A multiple-entry Schengen visa is a useful visa type that allows you to make frequent visits to the Schengen Area without having to apply for a visa each time. If you are planning to apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa with five years of validity, this blog is for you.
We will discuss how to get a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa, the cost, the requirements and other useful information.
Understanding 5 Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
A Type-C Schengen visa or a short-stay Schengen visa is a powerful visa that allows you to travel to all 29 Schengen countries with a single visa. It offers a stay duration of 90 days with a validity period of 180 days and can be issued as a single entry, double entry or multi-entry based on your requirements.
The multiple-entry Schengen visa is granted to travellers who need to make frequent visits to Schengen countries. It can be granted for one, three or five years.
Therefore, the five-year visa is a multiple-entry Schengen visa that allows you to make more than one entry to the Schengen Area over a period of five years.
With this visa, you can stay in your desired Schengen nation for a maximum of 90 days for a duration of 180 days. This means you can stay for a maximum of 180 days per year and 900 days over a period of 5 years.
Eligibility and Document Requirements for 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
The 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is granted to individuals who previously held a multiple-entry visa for at least two years within the last three years.
In addition to this criteria, the visa applicants must clearly mention their need to secure a five year multiple entry visa alongside submitting the required documents. Here are the various other requirements to obtain a multi-entry visa (MEV):
How to Get a Schengen Visa Multiple-Entry 5 Years?
Step 1: Find Out the Relevant Embassy/Visa Application Centre
Depending on your location, find the nearest Embassy, consulate office or registered visa application centre for the Schengen nation you are applying for. If you are planning to visit multiple Schengen countries, then apply for a country where you will be visiting first.
Step 2: Learn About the Requirements and Multi-Entry Schengen Visa Cost
Next, learn about the visa requirements and eligibility criteria for the five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. This will help you ensure a successful visa application processing.
Step 3: Book an Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, proceed to schedule an appointment with the Embassy or visa application centre and pay the applicable Schengen visa fee for multiple entries.
Step 4: Appear for Visa Interview
Attend your Schengen visa interview on the scheduled date and submit all the necessary documents along with a complete and signed visa form.
Step 5: Wait for the Visa Decision
That’s it. Now, wait for your visa decision. Once it is out, you can collect your documents.
5 Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Cost
Despite a longer stay duration and validity, the cost of a multiple-entry Schengen visa is the same as any other type of Schengen visa, i.e. €90 (approximately ₹ 8,114). Note that your Schengen multiple entry visa cost can vary slightly depending on the service charges of your visa application centre or the consular office.
Processing Time for Schengen Visa 5-Year Multiple Entry
The
processing time for a Schengen visa depends on various factors such as the workload/efficiency of the consular department, time taken for verification checks, and also on your individual case.
Based on these factors, it can be anywhere from 15 days to a couple of months. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you initiate your visa application several months in advance of your upcoming departure.
Other Types of Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
One-Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
It is granted to applicants who have used at least three visas within the last two years. It offers a stay duration of up to 180 days in a year.
Three-Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
A three-year multi-entry Schengen visa is granted to visa applicants who have held a multiple-entry visa valid for a year within the last two years. It allows a maximum stay duration of 90 days within a 180-day period, making a total of 540 days in three years.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?
Yes, a travel insurance plan is mandatory for obtaining a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa from India. At the time of submitting your visa application, you must submit a well-recognised travel insurance plan with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
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Conclusion
The five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area nations multiple times during a five-year period. It can be obtained for various purposes, such as business, education, work, etc., based on your travel frequency.
While securing a multiple-entry Schengen visa is simple, you need to meet certain requirements and eligibility criteria, which we mentioned in the blog.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay with a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?
A five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 900 days over a period of five years. However, you must not stay for more than 90 days within a period of 180 days on this visa.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days within 6 months with a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?
No. You can not extend my stay beyond 90 days within 6 months with a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Which Schengen countries can I visit with a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
You can visit all 29 Schengen area countries with a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
