Applying for a Visa

It is possible to obtain a visa that allows more than one entry into the Schengen area during the period of validity of the visa. A multiple-entry visa can be valid from six months up to five years.

Despite this, the holder may not stay longer in the Schengen area than a total of 90 days in a 180-day period .

A multiple-entry visa is generally not granted the first time a visa is applied for.

Conditions

The applicant must demonstrate

• the need to travel frequently and/or regularly, in particular for occupational or family reasons, for example:

  - businesspeople,

  - civil servants engaged in regular official contacts with the member states and institutions of the European Union,

  - representatives of civil society organisations travelling for the purpose of educational training, seminars and conferences,

  - family members of Icelandic or EEA/EFTA citizens,

  - family members of third-country nationals legally residing in the Schengen member States,

  - seafarers

• lawful use of previous visas

• economic situation in the country of origin

• the genuine intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the visa applied for.