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 · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Short business activities — meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs and partner visits.
Who is it for?
Professionals, entrepreneurs and company representatives travelling for business without being employed locally.
Typical application method
Online eVisa, embassy sticker visa, or sponsor-based application with an invitation letter.
Can Krosz help?
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.
Krosz does not publish fabricated processing times, fees, validity or stay durations. Country-specific figures appear only when pulled from Krosz's verified visa database.
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
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 are shown. 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
A category-specific application timeline. 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.
Krosz tool
Tell us where you want to travel and your passport. We'll route you to the right Krosz visa page.
Destinations
Only destinations where Krosz has verified data for this purpose are shown. We never claim every country offers a visa with the same name.
Krosz does not currently process this visa category for specific destinations.
Contact the relevant embassy or authority for the country you plan to visit, or for guidance.
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
General, educational reasons relevant to this category. We never publish invented refusal rates.
Practical
FAQ
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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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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