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Business Visa (Type C) – Poland

A business visa for Poland allows you to travel to Poland for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, training, and other commercial activities. This Schengen visa is valid throughout the entire Schengen area.

Table of Contents

What is a Business Visa for Poland?

A business visa for Poland is a Type C Schengen visa that allows you to travel to Poland for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, training, and other commercial activities. This visa is valid throughout the entire Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Business visas can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry visas, depending on your travel needs and business relationship with Polish companies. Multiple-entry visas are particularly useful for regular business travelers who need to visit Poland frequently.

With a business visa, you cannot work in Poland or engage in paid employment. The visa is strictly for business activities, meetings, and commercial purposes.

Business visa for Poland

Poland business visa application guide

Business Purposes & Activities

Schengen Countries & Business Travel

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries. These include the EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus and the non-EU countries Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Citizens of these states and foreign nationals with a valid residence permit for one of these countries enjoy freedom of travel within the Schengen area — border controls only occur at external borders.

The issuance of visas for the Schengen countries is regulated uniformly – depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of the stay, the following visa categories may apply:

A visa:
Airport transit visa for travelers from countries that do not have airport transit privileges
C visa:
Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days. This includes business visas for meetings, conferences, and commercial activities.
D visa:
Visa for stays of more than 90 days. These are national visas, which are issued, for example, as work or student visas.

Approved Business Activities

A Poland business visa allows you to engage in the following activities:

Business meetings and negotiations
Conferences and trade fairs
Training and workshops
Contract signing and business consultations
Market research and business development
Installation and maintenance of equipment

Important Note

Business visas do not allow paid employment in Poland. For work purposes, you need a different type of visa or work permit. For official information, visit the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Types of Business Visas

Single Entry

Allows one entry to Poland and Schengen area

Validity: Up to 90 days
Best for: One-time business trips

Multiple Entry

Allows multiple entries during validity period

Validity: 6 months to 5 years
Best for: Regular business travelers

Requirements and Documents

Required Documents

Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photographs (2 pieces)
Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Business invitation letter from Polish company
Proof of employment or business registration
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Flight reservations (round-trip)
Hotel bookings or accommodation proof

Important Requirements

Financial Proof

Minimum €45 per day of stay or invitation covering costs.

Travel Insurance

Must cover entire Schengen area with €30,000 minimum coverage.

Business Purpose

Clear documentation of business activities and meetings planned.

Business Invitation Letter

A business invitation letter from a Polish company is a crucial document for your visa application. The letter must include specific information to meet visa requirements:

Required Information in Invitation Letter

  • Full name and address of the inviting company
  • Contact details (phone, email, website)
  • Name and position of the person signing the invitation
  • Purpose and duration of the business visit
  • Details of planned business activities
  • Information about who covers travel and accommodation costs
  • Company registration number and tax identification

Application Process

Applying for a business visa is straightforward. You can do so at the Polish embassy, consulate, or the responsible visa application centres in your home country or country of residence. A personal appointment is usually required, but the process is designed to be as smooth as possible.

It typically takes 15-30 days for the visa to be issued. Nevertheless, we recommend allowing a little more time and calculating with a processing time of 45 days during peak seasons.

The Polish missions accept visa applications up to 6 months before the planned trip. Adults pay a processing fee of €80. A reduced visa fee of €40 applies for children between 6 and 12. Children under the age of 6 receive their visa for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Poland with a business visa?

With a business visa, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Poland.

Can I work in Poland with a business visa?

No, business visas do not allow paid employment in Poland. They are strictly for business activities like meetings, conferences, and negotiations.

Do I need an invitation letter for a business visa?

Yes, a business invitation letter from a Polish company is typically required. It should detail the purpose of your visit and planned business activities.

Can I get a multiple-entry business visa?

Yes, multiple-entry business visas are available for regular business travelers. They can be valid for 6 months to 5 years, depending on your business relationship and travel history.

What if my business trip is cancelled?

If your business trip is cancelled, you should inform the Polish consulate. Visa fees are generally non-refundable, but you may be able to use the visa for future business travel if it's still valid.

Ready to Apply for Your Business Visa?

Start your business visa application early and ensure you have all required documents. Contact the Polish consulate in your country for specific requirements.