Santa Fe A/S : Germany Introduces More Work Permit-free Days for Business Travellers

Posted: 20/08/2015 Author: Matthias Heilmann

More Work Permit-free Days for Business Travellers

As of August 1st, 2015, business travelers from non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries can obtain a Schengen business visa (visa nationals*) or enter the Schengen area without a visa (non-visa nationals*) for 90 days within a period of 180 days for meetings, contract negotiations and/or managing tasks as a company executive. In the past, this was only allowed for 3 months within a period of 12 months. So, when distributing the days accordingly, twice as many days for business travellers are now work permit-free.

Internal trainings, presenting and selling products at expositions or testing products or equipment for a foreign company are still restricted to 90 days within one year.

*Please see a list of countries requiring/not requiring a visa here

Impact to Employers

Foreign employers can now send employees and company executives to Germany more frequently for meetings and contract negotiations or to establish, audit and oversee a German company.

Impact to Employees

Business travelers to Germany will benefit from the change as it will allow more frequent travels to Germany. However, they should consult with an immigration specialist to determine whether the new rule actually applies for them.

Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact:

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