- Business travelers. In order to obtain a multiple-entry visa, you must show proof that you need to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times for business purposes. An invitation letter from the company/business in the Schengen country is also required. In addition, the time period in which you will carry out business activities needs to be specified.
- Researcher. You may be granted a multiple-entry visa if you work at a higher institution or research center and if you need to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times.
- Sportspeople.
- Artists.
- Seafarers.
- Any other specialized profession
Benefits of a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen area as often as you wish within your visa’s validity period. This gives applicants the opportunity to leave the Schengen area, return to their home country for any reason, and go back to the Schengen area again.
Application Process for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
The process for applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa is the same as for any other Schengen visa. You must gather all required documents, fill out the application form, schedule an appointment, and submit your application. The only difference is that when filling out the application form, make sure you check ‘Multiple Entries’ under ‘Number of entries requested’. This indicates that you wish to apply for a multiple-entry visa.
The processing time is about 15 days (or up to 60 days if additional documents are required).
Documents Required for Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
- Application form. You must submit a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. The information which you provide must be accurate and complete.
- Travel document. The travel document must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Schengen member state, or in the case of multiple visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of the Schengen member state. It should contain at least two blank pages and should have been issued within the previous 10 years.
- Passport-size photograph. You must include a photograph of yourself. It must be recent, preferably taken within the last six (6) months. It must show your face clearly. The background must be white. The photograph must show you looking directly at the camera and have good brightness and contrast. You must not wear head coverings unless for religious reasons. Your features must be seen clearly.
- Travel itinerary. You must present a detailed travel itinerary, such as a flight reservations, hotel bookings, etc.
- Document to prove the purpose of your trip. You must be able to clearly explain the purpose of your stay, for which you requested a multiple-entry visa.
- Accommodation details. You must provide details about accommodation, i.e., the place where you are going to stay while you are in the Schengen member state. You must also present proof that you have the financial means to cover your accommodation
- Sufficient financial means. You must present a document to prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to your home country or for the transit to a third country
- Travel medical insurance. Make sure you have medical insurance when you are traveling to cover any expenses which might come up unexpectedly. Applicants will need to sign a statement declaring that they are conscious of the fact that they need travel medical insurance for subsequent stays. Your insurance must be valid throughout the territory of the Member States and cover the entire period of your intended stay. The minimum coverage must be EUR 30 000.
In the case of your spouse or child accompanying you, you must submit the following documents:
- A document which clarifies their relationship to you, e.g., a marriage certificate if they are your spouse. Or birth certificate if they are your child.
Note: The required documents may be slightly different in each country. However, the listed documents are generally the list of documents that are required from most countries. Remember to double-check with the specific Schengen country you wish to enter to make sure that you have all the necessary documents.
Tips for a Successful Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Application
To make sure that your visa application will be successful, remember to:
- Provide a well-justified reason for multiple entries. When you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, it means that you wish to enter the Schengen area several times. Therefore, you must have a strong and valid reason to do so. Make sure to carefully lay out your reasons in a thoughtful and reasonable manner. For example, if you are visiting for business purposes, you may explain the reason why you need to exit and enter several times, e.g., you need to enter the Schengen zone, meet with a client, go back to your home country and enter the Schengen zone again. Or, perhaps you may need to meet with different clients in different countries within the Schengen zone.
- Submit a strong travel history. A strong travel history significantly increases your chances of being granted a visa. This proves that you have always followed immigration policies and that you won’t be overstaying or threatening any immigration policy or law.
- Provide complete and accurate documentation. The most important step to be granted the multiple-entry visa is to provide all necessary documentation. Make sure that the documents you submit are accurate and complete. You must not skip or leave out any documents and undermine their significance. Any inaccuracies will result in your application being rejected.
When Should I Apply for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?
As a multiple-entry Schengen visa holder, you may apply before the expiry of the visa, valid for a period of at least six months.
Other Types of Schengen Visas
- Business Schengen Visa
- Cultural Schengen Visa
- Transit Schengen Visa
- Visitor Schengen Visa
- Medical Schengen Visa
- Tourist Schengen Visa
