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Schengen visa 5 years (multi-entry)
All information on applying for a Schengen visa valid for 5 years (so-called multi-entry visa).
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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 wish to enter the Schengen area regularly 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 in compliance with 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, multiple-entry visa. 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, receipts from previous Schengen travel, and health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Also essential 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.
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 determines 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 rejection of future visa applications but also entry bans or fines . Furthermore, a renewed Schengen visa for five years cannot be issued after an overstay.
For a 5-year Schengen visa, it is therefore essential to always document your entry and exit dates in such a way 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 participation. 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.
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 past three years. In addition, 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 frequent travelers a significant relief—especially for business travelers , cultural workers, or individuals with medical travel needs . It allows multiple entries within five years, but only for up to 90 days per 180-day period. Prerequisites include proof of previous, proper visa use (proof of integrity) and a plausible need to travel. 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 ensure legal compliance, the 90-day rule should be strictly observed and travel documented—ideally with the help of the EU Commission's official residence calculator.