Like most mutual problems, the visa issue is connected with the different approaches to this process on both sides. As they say, mentalities do not match... Let's set aside the issue of obtaining tourist visas and visas issued upon invitations from private individuals. Let's touch on business cooperation, which requires systematic trips to Germany, and thus obtaining a business visa or a multi-visa.
Specifics of Preparing for a Trip
Most likely, the superficial attitude of domestic businessmen to preparing a business trip to Germany is explained by the indelible presence of the Russian "avos!" in the Ukrainian mentality. The main thing is to get a visa for a trip to Germany, and where to go and who to talk to, we'll figure out along the way, on the spot.
In this regard, when preparing for a trip, the Ukrainian side, as a rule, tries not to burden itself with developing business plans or business projects, detailing commercial proposals, or clarifying technical requirements for equipment, machinery, etc. Sometimes one wants to recall Vysotsky: "Well, for me, this yellow thing on the plate!".
Our person is bursting with ideas, lively as mercury, and in conversation is ready to convince any German of the prospects of the proposed project or commercial scheme. But here the first nuance arises - the German partners, guided by their way of thinking, will ask for proposals in writing so that specialists can work with them. Such a proposal can leave the Ukrainian side in a stupor.
In other words, approaching the German consulate, the average Ukrainian entrepreneur should be clutching a thin folder of documents, among which the German side has provided invitations and an extract from the commercial register confirming the registration of the German company that sent the invitation.
Bitter Ukrainian Experience
Visiting the German consulate to obtain a visa is always stressful. Moreover, regardless of the applicant's position in society, education, and life achievements. Our mentality suggests - you need to win the favor of the girl at the window, and the issue will be resolved positively. The girl at the window may like you, even a lot, but it will not affect the outcome of the interview.
It is wrong to seek the reason for the failures of our compatriots in purely external factors, because the response to a visa request does not depend on the ability to smile charmingly or never be at a loss for words. Your attempts to shine with wit or mention influential acquaintances in the local establishment will be futile. The procedure for reviewing documents is determined by instructions, and all doubts are interpreted by no means in favor of the applicant.
Mentality pushes - you need to persuade the consulate employee, and this adds additional complications: the more information provided, the more contradictions there usually are, and thus less trust in the applicant. Therefore, the Ukrainian side of the medal consists of an easily understood resentment - I myself am a worthy person, the documents seem to be in order, the interview went well, and as a result - refusal. In addition, there remains a bitter aftertaste - we are considered second-class people, otherwise, how can one explain one's failure?
Harsh Realities of the Interview
In order to look at the situation from the other side, we need to understand most of the factors that are clarified during the interview at the consulate and influence the decision to issue a visa.
The main point when applying for a visa is an invitation from a German company or organization. If the inviting party is truly interested in your visit, they will provide you, for visa processing, not just a letter of invitation, but also a written undertaking to take on the guarantee for the invited person and, if necessary, cover the costs of their stay. Such an undertaking must be confirmed by data on the company's solvency - a document confirming the company's registration and characterizing its financial condition.
You are lucky if you are invited by a joint-stock company (AG) or a limited liability company (GmbH) with a share capital of over €100,000. Things are worse if the inviting party is a private entrepreneur (GbR) or a GmbH with a small share capital. In this case, you will have to additionally provide a written undertaking from the inviting party to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
If the German side refuses to take on the costs of your stay abroad, the Ukrainian side can do so. But in that case, there will be more distrust of the provided guarantees and they will be checked more thoroughly. Information about the required documents is on the embassy's website, and their evaluation during the interview does not depend on the name of the company and its rating in Ukraine.
The second part of doubts is related to the stability of your ties with the inviting party. After all, if you are going to conclude an agreement, the negotiations are preceded by the coordination of many details and, accordingly, an exchange of letters. If you are working under an existing agreement, it is easy to confirm this not only with letters but also with the current contract, payment documents, invoices, declarations, etc.
The third point can be called the justification for the need for multiple entries. Why do you need a multi-visa if you are going to an exhibition?
Further doubts are related to the personality of the applicant and the organization they represent. Documents from the Ukrainian enterprise that confirm your status (why would a cleaner need a business visa?) and solvency - a salary certificate - are meant to dispel them.
A business visa does not imply permission to engage in employment in Germany, so during the interview you will need to provide convincing arguments capable of dispelling doubts about traveling for the purpose of possible employment. Stable and well-paid work, as well as serious family obligations, will confirm the seriousness of your intentions and unwillingness to part with Ukrainian reality for a long time.
A separate point is the question: if you fall ill, who will treat you? The answer is medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay. And of course, you will be denied a visa if your employment or residence details are not confirmed.
Our German friends love order, value punctuality and commitment, so they set their country's guests in advance to respect and reverence for its laws and rules. After all, you too would not invite a stranger into your home who might inadvertently borrow money or stay overnight for an extended period without your consent? Germans do not want to disrupt the order in their home, and this desire is worthy of respect.
The State Factor
The current situation confirms the thesis that our country has not been able to properly regulate not only the visa issue. It is only a consequence of the overall situation with economic partnership.
For liberalization of the visa issue, it is necessary that the German consulate implements a new instruction, and this, ultimately, is a consequence of political agreements at the highest level. Our leaders, one after another, call on German investors to invest in Ukraine. But, unfortunately, most German businessmen do not know how to do this. Financing state programs is important, but it is the destiny of large banks and financial institutions. And where can an average German businessman turn, who wants to work in Ukraine, not in general, but with a specific project and specific partners. Today, he will be offered nothing except another forum or round table with the participation of our politicians and functionaries of public organizations, with assurances of our serious intentions, which have already become stale.
I know enthusiasts who have been traveling to Ukraine for years, searching for and finding adequate partners. Successful partnership brings superprofits, but achieving it now is the initiative of medium-sized businesses, not supported by infrastructural support from the state.
Building economic relations with Germany requires the creation of a viable tool for organizing cooperation. After all, someone must systematize and prepare investment proposals and business projects, dispel unnecessary illusions, separate the wheat from the chaff, and present proposals to German partners in the form they are accustomed to perceiving.
Unions of small and medium-sized businesses in Germany were established long ago and operate with state support. They unite thousands of enterprises by region and industry. Here, each enterprise has its own business history, marked priorities in today's work and tomorrow. Close contact with them allows minimizing the time of partner search, and the organization's authority is the best recommendation for concrete actions. The ball, as often happens, is in Ukraine's court...
Our German partners think soberly and pragmatically assess cooperation prospects. They support well-prepared proposals with interest and healthy enthusiasm, making adequate steps forward. Believe me, with their support, there will be no refusal of a visa application.
Andriy KITAYEV, General Director of the Ukrainian-German Business Center.
«Economic Pravda»