Visa requirements for Non-EU nationals under Schengen
Although Ireland is an active member of the EU it still isn’t a member of Schengen. Therefore for example business persons visiting Ireland from non-EU countries have more layers of bureaucracy to deal with than 22 of their EU counterparts.
What is Schengen?
Schengen is an Agreement between 25 Member Countries, 22 of which are in the EU. The other three are Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
What is the Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa makes travelling within it’s Member Countries (known as the “Schengen Area”) a lot easier. The visa holder need only carry one single visa – therefore there is no need to apply to each member state. (Note however Schengen and the EU are two separate agreements. Ireland is not a party to the Schengen Agreement.)
What if you are an Asian Company vising a number of EU countries?
The Schengen Visa is particularly beneficial for Non-EU Nationals who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip. Holders of the Visa however are not allowed to live permanently or work in the EU. They only have the right to travel as a temporary visitor to the Member Countries. The Visa is issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a Visa before entering the EU. However, the purpose of the visit must be business or leisure.
What is the benefit of the Schengen Visa?
When one is granted the Visa, the holder of same is allowed to enter all member countries and travel freely throughout the Schengen area. Before applying for the Schengen Visa it would be prudent to read the rules and regulations pertaining to same as for eg. extensions can be difficult to obtain. Under the rules the holder of the Visa is permitted to travel freely within the Schengen area for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a 6 month period.
Niall Colgan is a Cork based Solicitor with over 10 years experience.
