Destinations
Researched from official immigration sources. Each country has its own detailed guide.
B-1 Temporary Business Visitor Visa
Standard Visitor visa (business activities)
UAE Visit Visa / Entry Permit (business purpose)
Singapore Entry Visa (business/social visit)
Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) Business Visa – Germany
China M Visa (Commercial and Trade)
Japan Short-Term Stay Visa (Business)
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Business Visitor stream
Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) – Business visitor
Vietnam e-Visa (business purpose)
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
Overview
A business visa authorises short stays for business-related activities that do not amount to local employment. It covers meetings, contract negotiations, attending conferences and trade fairs, and site visits.
It is designed for travellers doing business on behalf of a foreign company — closing deals, attending events, meeting clients — rather than working for a local employer and earning a local salary.
The line between business and work is important: a business visa lets you conduct business; a work visa lets you take employment. Some activities, like installing equipment or providing hands-on services, may require a work visa depending on the country.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
Activities
Meetings & negotiations
Holding business meetings and contract discussions.
Site & partner visits
Visiting client sites, factories or partners.
Conferences & trade fairs
Attending industry events and exhibitions.
Market exploration
Exploring partnerships and business opportunities.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient blank pages and validity beyond travel.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed business visa application.
Invitation letter
Letter from the host company inviting you for business.
Employer letter
Letter from your employer confirming the trip and your role.
Financial evidence
Proof of funds or company sponsorship for the trip.
Travel itinerary
Return or onward booking for the business dates.
Process
Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Get the invitation
Obtain an invitation letter from the host company with dates and purpose.
Confirm the route
Check whether your passport needs an eVisa, sticker visa or is visa-free for business.
Prepare documents
Gather passport, employer letter, invitation and funds proof.
Apply & pay
Submit online or at the embassy/VAC and pay the government fee.
Processing
The authority verifies the invitation and business purpose.
Decision
Receive the visa electronically or as a passport stamp.
Need help with your Business Visa?
Tell us where you're going — a Krosz visa expert will walk you through it.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Business Visa | Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | No local employment or salary | Authorises employment with a local employer |
| Duration | Short stay for specific activities | Longer stay tied to a job contract |
| Key document | Host company invitation | Employer sponsorship / job offer + permit |
| Activities | Meetings, negotiations, events | Performing productive work |
Be prepared
Practical
FAQ
About the Business Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A short-stay visa for business activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences and trade fairs, without taking local employment.
No. A business visa lets you conduct business activities like meetings, but not take up local employment or earn a local salary. That needs a work visa.
Usually yes. A letter from the host company stating the dates, purpose and contact is the core document for a business visa.
Often yes. Many countries allow attending conferences and trade fairs on a business visa; some have a dedicated conference or event visa.
A business visa is for short business activities without local employment; a work visa authorises employment and a salary with a local employer.
It depends on the country. Hands-on, productive work may require a work visa even if it is short. Check the destination's rules.
Stay limits are set by the destination and shown on the visa. They are usually short and not extendable for long-term business.
An invitation letter from the host company, a letter from your employer confirming the trip, and proof of funds or sponsorship.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the business visa process for your destination. No documents or payment needed at this stage.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
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