Multiple Entry Schengen Visas – Requirements and Visa Types

A short-stay visa that enables multiple entries into the Schengen Zone is the 5-Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa. Therefore, to have “many entries,” as the term implies. In this article we will talk about How to get a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens?

Even in 5 years multiple entries are allowed ,keep in mind that you must still adhere to the 90/180-day stay Schengen guideline. To put it simply, you are only permitted to travel to the Schengen Member States for a total of 90 days out of every 180 days. Keep in mind that remaining too long within the Schengen Zone may result in high fines or possibly a ban. 

5 Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

Everyone is not eligible for a 5-Year multiple entry Schengen visa. You must meet certain prerequisites to be eligible.

The following are the more common requirements: 

1. You must have a legitimate purpose for entering the Schengen Area multiple times. These can include things like visiting family members, going on a business trip, and so on.
2.  You must have a spotless Schengen Visa record, meaning you’ve never overstayed or worked illegally in the Schengen zone. 
3. To be eligible for the 5-Year multiple entry Schengen visa, you must have a clean criminal record (or any other MEV).
4. For your first journey to the Schengen Zone, you must have travel insurance (with your MEV). 

Types of multiple entry visas

 Apart from the basic short-stay Schengen Visa, there are three main types for more extended stays.

• One-Year Visa: You can apply for this if you’ve used three visas in the previous two years.
• Three-Year Visa: This one is given to those who have previously had a one-year visa and used it correctly within the last two years. The 90/180 days rule applies here.
• 5 year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa: If you’ve used a two-year visa within the past three years, you can get a five-year visa.
• National Visas: If you’re studying, working, or living in a Schengen Country, you might need a national D-category visa. Some people can get multiple-entry national visas, which allow them to move freely in and out of a specific Schengen Country and travel within the whole Schengen Area without needing more visas.

Documents required for a Schengen Multiple Entry Visa

You’ll notice that I didn’t mention the 5 Year multiple entry Schengen visa in the title. This is because the document you’ll need is the same regardless of the sort of MEV you’re applying for. 

You must submit the following documents when applying for your Schengen MEV: 

1. 2 passport-sized pictures that match the conditions listed below. 
2. A passport or other travel document that is valid. Confirm that the validity period of your passport is longer than the validity time of your MEV. If you’re applying for a 1-Year MEV, for example, make sure your passport is valid for at least one year and three months. 
3. Copies of previous Schengen Visas (located on the back of your passport). 
4. Valid travel/health insurance with a minimum coverage of € 30,000.00 for all medical expenditures incurred during your visit. 
5. A cover letter for a Schengen Visa that explains why you want to apply for a multiple entry visa.
6.  Proof of lodging is required. Proof of financial means demonstrating that you have enough money to support yourself on your trip.
7.  A flight schedule that demonstrates you’ll be returning to your native country.
8. If you’re a citizen of a foreign nation, you’ll need to provide proof of residency (like a US Green Card). You must provide proof of your job status. A letter of invitation (if applicable). 

Schengen visa photo requirement

Schengen Transit Visa

Apply for Schengen Visa

Advantages of a Multiple Entry Visa:

• One-Time Fee: You pay the visa fee just once, and it remains valid for up to 5 years.
• Saves Time and Effort: It’s convenient and saves you a lot of time and trouble. You don’t need to visit the embassy repeatedly for visa applications.
• Frequent Travel: By following the rules, you can easily travel to the Netherlands or other Schengen countries for up to 5 years without the need for a new visa each time.
• Visit 26 Schengen Countries: You can use this visa to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries within the validity period.

How do I apply for multiple entry Schengen Visa? 

Applying for a multiple entry Schengen Visa is rather simple online process. All you have to do is follow the same steps as you would do for a conventional Schengen Visa application. Procedure for getting multiple entry Schengen Visa

• Step 1: Gather the necessary documents 

We recommend starting by gathering all of the necessary documentation. It is, however, entirely up to you. Making a checklist is the simplest approach to guarantee you have all of the essential paperwork. You’ll be able to keep track of the documents you already have and those you still need to obtain by doing so. 

A word of caution: Your Schengen Visa cover letter will be critical. Make the perfect cover letter to explain why you’re applying for a multiple-entry visa. 

• Step 2: Fill out an application for a multiple entry Schengen visa.

This step entails starting to fill out your Schengen Visa application. This is a crucial stage in the application because it is here that you declare that you are applying for a multiple-entry visa. 

A line titled “27. Number of entries sought” can be found on your application form. You’ll need to select “Multiple Entries” from the drop-down menu. You’ll also need to specify your scheduled entry and exit dates into and out of the Schengen Area. 

Remember that you can’t stay in the Schengen Zone for longer than 90 days (within 180 days). 

• Step 3: Make an appointment for your Schengen Visa. 

The next step is to make an appointment for a Schengen Visa interview.  You can also make an appointment through VFS or by calling the Schengen Embassy directly. Whatever option you choose, keep in mind that you might not be able to find an appointment opening that fits your schedule. As a result, begin your visa application as soon as possible, at least 6 months before your travel date. 

• Step 4: Show up for your Schengen Visa Consultation. 

You must travel to the Embassy/Consulate on your scheduled appointment date after scheduling your visa appointment. You’ll have an in-person interview with a member of the Embassy staff and submit the required documents here. 

The Embassy official will ask you a series of questions regarding the purpose of your travel and why you need a multiple-entry visa during your appointment. 

This is your chance to tell the official that you frequently travel to the Schengen Area for “x” reasons. You can also show them your past Schengen Visas to demonstrate that you travel regularly and have a spotless visa record. 

• Step 5: Await the processing of your multiple entry Schengen visa. 

You’ve essentially completed the task. All you have to do now is wait for the embassy to process your visa. The average processing period for a multiple entry Schengen visa is 10 to 15 working days. Keep in mind, though, that it may take longer. 

There are a few reasons for the processing time being delayed: 

•  Changes in visa policies 
• A surge in Schengen Visa applications as a result of political shifts and events 
•  Restrictions on travel, etc. 

After your visa has been processed, you will receive a communication from the embassy (by SMS, email, or phone) requesting you to pick up your new visa.

That’s all about multiple entry Schengen visa

FAQ’s

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