SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
LIST OF DOCUMENTS
General information
Please note some professional activities such as standard business travel and a variety of cultural, academic and sports
activities are not considered an economic activity and may be therefore carried out without a corresponding visa or
residence permit. For details, please click here.
It is strongly recommended to submit a complete set of documents as per the below list of requirements in order to avoid
delays in visa processing.
The decision to approve or refuse a visa is entirely up to the Diplomatic Mission. Please note: The Diplomatic Mission might
request you to submit missing / additional documents that may prolong the processing time.
Applicants must always bring and present their original documents together with the photocopies.
All documents must be recent, not older than 1 month
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
List of documents
Printed Visa Application form (original)
Print Videx short-stay online application form including the barcode page (page 7) and sign the form on page 5 and
page 6. (Application form is required for each applicant; all children also require a separate application forms). Please
ensure that ALL information inputted within the Videx application form is accurate and corresponds with the
documentation provided on date of appointment.
Valid original passport signed by the holder
Signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the end date of the trip to
the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
One photocopy of the passport’s bio data page
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Non-British Applicants only; UK Residence permit (original) and UKVI outcome letter (please see the below)
Issued as a biometric card (BRP) or endorsed in the passport. Must be valid for at least one month after the end date of the
trip to the Schengen member states. C-type visitor visa is not acceptable.
o If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024: you must submit the UKVI outcome letter confirming until when
you have been granted permission to stay in the UK. Please also provide the share code for your “right to
work” or “Prove your immigration status”.
o If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: you must provide the
share code for your EU Settlement Scheme status. The printout is available from UKVI’s “Prove your
immigration status”
o If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide the share code for either
your EU Settlement Scheme status or your immigration status. The printout is available from UKVI’s “Prove
your immigration status”
One photocopy of the current UK residence permit (front and back) or endorsement
2 Biometric Passport Photo (original)
35 x 45 mm, no older than months, on white or off-white background. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be
accepted. (Please Review the sample photos to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos./ Please also
ensure that anything other than white is worn on the photo)
Employer’s declaration (“Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis”) - in 2 copies
to be completed by employer (download the form here)
Evidence of sufficient funds
o United Kingdom bank account statements in your name showing movements over the last three months, as a
minimum, and current balance showing at least £40 per day for the entire duration of stay. If the bank statement
is over one week old, a printout of the recent transaction history must be provided.
o The bank balance must also include the cost of tickets and accommodation (if not paid).
OR a formal obligation letter (“Verpflichtungserklärung”). This formal obligation letter can be obtained at the local
immigration office in Germany (“Ausländerbehörde”).
Confirmed return airline/ ferry/ train ticket
o Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning the applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen area.
If travelling within Schengen countries, it is advisable to provide travel tickets showing proof of travel.
o When reserving/booking a ticket, please be aware that filing a complete application does not guarantee that a
visa will be granted. It may be advisable to book a fully refundable ticket.
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A travel health insurance policy
Must show the applicant’s name, has cover of at least €30,000, valid for all Schengen member states and must cover
the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen area. (EHIC OR GHIC card not sufficient)
Proof of address in UK
i.e. latest council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, pension certificate or similar.
Original, recent (within one month) and signed formal invitation from German business partner confirming the type of
business relationship, travel purpose, duration of business trip(s) and if applicable, confirmation that travel and
accommodation expenses will be covered. Should you go on a business trip within the same company, we still request
a separate letter from each office, UK and Germany.
Pay slips for the last 3 months
If you fall under the category of any of the below (Service providers/Seconded Staff/Self employed freelancers
including artists) then please additionally provide the below documents;
• Service providers:
- Employer’s declaration (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) to be completed by employer (download the form
here)
- Contract for works or services between the applicant’s employer and the German client including schedule of
contractual obligations to be provided by the applicant’s employer
- Confirmation of pre-approval (Vorabzustimmung) by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) (if
available), original and one photocopy.
• Seconded Staff:
- Employer’s declaration (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis, download form here and Annex B (Zusatzblatt B)
to be completed by your employer
- Confirmation of pre-approval (Vorabzustimmung) by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) (if
available), original and one photocopy.
• Self-employed freelancers including artists:
- Contract concluded with German client or employer.
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