Type C visa is one of the most widely used and popular types of Schengen visas, which allows for short-term and legal travel to Schengen area countries for purposes such as tourism, business, attending events, visiting family, medical treatment, and participating in short-term training courses. Today, in this article, we are going to introduce Type C visa from 0 to 100. So, don’t miss this article and follow us until the end.
A Type C visa, also known as a short-stay Schengen visa, is a permit that allows citizens of non-EU countries to travel to one or more Schengen countries for a limited and specific period, up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This travel can be for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, conducting short-term business, participating in exhibitions and conferences, or on business missions. Depending on the conditions, a Type C visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry (multiple) visa, and its holder will be able to travel freely between Schengen countries.
However, this visa does not allow work or long-term residence, and applicants must provide documents such as the purpose of the trip, financial means, travel insurance, a return ticket, and place of residence. For this reason, the Type C visa is one of the most widely used types of visas for short-term trips to Europe, and detailed familiarity with its conditions plays an important role in increasing the chances of obtaining a visa.
What is the difference between type C and type D visas?
The Type C visa is a short-term Schengen visa issued for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period and is mostly used for purposes such as tourism, short business trips, visiting relatives or attending events, while the Type D visa is a national long-term visa issued for stays of more than 90 days and for purposes such as study, work, investment, family reunification or long-term residence. It is worth noting that Type C visa holders are not allowed to work or stay for a long time.
However, the Type D visa usually allows for obtaining a residence card, extending the stay in the destination country and in many cases, allowing legal work or study. Also, although the Type C visa allows free movement within the Schengen area, the Type D visa is mostly limited to a specific country and only provides conditions for transit or short trips to other Schengen countries. For this reason, the choice between a Type C or Type D visa depends entirely on the immigration purpose, the intended length of stay, and the applicant’s long-term plans.
Uses of Type C Visa
However, using a Type C visa can provide various benefits to its holders. Some of the most important uses and benefits of using a Type C visa include the following:
Short-term tourist trips
One of the most important uses of a Type C visa is the ability to take short-term tourist trips to Schengen countries. This visa allows applicants to visit the historical, cultural, and natural attractions of several European countries within a specified period of time, without the need to obtain a separate visa for each country. For this reason, people who plan multi-destination tours can have a flexible and affordable experience traveling to Europe with a Type C visa, such as those who plan to visit other Schengen countries with a Greek visa.
Carrying out short-term business and work
The C-type visa is widely used by economic activists, businessmen and entrepreneurs who need to be temporarily present in Europe, as it allows them to attend business meetings, negotiate business deals, sign contracts, visit companies and explore investment opportunities, without the applicant having to go through the complicated process of long-term work residency. Therefore, this visa is a suitable choice for people who intend to interact professionally with the European market in the short term and want to quickly and legally enter the international business and work environment.
Participation in exhibitions, conferences and specialized events
Another important use of the C visa is to attend international exhibitions, conferences, seminars and scientific or specialized events that are held annually in various Schengen countries. This type of visa helps specialists, researchers and activists from various industries to update their knowledge, do professional networking and get acquainted with global trends, without imposing long-term residence restrictions on them. For this purpose, many participants in European events use this type of visa.
Visiting family and friends in Europe
The C visa is a good option for people who want to visit family members or friends in the Schengen countries for a short period of time. This visa allows temporary and legal residence for non-immigrant purposes and allows the applicant to be with their relatives for a certain period of time, without having to go through the complicated procedures of long-term or residence visas. For this reason, many applicants use this opportunity to maintain family and social ties by obtaining German visa or other Schengen countries.
Reviewing residency requirements and planning future immigration
Another lesser-known but very important use of the C visa is to assess the living, working and studying conditions in European countries before committing to long-term migration. Many people travel to Europe with this visa to get to know the culture, job market, living costs and laws first-hand, and then make a more informed decision about options such as studying, working or programs such as the Digital Nomad Visa or the Greek Blue Card, which can significantly reduce the risk of choosing the wrong migration path.
Participate in short-term courses and trainings
But another important use of the Type C visa is the possibility of participating in short-term training courses, specialized workshops, intensive language classes or skills courses that last less than 90 days. This visa is suitable for people who intend to improve their knowledge and skills in international educational environments, without their goal being long-term study or obtaining student residence, which is why the Type C visa is a smart choice for professionals, students and enthusiasts who are looking for targeted and fast learning at the European level.
Performing short-term medical and therapeutic activities
The Type C visa is also used for people who intend to receive medical services, treatment or specialized check-ups in European countries. This visa allows for legal and limited presence in the destination country for treatment. Many patients use this type of visa to visit advanced medical centers, perform short surgeries or follow up on specific treatments and return to their country after the treatment process is completed without making a long-term residence commitment. This makes the Type C visa a suitable option for health tourism.
Documents required to obtain a Type C visa
First of all, it is necessary to say that if you want to get your Type C visa as quickly as possible and successfully, you need to get the help of an immigration consultant and have additional documents. These documents include the following:
Completed Type C visa application form
Valid passport
Schengen standard passport photo
Valid travel insurance
Certificate of financial ability
Bank statement
Round-trip ticket or flight reservation
Hotel voucher or accommodation documents
Invitation letter (if any)
Employment or educational documents
Travel plan
Visa fee payment receipt
Final Words
As you can see, in this article, we have fully introduced the Type C visa. We have learned that the Type C visa is an ideal option for people who intend to stay for a short time in Schengen countries and want to take advantage of European tourism, work, educational or medical opportunities without entering into the complicated processes of long-term residence. By properly understanding the uses of the Type C visa, knowing its difference from other types of visas, and carefully preparing the required documents, we can smooth the path to obtaining this visa and plan a targeted and successful trip with more confidence. Thank you for your support until the end of this article.
At Nobility Immigration Institute, we specialize in consulting on obtaining Schengen visas, Greek visas, German visas, Spanish digital nomad visas, and buying a house in Greece. You, our esteemed companions, can contact us through the communication bridges for more information and free consultation.