Schengen Business Visa from Ireland 2026
For conferences, meetings, and business trips to Europe
Need to attend a conference in Berlin? Meet clients in Paris? As a non-EU professional working in Ireland, you'll need a Schengen business visa. This guide covers everything you need to know.
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What Is a Schengen Business Visa For?
A Schengen business visa allows you to travel to Europe for:
- ✅ Conferences and seminars - Tech conferences, industry events
- ✅ Business meetings - Meeting clients, partners, or headquarters
- ✅ Training programs - Company training at European offices
- ✅ Trade fairs and exhibitions - Attending or representing your company
- ✅ Contract negotiations - Business discussions and signing
- ✅ Site visits - Visiting company facilities
Applying in Ireland? See our Schengen travel insurance guide for Irish residents — EKTA, Insubuy & VisitorsCoverage compared with Multitrip, Allianz Ireland and AXA.
Required Documents
Standard Documents
- ✅ Valid passport (3+ months validity after return)
- ✅ Completed application form
- ✅ 2 passport photos (35x45mm)
- ✅ Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum)
- ✅ Flight reservation
- ✅ Hotel booking
🇮🇪 Ireland Residence Documents
- ✅ Irish Residence Permit (IRP Card) - front and back copy
- ✅ Employment Permit (Critical Skills, General, etc.)
- ✅ Proof of address in Ireland
💼 Business-Specific Documents
- ✅ Business invitation letter from the European company/event
- ✅ Employer letter from your Irish company
- ✅ Conference registration (if attending a conference)
- ✅ Company bank statements (if company is sponsoring)
- ✅ Business card (optional but helpful)
Business Invitation Letter
The invitation letter is crucial for a business visa. It must come from the company/organization you're visiting in Europe.
What the Invitation Letter Must Include:
- Printed on company letterhead
- Full name and passport details of the applicant
- Purpose of the visit (specific - "attending product training" not just "business")
- Dates of the visit
- Who is covering expenses (travel, accommodation, etc.)
- Address of the company in Europe
- Contact details of the inviting person
- Signature of an authorized person
- "Attending AWS re:Invent partner training on March 15-17, 2026"
- "Meeting with our Paris team to discuss Q2 product roadmap"
- "Participating in the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona"
Employer Letter from Your Irish Company
Your Irish employer must provide a letter confirming your business travel.
The Letter Must Include:
- Company letterhead (Irish company)
- Your name, job title, and start date
- Your salary (monthly/annual)
- Confirmation of leave approval for the travel dates
- Purpose of the business trip
- Confirmation that the company will cover expenses (if applicable)
- Statement that you will return to your position after the trip
- HR or manager signature and contact details
Sample Employer Letter Text
To Whom It May Concern, This is to confirm that [Your Name], passport number [XXXXXX], is employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title] since [Start Date]. Their current annual salary is €[XX,XXX]. We confirm that [Your Name] has been granted leave from [Date] to [Date] to attend [purpose - e.g., "the Tech Summit 2026 in Berlin, Germany"]. The company will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for this business trip. We confirm that [Your Name] will return to their position at [Company Name] upon completion of the trip. For any queries, please contact: [HR Name] [Phone/Email] Yours faithfully, [Signature] [Name, Title]
Application Process
-
Get your invitation letter
Request the business invitation from the European company/conference organizer first. You need this before applying.
-
Get employer letter
Ask your Irish HR department for the business travel letter. Give them at least a week.
-
Book VFS appointment
Apply to the country where the business activity takes place. Book at VFS Global.
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Prepare all documents
Use our checklist above. Double-check dates match across all documents.
-
Attend appointment in Dublin
VFS Global, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9. Submit documents and biometrics.
-
Pay fees
€90 visa fee + VFS service fee. Your company may reimburse this.
-
Wait for processing
Usually 10-15 working days. Track via VFS website.
For Tech Workers in Dublin
Many tech professionals in Dublin (Google, Meta, Microsoft, Stripe, etc.) need business visas for:
- 🏢 Visiting European headquarters (Amsterdam, London, Berlin)
- 📊 Quarterly business reviews with EMEA teams
- 🎓 Training programs at other offices
- 🎤 Attending tech conferences (Web Summit, MWC, etc.)
💡 Tips for Tech Workers
- Your Critical Skills Employment Permit is strong proof of ties to Ireland
- Large tech companies often have templates for invitation letters - ask your manager
- If traveling frequently, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa
- Keep all approval emails from your manager as backup documentation
Popular Conferences
| Mobile World Congress | Barcelona, Spain | Spanish Embassy |
| DMEXCO | Cologne, Germany | German Embassy |
| VivaTech | Paris, France | French Embassy |
| Slush | Helsinki, Finland | Finnish Embassy |
Most Questions Asked by Visa Applicants
What does this page cover?
How to apply for a Schengen business visa from Ireland. Guide for professionals attending conferences, meetings, and business trips in Europe. VFS Dublin requirements.
Who is this guide useful for?
This guide is useful for travelers and applicants who need clear, step-by-step Schengen visa information for planning documents, appointments, and travel preparation.
Where should I verify official requirements?
Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate, and with official visa application partners such as VFS Global or BLS International for your country of residence.
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