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Schengen visa 5 years (multi-entry)

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All information on applying for a Schengen visa valid for 5 years (so-called multi-entry visa).

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Here you learn ...

  • what a multi-entry Schengen visa is

  • how to get the 5-year Schengen visa

  • what requirements apply for the 5-year Schengen visa

  • whether you are allowed to work with the 5-year Schengen visa

Table of contents

1. Multi-Entry Schengen Visa (5 years)

2. Requirements for a 5-year Schengen visa

3. Duration of stay 5 years Multi-Entry Schengen visa

4. Work with a 5-year Schengen visa

5. FAQ

6. Conclusion Multi-Entry Schengen Visa

1. Multi-Entry Schengen Visa (5 years)

A Schengen visa valid for five years is particularly attractive for frequent travelers who regularly enter the Schengen area for professional, family, or medical reasons. This multiple-entry visa (also called a multi-visa) allows entry and exit to the Schengen area as often as desired within a five-year period – but always subject to the 90/180-day rule. This means that visa holders may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule is calculated retroactively from the current date and applies regardless of the visa's validity period .

Employees with international activities , participants in cultural, scientific, or sports exchange programs, and individuals requiring regular medical treatment particularly benefit from the option of applying for a long-term visa for multiple entries. For these individuals, a multi-entry Schengen visa can significantly simplify administrative procedures, as it eliminates the need to apply for a new Schengen visa for each trip and also allows for spontaneous travel.

2. Requirements for a 5-year Schengen visa

The requirements for such a long-term visa are regulated in Article 24 of the Visa Code . Anyone wishing to apply for a five-year multi-entry visa must prove that they have obtained and properly used a multiple-entry visa with a two-year validity within the past three years ( proof of "integrity and reliability," Article 24, paragraph 2 b) of the Visa Code ). "Proper" means that the maximum length of stay has not been exceeded and that no violations of entry or residence conditions have been committed. The responsible diplomatic missions abroad decide, based on the individual travel profile, whether a visa with a longer validity period can be issued.

To apply for a 5-year Schengen multi-entry visa, you will need, among other things, a valid passport, a completed application form, biometric passport photos, proof of the reason for travel, evidence of previous Schengen travel, and health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Also important is a plausible letter explaining the need for multiple entries over an extended period of time – ideally supported by invitations, business travel plans, or medical evidence.

Contact us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

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3. Duration of stay 5 years Multi-Entry Schengen visa

Despite the visa's long validity, the actual length of stay in the Schengen area remains limited. Therefore, some foreigners believe that the validity period also represents the length of stay. This is not true; therefore, the 90/180-day rule must be strictly adhered to within the five-year period. Those who exceed the visa's validity period risk not only having future visa applications rejected, but also facing entry bans or fines . Furthermore, after an overstay, a new Schengen visa for five years cannot be issued.

For a 5-year Schengen visa, it is therefore essential to always document your entry and exit dates so that they can be traced using the entry and exit stamps in your passport. If necessary, you can use the EU Commission's stay calculator to check whether you've met the 90-day limit. With the European Commission's official stay calculator, users can check down to the exact day how many days they have left to stay or when they will be legally allowed to re-enter the country.

4. Work with a 5-year Schengen visa

Anyone holding a Schengen visa valid for five years benefits from simplified entry into the entire Schengen area. This visa is particularly suitable for people who travel regularly for business purposes, such as meetings, negotiations, or trade fairs. However, it should be noted that such a visa does not entitle the holder to take up gainful employment in the traditional sense. This means that permanent employment in Germany or another Schengen country is not permitted with a multi-entry Schengen visa.

In practice, misunderstandings often arise regarding the so-called non-employment fiction. This states that certain business activities, such as attending trade fairs, training courses, contract negotiations, or customer meetings, are not considered employment under immigration law – provided the activity remains within the scope of maintaining business contacts and does not exceed the threshold of productive collaboration. When working with a multi-entry Schengen visa, careful attention should therefore be paid to ensuring that the limits of a business trip are not exceeded. If in doubt, one of our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the limits of a business trip in Germany.

Contact us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

5. FAQ

What is a 5-year Schengen visa (multi-entry)?
A multi-entry Schengen visa with a five-year validity allows repeated entries into the Schengen area over a period of five years. The 90/180-day rule applies: a maximum of 90 days of stay is permitted per 180-day period, regardless of the total duration of the visa.


What are the requirements for the 5-year Schengen visa?
Applicants must have obtained and properly used a two-year multiple-entry visa within the last three years. Additionally, a current passport, proof of travel purpose, previous visas, health insurance, and a compelling letter explaining the need for multiple entries are required.


How long can you stay in the Schengen area with a 5-year visa?
Even with a five-year visa validity, the stay may not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Compliance with this rule must be carefully documented. The EU residence time calculator helps with the exact daily calculation.

6. Conclusion

A five-year Schengen visa offers significant relief for frequent travelers – especially for business travelers, cultural workers, or those with medical travel needs. It allows multiple entries within five years, but only for up to 90 days per 180-day period. Proof of previous proper visa use (proof of integrity) and a plausible need to travel are required. Gainful employment is not permitted with the visa, but certain business activities are permitted as long as they do not lead to productive collaboration. To travel legally, the 90-day rule should be strictly observed and travel documented – ideally with the help of the EU Commission's official residence calculator.

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