The Schengen area covers most of Europe, allowing visa holders to travel freely between its 26 member countries. A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter and leave the Schengen area multiple times over its validity period.

Obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa gives you more flexibility and convenience to travel throughout Europe. However, the requirements and processing times vary between countries. Here are the top 5 best countries for getting a multiple-entry Schengen visa:

1. Germany

Germany is one of the best and most popular choices for applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa. Here’s why:

High Approval Rate

The German consulate has a high visa approval rate of over 95%. Unless you have a complex immigration history or lack strong ties to your home country, you’re very likely to get approved.

Long Validity Period

A German multiple-entry visa is typically valid for up to 1 year, with a maximum stay of 90 days per 180 day period. This gives you ample time for short trips or longer Euro-tripping adventures.

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Short Processing Time

It takes approximately 2-10 days to get a decision on your German Schengen visa application. The consulate is very efficient in processing applications in a timely manner.

Widespread Consular Presence

Germany has embassies and consulates located all around the world. There are about 240 diplomatic missions which makes it very convenient to submit your application.

Can Apply by Mail

Some German consulates allow you to submit visa applications and supporting documents by mail or courier. This adds to the convenience especially if you live far from a consulate.

With easy paperwork, quick processing, and minimal refusal rates, Germany should be your first pick for getting a multi-entry Schengen visa.

2. France

France also ranks highly as a top choice for obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa for these reasons:

High Number of Entries

France typically issues multiple-entry visas valid for 6 months up to 5 years! With this long validity, you can enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times.

Global Presence

Like Germany, France has a vast network of over 200 embassies and consulates around the world in major cities. Submitting your visa application is made easy.

Quick Processing

It takes around 2 weeks on average to get a decision on a French Schengen visa application. Some consulates can process it in less than 72 hours for a fee.

Can Apply in Your Language

French consulates accept Schengen visa applications and documents in your local official language. You don’t need to get translations made.

Minimal Documents Needed

France has straightforward requirements compared to some other countries. You need fewer documents overall to apply for their multi-entry visa.

With relaxed requirements and quick processing, France is a great backup choice if you’re unable to qualify for a German Schengen visa.

3. Italy

If you plan to spend more time visiting Italy than other Schengen countries, apply directly through the Italian consulate with:

High Visa Validity

A multiple-entry visa issued by Italy is typically valid for 1-5 years. With an Italian Schengen visa, you can readily access the whole Schengen area.

Reasonable Processing Time

It takes around 2-3 weeks to get your Italian multiple-entry visa application processed. The consulates around the world are moderately efficient.

High Approval Odds

Italy has excellent visa approval odds of around 93% for first-time applicants who meet the requirements. Getting an Italian Schengen visa is easier than many other countries.

Well-Connected Consular Network

Italy has diplomatic mission in about 90 countries worldwide for Schengen visa application submission. There are also external visa service providers authorized by Italy.

Can Apply by Post

Many Italian consulates allow submitting your Schengen visa application and documents by registered mail or courier. This adds convenience to the process.

The only downside is that Italy requires confirmed travel bookings before issuing a visa. If you have your itinerary planned, Italy makes for a hassle-free Schengen visa application experience.

4. Spain

Here are some key advantages of applying through Spain for a multi-entry Schengen visa:

Good Processing Speed

It takes approximately 10-15 days to get a decision from the Spanish consulate on average. Their processing timeline is relatively fast.

High Approval Rate

Over 95% of Schengen visa applications to Spain get approved. Unless you have immigration risks, you are highly likely to succeed.

Long Validity Period

Multiple-entry visas issued by Spain are typically valid for 6 months up to 5 years. Their long validity period gives you better value.

Widespread Diplomatic Network

Spain has over 150 embassies and consulates globally, making it easy to submit your application wherever you are.

Scheduling Appointments

Some Spanish consulates allow booking visa application appointments online for added convenience. Walk-in submissions may also be accepted.

Overall, Spain offers a quick and easy Schengen visa application experience. The only drawback is that they require confirmed itinerary before visa approval.

5. Switzerland

Rounding out our top 5 countries, consider these benefits of applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa through Switzerland:

Quick Processing Time

Switzerland processes Schengen visa applications very efficiently within 10-15 days on average.

High Approval Odds

Approval rate for Swiss visas is around 90% for well-documented applications meeting the requirements. Getting a Swiss multi-entry visa is fairly straightforward.

Long Validity of Up to 1 Year

Switzerland typically issues multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for 6-12 months. Some are issued for shorter durations, so check with their consulate.

Limited Document Requirements

The Swiss have modest documentation requirements compared to other Schengen countries. Applying is less tedious.

Wide Diplomatic Footprint

Switzerland has over 150 embassies and consulates located globally for easy visa application submission.

The only limitation is that Swiss multi-entry visas are not valid for over 90 days in Switzerland alone. Beyond that caveat, Switzerland makes getting a multi-entry Schengen visa smooth and fast.

Why Get a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa?

Now that you know the best countries to apply through, let’s look at why you should get a multiple-entry Schengen visa in the first place:

Make Multiple Trips

A multiple-entry visa allows you to make repeated short trips to Schengen countries over its validity period.

For example, you could visit Germany for Christmas markets in December, ski in the Alps in January, and attend Oktoberfest in Munich later in the fall.

Having a multi-entry visa saves you from applying for a new visa before every trip.

Longer Stays

Those planning longer holidays can maximize the 90/180 day rule. You can stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days, then leave for 90 days before re-entering for another 90 days.

A multiple-entry visa makes it easy to have longer Euro-tripping adventures.

More Flexible Travel Plans

With a multiple-entry visa, you have the flexibility to be spontaneous and alter your travel plans on the fly.

You can freely add new destinations, change your itinerary, or extend your stay without stressing about your visa status.

Peace of Mind

Having a longer validity multiple-entry visa gives you peace of mind. Even if your travel plans are uncertain, you know you have the visa coverage to handle it.

You also skip the hassle of securing new visas before every Schengen trip you make.

Better Value

Although a multiple-entry Schengen visa costs more upfront, it provides better long-term value than single-entry visas.

With multiple trips covered, a multi-entry visa ends up being cheaper than applying individually for every trip.

Schengen Visa Type Options

When applying for a Schengen visa, you’ll need to choose what category or “type” of visa you need based on your purpose of travel.

Here are the main types of short-stay Schengen visas:

Uniform Tourist Visa

A uniform tourist visa covers leisure travel like sightseeing, attending events/festivals, taking tours, outdoor activities, visiting friends and family, etc.

It’s the most common visa for those taking European vacations and trips.

Transit Visa

This permits a short-term stopover in a Schengen country as part of an onward journey to your final destination outside Europe. It covers airport layovers too.

Visa for Medical Treatment

Get this visa type if traveling to Europe for medical treatment like surgeries, rehabilitation at health clinics, etc. as proof of your medical visit purpose.

Business Trip Visa

A business visa covers short work trips to Europe like business meetings, conferences, seminars, corporate training, trade shows, etc.

Business visas typically allow stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period only. Longer-term assignments require work permits.

Conference and Sports Visa

This visa is for those attending conferences, sports competitions, cultural/religious/political events, etc. as an attendee. It covers letters of invitation to such events.

Cultural Visit Visa

If undertaking short-term study tours, intensive language learning, university exchanges, etc. this cultural visa can permit stays of up to 364 days.

Official Delegation Visa

For formal government delegations, official parliamentary members, diplomatic courrier service staff, etc. an official delegation visa can be issued.

Documents Required for Schengen Visa

Now that you know which visa type fits your travel purpose, let’s look at the key documents you’ll need to submit a complete application:

Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have at least 2 blank pages left.

Make sure your passport meets the validity requirements of the country you are applying through.

Visa Application Form

Fully complete the official Schengen visa application form with your personal and travel details. Double check to avoid any errors or omissions.

Proof of Accommodations

Provide confirmed hotel/hostel bookings in the Schengen zone covering your entire stay. If staying with family or friends, include their invitation letter with copy of ID/residence permit.

Round Trip Flight Reservations

Provide a confirmed round trip airline/train/bus booking showing your entry and exit from the Schengen area.

If your return booking is open, provide proof of sufficient funds to purchase it.

Travel Medical Insurance

Your medical insurance must cover emergency care and repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000. Get an insurance certificate specifying the coverage amount and policy validity dates.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

To demonstrate you can finance your trip and avoid overstay risks, provide 3 months of bank statements showing regular income/savings of around €100 per day of stay. Higher amounts may be required based on your nationality.

Hotel and Transport Bookings

Provide proofs of hotel, train, rental car, and internal flight bookings within the Schengen area for added credibility.

Cover Letter Explaining Your Trip

Write a cover letter explaining your trip plans in detail: purpose of visit, itinerary, schedule, places to be visited, how you will finance yourself, intent to leave after your authorized stay, etc.

Proof of Employment/Business/Studies

Provide documents evidencing your current employment, business ownership, studies, or other ties to your home country. This shows you have incentive to return and reduces overstay risks.

Examples: letter from your employer, business registration, university enrollment letter, etc.

Prior Passports

If you’ve held previous passports, include copies of recent visas, entry/exit stamps, etc. to establish your travel history.

Recent Photo

Include a recent biometric passport photo according to Schengen specifications. The photo shouldn’t be more than 6 months old.

Additional Supporting Documents

Based on your specific circumstances, you may need to submit additional documents like:

• Proof of ties to family (marriage/birth certificate)
• Invitation letter from Europe host
• Registration at conference/event
• Proof of medical visit
• Business license of European partner
• Language course registration
• No objection certificate from employer
• Minors travel consent letter

Check the requirements of the specific consulate you are applying through in case they need any country-specific documents.

Biometric Data Collection

As part of the visa application process, most Schengen countries require your biometric data to be collected at a consular application center.

This includes:

• Digital photograph
• Fingerprint scan

After you submit your application and documents, you’ll need to schedule a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application center.

They will capture and digitally store your biometric data. It gets linked to your application and added to the Schengen’s central Visa Information System.

Some countries like Italy and Spain allow completing this biometric step after getting conditional visa approval first.

When you enter the Schengen area, immigration officers will verify your biometrics match the data in the system as an additional security check.

Schengen Visa Fees

Schengen visa fees depend on the type of visa you apply for and your age:

Short-stay visa fees

• €80 for adults
• €40 for minors aged 6-12
• Free for children under 6

Long-stay visa fees (over 90 days)

• €116 for adults
• €58 for minors aged 6-12
• Free for children under 6

Additional service fees may apply such as:

• Courier delivery fee
• SMS application status updates
• Premium processing fee

The visa fee must be paid when submitting your application and is non-refundable regardless of the final visa decision.

Schengen Visa Processing Time

It typically takes 15-30 days to process a Schengen visa application. Maximum processing time is 60 days if additional verification is required.

You should apply no sooner than 3 months before your planned trip, but no later than 15 days before travel. Applying too early risks rejection.

Processing is faster for fully completed applications meeting all requirements. Incomplete applications take longer to process.

Some Schengen consulates offer premium processing or “express service” for an extra fee, guaranteeing a visa decision within two weeks or less.

You can pay extra fees to get SMS application status updates direct from the consulate as your application is processed. This is optional but recommended.

Schengen Visa Application Tips

Follow these tips to boost your chances of getting a multiple-entry Schengen visa approved:

Choose the right consulate – Apply from your country of residence rather than your home country. Pick an efficient consulate with high approval rates. Avoid overworked or backlogged consulates.

Meet the eligibility criteria – Carefully review the requirements for employment, funds, travel history, etc. Only apply once you meet them fully.

Avoid submission errors – Double check your application form and documents to avoid any mistakes. Use the document checklist to ensure completeness.

Provide strong ties to home – Submit ample proofs like family, job, property, business, studies, etc showing you must return after the trip.

Book refundable hotels – Make flexible hotel bookings you can cancel if your visa is denied. Don’t prepay non-refundable stays before getting approved.

Use a detailed cover letter – Craft a detailed cover letter explaining every aspect of your trip and ties to your home country.

Buy refundable air ticket – Book a refundable return ticket you can cancel if your visa application fails. Don’t buy non-refundable tickets beforehand.

Check required funds – Each consulate specifies the minimum bank balance required. Have the full amount across 3 recent monthly statements.

Disclose refusals upfront – If you’ve faced visa refusals before, explain why with proof to reassure the consulate.

Pick the right visa type – Carefully consider the purpose of your travel and apply under the suitable visa category.

Complete biometrics promptly – Schedule and complete your biometrics appointment as soon as requested to avoid delays.

Following these tips will help ensure a smooth, successful application process and get your multiple-entry Schengen visa approved!