Want to apply for multi entry Schengen visa? To get multiple entry Schengen visa, you need to show strong travel history, valid reason for frequent visits, and the right set of documents. But here’s something most people miss — even if you hold Schengen visa multiple entry, you can only stay in the Schengen area for 90 days within 180-day period. In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to get multiple entry Schengen visa from India, the Schengen visa fee for multiple entry, and the process to apply for Schengen visa multiple entry 5 years. If you’re a frequent traveler planning multiple trips to Schengen countries, this guide has everything you need to know before applying.
Types of Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens
Before applying for a multi entry Schengen visa, it’s important to understand the different types of Schengen visas available based on the purpose and duration of your stay. This will help you choose the right visa type and improve your chances of approval.
- Schengen Visa (Short-Term Visa – Type C)
This visa allows Indian passport holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s ideal for tourism, business trips, or short-term family visits.
Common categories under this visa include:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Family or Friend Visit Visa
You can also apply for a Schengen visa multiple entry under this category, which lets you travel in and out of the Schengen Zone multiple times without reapplying. The Schengen visa fee for multiple entry remains the same as a single entry but may require additional documentation.
- Long-Term National Visa (Type D)
This visa is for stays longer than 90 days and is issued by a specific Schengen country. It’s suitable for purposes like higher education, employment, family reunification, or long-term residence.
Note: Type D visas are not part of the Schengen short-stay rules, but allow internal Schengen travel once issued.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
Airport Transit Visa required if you’re transiting through a Schengen airport and:
- Need to change terminals or airports
- Are staying overnight at a hotel or residence before your next flight
Documents required for a Schengen Multiple Entry Visa
Below is the list of mandatory documents required for Indian citizens applying for a multi entry Schengen visa
Valid Passport
- Must not be older than 10 years
- Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay
- Should have at least two blank pages
Two Recent Passport-Size Photographs
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- White background, matte finish, and face clearly visible
Covering Letter
- Personal letter explaining your travel plan
- Include a note to dispatch the passport to your address after visa approval
Travel Insurance
- Must have minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
- Should be valid across all Schengen countries for the full travel duration
Day-to-Day Travel Itinerary
- Mention your planned activities, cities, and travel dates clearly
Confirmed Return Flight Ticket
- Should show your entry and exit from the Schengen Zone
Proof of Accommodation
- Hotel bookings or invitation from a host with address details
Bank Statement (Last 6 Months)
- Updated and stamped by the bank
- Should reflect your financial capacity to afford the trip
Personal Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Last 3 Years
Supporting documents as per your occupation
1. If Employed:
- Original No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer on company letterhead with stamp
- Last 3 months’ salary slips
2. If Self-Employed:
- Business Registration Certificate / Partnership Deed / Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Company’s bank statements for the last 3 months
- Company’s Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years
- Cover letter on company letterhead
3. If Retired:
- Proof of retirement (e.g., pension book or certificate)
- Pension statement for the last 3 months
4. If Student:
- Valid student ID card from school/college/institution
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the educational institution
- For university students: last 3 months’ personal bank statements
5. If Minor:
- Notarized affidavit of consent signed by both parents (if traveling alone or with one parent)
- Birth certificate of the minor
- Passport copies of parents
6. If Sponsored:
- Sponsorship letter mentioning relationship, travel dates, and purpose
- Sponsor’s ID proof (passport, PAN card, or residence permit)
- Sponsor’s last 3 months’ bank statements
- If sponsor is your spouse: marriage certificate
- If sponsor is a parent: your birth certificate
Supporting Documents Based on Purpose of Visit
A. If Visiting Friends or Family:
- Invitation letter from the host
- Host’s valid ID proof (Passport or Residence Permit)
B. For Business Travel:
- Invitation letter from the host company in the Schengen Area
- Covering letter from your Indian company on company letterhead
- Company bank statements (last 3 months)
- Business registration certificate or relevant proof
Schengen visa photo requirement
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?
With multiple entry schengen visa you can travel in and out of the Schengen Zone multiple times within the validity period of visa. This is ideal for people who travel frequently for business, tourism, or family visits across countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others.
- Apply through the Schengen country where you’ll spend the most time or your main destination. If there’s no main destination, apply through the country you’ll enter first.
- Go to the official visa portal of that country (like France-Visas, VIDEX for Germany, Italy-Visa, etc.) and complete the Schengen visa application form.Make sure to select “Multiple Entry” when filling out the form.
- Schedule a visa appointment through the authorized visa service provider for that country (usually VFS Global or BLS International) in India.
- Go to visa application centre and submit documents at the visa application center on the day of your appointment.
- Pay Schengen visa fee, along with any service charges.
- After submission, use your application reference number to track the status on the visa center’s website.
- Once approved, you will receive Multiple Entry Schengen Visa, through which you can enter and exit any Schengen country multiple times during the validity period.
That’s all about multiple entry Schengen visa
Tip: You must justify the need for a multiple entry visa—like frequent travel, business trips, or family visits in different Schengen countries.
FAQ’s
When should I apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa?
You should apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa before your current visa expires. Make sure your current visa has at least six months of validity remaining before applying.
Is the Schengen Multi entry visa the same as a residence permit?
No, the Schengen Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) is not the same as a residence permit. The MEV allows a maximum stay of 90 days within every 180-day period, while a residence permit permits you to live in a Schengen Country for more than 90 days. A residence permit is also known as a long-stay visa or national visa.
Can I change my single-entry schengen visa to a multiple-entry one?
No, unless you are granted permission in some exceptional circumstances. In most cases, you will need to return to your home country and reapply for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa.
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