What is a business visa?

A business visa is a type of visa specifically intended for individuals engaging in business activities, such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations, in a foreign country without entering the local labour market.

This visa does not permit employment but allows business professionals to explore opportunities, establish connexions, and participate in trade shows or business meetings abroad.

What are the key features of a business visa?

Purpose: designed for individuals who need to travel for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, and training sessions.
Duration: generally short-term, often ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the country's immigration laws.
Activities allowed: attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, training, business-related events, and sometimes short-term training. Direct labour for hire within the country is not permitted.
Earnings: visitors on a business visa cannot earn a pay from a source within the country they are visiting, though they may continue to receive compensation from their home country.
Application requirements: applicants typically need to provide proof of their business intentions, such as an invitation from a company in the host country, a letter from their employer, and evidence of financial means to support their stay.
Legal restrictions: the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or live permanently in the host country. It strictly limits the holder to business-related activities.

Why is it helpful to obtain a business visa for employees?

Global expansion: companies can help employees get business visas to send them to new markets and establish overseas contacts, which are crucial steps in global expansion strategies.
Talent mobility: business visas facilitate the mobility of skilled professionals who can represent the company at international levels, share expertise, and bring valuable insights back to their home offices.
Partnership opportunities: attending international trade shows and meetings can lead to partnerships and collaborations, providing a competitive edge in the global market.

How can companies implement processes around business visa applications?

Establish clear policies regarding who can apply for a business visa and the procedures involved. This ensures all potential travellers are aware of the opportunities and the steps needed to take advantage of them.
Provide comprehensive support for employees travelling on business visas, including travel logistics, cultural training, and legal advice to ensure compliance with foreign visa regulations.
After travel, conduct debriefings to gather insights and assess the effectiveness of the trip in meeting business objectives. This feedback can refine future travel strategies and objectives.

Key considerations for companies

Develop clear policies and procedures for obtaining and using business visas.
Provide necessary support and training for employees to maximise the benefits of their trips.
Regularly review and update visa strategies to align with changing international laws and business goals.