Multiple Entry Schengen Visa: How to Get 1-5 Year Validity

What is a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?

A multiple entry Schengen visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during the visa's validity period. Instead of applying for a new visa each trip, you can travel freely (within the 90/180 day rule).

This is ideal for frequent travelers, business people, and those with family in Europe.

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Types of Multiple Entry Visas

By Validity Period

| Type | Validity | Typical For |

|------|----------|-------------|

| Short-term | 6 months | New applicants |

| 1 Year | 12 months | Regular travelers |

| 2 Years | 24 months | Established travel history |

| 3 Years | 36 months | Frequent travelers |

| 5 Years | 60 months | Very frequent, long history |

Entry Rules Still Apply

Even with a 5-year multiple entry visa:

• Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period
• Cannot work (unless work visa)
• Cannot reside permanently

Example: With a 5-year visa, you could visit Europe 2-3 times per year, staying up to 90 days total in each 180-day rolling period.

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Who Gets Multiple Entry Visas?

Automatic Eligibility (2020 Rules)

The EU introduced rules for "cascading" longer visas:

First Schengen Visa:

• Usually single or double entry
• Short validity (trip dates only)

Second Visa (within 3 years):

• Eligible for 1-year multiple entry
• If first visa was used properly

Third Visa (within 3 years):

• Eligible for 2-year multiple entry
• If previous visas used properly

Fourth+ Visa (within 3 years):

• Eligible for 5-year multiple entry
• Clean travel history required

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How to Request Multiple Entry

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

You're likely eligible if:

• Previous Schengen visa(s) used properly
• Clean immigration record
• Strong financial standing
• Genuine reasons for frequent travel

Step 2: State It Clearly

In Application Form:

• Select "multiple entries" requested
• Indicate desired validity (realistic)

In Cover Letter:

• Explain why you need multiple entry
• Describe planned future visits
• Show history of proper visa use

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Strategies to Increase Your Chances

Strategy 1: Build Travel History First

Start small:

• Get single/double entry first
• Use it exactly as stated
• Don't overstay even 1 day
• Exit before visa expires

Then apply for longer:

• Reference previous visa
• Show you followed all rules
• Demonstrate genuine travel pattern

Strategy 2: Demonstrate Ongoing Need

For Business:

• Letter from employer about European work
• List of European clients/partners
• Conference schedules
• Business registration if self-employed

For Family:

• Relationship proof (marriage, birth certificates)
• Invitation letters from family
• Photos of previous visits

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Ready for Multiple Entry?

Our experts help you build the strongest possible application for multiple entry visas. We analyze your travel history and optimize your documentation.

Start your application today!