Want to apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa? To get multiple entry Schengen visa, you must show a strong travel history, a valid reason for frequent visits, and the correct documents. But there is one important rule many people miss. Even if you have Schengen visa multiple entry, you can stay in the Schengen Area for only 90 days within a 180 day period. In this blog we will talk about how to get multiple entry Schengen visa from India.
Multiple entry Schengen visa
A multiple entry Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times during the visa’s validity period. This visa is useful if you –
- Travel frequently to Europe
- Have business meetings in different Schengen countries
- Visit family or friends often
- Don’t want to apply for a visa again and again
Note – Even if you get a 1 year or 5 year multiple entry Schengen visa, you can only stay for maximum 90 days within 180 day period. A longer validity visa does not mean you can stay continuously.
Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Rules for Indians
The European Union introduced relaxed rules for Indian citizens under the Cascade regime. These rules decide how long a multiple entry visa you can get, based on your travel history.
1 Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
You can get 1 year multiple entry Schengen visa if you have used one Schengen visa properly, you have clean travel history and your documents and purpose are clear
2-Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
You may be eligible if you have used two Schengen visas in the last 3 years and there is no overstays or visa violations
5-Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
You can apply for 5 year multiple entry Schengen visa if you have used a 2 year Schengen visa, your passport is valid for a long period and you clearly justify frequent travel
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
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.
Multiple entry Schengen visa fee from India
he Schengen visa fee for multiple entry is the same as a single-entry visa. You pay for visa processing, not for the number of entries
| Applicant Type | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Adults | €90 |
| Children (6–12 years) | €45 |
| Children below 6 | Free |
Tips for how to get longer Schengen visa
If you want a 1 year, 2 year or 5 year multiple entry Schengen visa, follow these tips:
- Always use your visa correctly
- Never overstay
- Travel as per declared purpose
- Apply again from the same country, if possible
- Clearly explain future travel plans
- Choose annual travel insurance
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 29 Schengen Countries: You can use this visa to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries within the validity period.
Schengen visa photo requirement
FAQ’s
Can I convert a single-entry Schengen visa into multiple entry?
No. Once issued, visa cannot be changed.
Does 5-year multi entry Schengen visa allow working or living in Europe?
No. It is only for short stays. Work or long stays require a national visa.
Can I get multiple entry Schengen visa first time?
Yes, you can get a multiple entry Schengen visa, but it is not very common for first-time applicants. If you are applying for Schengen visa for the first time, embassies issue a single entry visa. A multiple entry visa is given only when you show strong and genuine reasons for traveling more than once. Your cover letter should clearly explain why you need multiple entries.
You can book order online for Schengen visa. For any query or concern please speak to one of our relationship manager over phone or chat. You can also write to us. We will get back to you.
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