Updated: 14 March 2025, 11:52 am
|||Making frequent trips to Europe? A 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa can simplify your travel experience. Although obtaining this long-term visa isn’t guaranteed, knowing the requirements and strengthening your eligibility can enhance your chances of approval.
Explore all the key details about the 5-year Schengen visa, including its advantages, eligibility criteria, application process, and associated costs.
What is a 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa?
A 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa grants travelers the flexibility to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries multiple times within five years. However, stays cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day timeframe in the Schengen Zone. This visa particularly benefits frequent visitors, business professionals, and those with a well-established travel history.
Countries Covered in the Schengen Area
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
As of 2025, the Schengen Area consists of 29 countries, with potential future expansions. For the latest updates, check out our detailed guide: Schengen Area in 2025: Which Countries Are Included?
Benefits of a 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
- Hassle-Free Travel: Avoid the need to apply for a new visa for each trip to Europe.
- Budget-Friendly: Cuts down on visa fees and processing time compared to single-entry visas.
- Greater Flexibility: Enables multiple visits without the need for reapplication.
- Simplified Process: Minimizes paperwork and interview requirements for regular travelers.
5 Year Schengen Visa: Requirements
5-year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa: Eligibility Criteria
- Previous Schengen Visa Experience: Have held a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for at least two years within the past three years.
- Frequent Travel History: Have traveled to the Schengen Zone two to three times per year on single-entry visas.
- Genuine Need for Multiple Entries: Demonstrate a clear reason for frequent visits, as outlined in VFS guidelines.
- Strong Travel Record: Show a history of visa compliance, with no overstays or violations.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Hold a long-term Schengen travel insurance policy that covers the required period.
- Financial Stability: Provide proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters, to support multiple trips.
- Clear Justification: Submit a well-prepared cover letter explaining the necessity for long-term travel, supported by a detailed itinerary.
- Multiple-Entry Selection: Ensure the visa application form includes the ‘multiple-entry’ option.
While 5-year visas are not commonly issued, travelers who meet these criteria may receive a one-, two-, or five-year multiple-entry visa, depending on their travel history, financial stability, and supporting documents. By submitting a strong and well-documented application, you can increase your chances of securing a long-term Schengen visa.
Minimum stay requirements
With a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa, travelers can stay in the Netherlands or any other Schengen country for a maximum of 90 days within any 180 days. These 90 days do not have to be consecutive and can be spread across multiple trips. However, once the 90-day limit is reached, the traveler must remain outside the Schengen Zone for at least 90 days before re-entering. This rule applies throughout the entire validity of the visa.
Documents required to apply for a 5 Year Schengen Visa
- Valid passport: Must remain valid for at least three months beyond the requested visa duration.
- Completed Schengen visa application form: Ensure the ‘multiple-entry’ option is selected.
- Cover letter: Clearly explain the need for a 5-year visa and justify multiple entries.
- Proof of previous Schengen visas: If applicable, submit copies of past visas to support your application.
- Travel itinerary: Outline planned trips over the five-year period to demonstrate travel intentions.
- Financial proof: Provide bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters to show financial stability.
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Must cover the entire Schengen region with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Flight and accommodation reservations: Submit confirmed bookings for at least the first planned trip.
How to Apply for a 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa in 2025: Step-by-step Guide
5 Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa: Cost
The application fee for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is the same as that of a standard short-stay Schengen visa:
| Category | Fee in EUR (€) | Approx. Fee in INR (₹) |
| Adults | €90 | ₹8,460 |
| Children (6-12 years) | €45 | ₹4,231 |
| Children (<6 years) | Free | Free |
For those seeking EU citizenship instead of just residency, European Citizenship by Investment programs offer a direct path to a second passport in countries like Malta. Unlike a Schengen visa, CBI programs provide full European citizenship by investment benefits, including unlimited access to all Schengen states and the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa typically ranges from 15 to 30 days, depending on the embassy or consulate handling the application.
The Time Frame to get the 5-year EU Visa
The processing time for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa typically ranges from 15 to 30 days, depending on the embassy or consulate handling the application. However, factors such as additional document requests, high application volume, or security checks may extend the processing period. It’s recommended to apply at least 3-6 weeks before your planned travel date to avoid delays.
Visa Validity & Renewal
| Aspect | Details |
| Validity | The visa is valid for 5 years, allowing multiple entries into any of the 29 Schengen countries. |
| Entry Conditions | Holding a visa does not guarantee entry; border officers may verify compliance with visa rules. |
| Extension | The 5-year Schengen visa cannot be extended beyond its expiration date. |
| Renewal Requirement | Travelers must apply for a new visa once the current one expires. |
| Renewal Factors | A strong travel history, compliance with visa rules, updated financial and travel documents can improve renewal chances. |
| Application Timing | Renewal applications should be submitted before the current visa expires. |
| Processing | The renewal follows the same process and requirements as the initial application. |
Key Schengen Visa Updates for 2025
- Increased Visa Fees: The cost of a Schengen visa has been updated, with the fee for adult applicants now set at €90, up from €80.
- Introduction of Digital Schengen Visa: Certain countries are implementing online visa applications to simplify and expedite the process.
- Stricter Travel Insurance Requirements: Travelers must obtain comprehensive insurance coverage that meets a higher minimum coverage amount.
- Longer Visa Validity for Frequent Travelers: Those with a strong travel history may have improved chances of receiving long-term multiple-entry visas.
- Updated Biometric Data for Repeat Applicants: Some countries may request new fingerprint scans for travelers reapplying for a Schengen visa.
Final Thoughts
Although obtaining a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is not guaranteed, having a consistent travel history, presenting a well-justified application, and ensuring that all required documents are complete and accurate can enhance your chances of approval.
For frequent travelers, this visa provides greater flexibility, reduced costs, and added convenience. Begin preparing your application now and experience hassle-free travel across Europe!
If you’re looking for long-term residency in Europe beyond a Schengen visa, consider European Residency by Investment programs. These allow individuals to obtain residency in countries like Portugal, Greece, and Spain through real estate investment or financial contributions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to get a 5 Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa?
To obtain a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa, you must meet eligibility criteria, demonstrate frequent travel, submit a well-documented application, and comply with embassy requirements.
2. Can I get a five-year Schengen visa?
A 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is not guaranteed and is granted at the embassy’s discretion. Applicants with frequent travel history, previous multiple-entry visas, and a strong application have better chances of approval.
3. How to get a long-term multiple-entry Schengen visa?
To qualify, you need a strong travel history, previous multiple-entry visas, financial stability, and a valid reason. A well-prepared application with supporting documents increases approval chances.
4. What is a multiple-entry Schengen Visa?
A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows travelers to enter and exit the Schengen Zone multiple times within its validity period, following the 90/180 rule for stays.
5. What is the hardest Schengen visa to get?
Schengen visa approval rates vary by country, but Belgium, Sweden, and France are often considered the hardest to obtain due to higher rejection rates and strict application reviews.
6. What are the four types of Schengen visas?
The four types are:
- Type A (Airport Transit Visa): For layovers without entering Schengen territory.
- Type C (Short-Stay Visa): Allows stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visits.
- Type D (Long-Stay Visa): For stays over 90 days, such as work or study.
- Type B (Transit Visa – Discontinued): Previously allowed short transits through Schengen countries.
