Lifestyle Trend: 5-Year Schengen Visa Explained: Who’s Eligible, How To Apply And What It Costs | Travel News You Should Know

Last Updated:April 18, 2025, 10:31 IST

With a 90-day stay limit of 180 days, a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa permits travel to 29 countries in the region.

A five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa costs €90 (about Rs 8,797) for adults.

For many travellers, it is a dream come true to be able to travel freely throughout most of Europe without having to deal with the trouble of constantly applying for a visa. For eligible globetrotters, this is possible with the Schengen visa, which allows for multiple entries for five years. This long-term visa is quite convenient, especially for people who travel to Europe often.

It can be difficult to obtain this visa, but you can greatly increase your chances of being granted it by being aware of the requirements and what the authorities are looking for.

What Is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area, which spans 29 countries from France and Germany to Greece and Spain, is a popular travel destination for families, students, business travellers, and tourists.

With a five-year, multiple-entry Schengen visa, visitors can enter the region repeatedly for up to 90 days each time within 180 days without reapplying.

A five-year multiple-entry visa is available to whom?

Based on their past travel experiences and plans, travellers who meet certain requirements are usually granted the visa.

Those who have a track record of responsible travel are often given preference by authorities, particularly if they have obtained a Schengen visa for two years with multiple entries during the previous three years. Experts say common candidates include people who travel frequently for work, have family in Europe, or have a history of returning home after a trip.

Additionally, applicants must convince authorities that they will return to their home countries once their visa expires by presenting adequate proof of their close social and economic links.

How to apply for a Schengen visa that lasts five years?

With some significant exceptions, the application process for a five-year visa is comparable to that of a regular Schengen visa.

When completing the visa application form, applicants must first choose the “multiple-entry” option. Additionally, a well-written cover letter is essential. The necessity for numerous entries over a number of years, prior travel experiences, and upcoming plans requiring frequent trips to the Schengen Area should all be explained in detail in this letter.

Additional supporting documentation, like business invitations or proof of familial ties, enhances the application. In addition, applicants must provide proof of travel insurance and a travel schedule, even if it is only a draft plan.

For each trip, applicants must attest that insurance will be in place, but they are not obliged to show a policy that covers the entire five years. Moreover, financial records are crucial. Candidates must show that they have enough money to pay for their stay and can prove that they have a job, own real estate, or have other financial obligations in their home country.

The 5-Year Schengen Visa: Total Cost

A five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa costs €90 (about Rs 8,797) for adults and €45 (approximately Rs 4,399) for minors aged six to twelve as of 2025. There may be additional expenses, like courier fees and travel insurance via visa service centres.