Schengen Multiple-entry Visa (Type C MULT): rules, validity, price & requirements
The Schengen multiple-entry visa is one of the most sought-after short-stay visas for travellers who visit Europe regularly for tourism, business, family visits or professional events. At the same time, it remains one of the most misunderstood. Many applicants expect a longer stay, receive a single-entry visa instead of a multiple-entry one, or worry about refusal due to overstay suspicion or alleged “visa misuse”.
In practice, consulates do not base their decision on a single criterion. What matters most is the overall consistency of the application: previous travel history, correct use of past visas, a credible reason for repeated travel, stable financial and professional ties, and strict compliance with Schengen rules. Understanding how validity, duration of stay, insurance obligations and refusal criteria work is essential to avoid mistakes and improve approval chances.
🛂 A Schengen multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries, not a longer stay
⏱️ The 90 days within any 180-day period rule always applies, even with MULT
📆 Visa validity (6 months, 1–5 years) is different from duration of stay
🌍 You can enter Schengen through a country other than the issuing one, under the main destination rule
🛡️ Travel medical insurance is mandatory for a multiple-entry Schengen visa
📉 Around 15–18% of Schengen short-stay visa applications are refused each year
🔄 A visa refusal does not automatically prevent future multiple-entry approvals
What is a Schengen multiple-entry visa (Type C MULT)?
Definition of a multiple-entry Schengen visa 🛂
A Schengen multiple-entry visa, officially referred to as a Type C MULT visa, is a short-stay visa that allows the holder to enter and leave the Schengen Area an unlimited number of times during the period of validity indicated on the visa sticker.
This type of visa is designed for travellers who need flexibility rather than a longer stay. It can be used for tourism, business trips, family or private visits, professional events, as well as short-term studies or training programmes, provided that each stay remains within the limits of Schengen short-stay rules.
Importantly, a multiple-entry visa does not change the legal nature of the visa: it remains a Type C Schengen visa, meaning that the total time spent in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, regardless of how many times the holder enters or exits.
Because a multiple-entry Schengen visa allows repeated travel, applicants must ensure they remain compliant with insurance requirements for each trip.
Many travellers rely on insurance brokers such as HelloSafe, which provide Schengen-compliant coverage from recognised insurers, with negotiated rates, an immediate insurance certificate, and refund options in case of visa refusal.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
What is the difference between single-entry, double-entry and MULT visas? 🔁
The main difference between Schengen visas lies in how many times you are allowed to enter the Schengen Area, not in how long you can stay. The table below highlights this distinction clearly:
🔑 Visa type | Number of entries allowed | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
Single-entry visa | 1 entry only | One-off trip to Schengen |
Double-entry visa | Up to 2 entries | Leaving and re-entering once |
Multiple-entry (MULT) visa | Unlimited entries | Frequent or recurring travel |
Regardless of the visa type, the maximum authorised stay remains the same: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A multiple-entry visa simply offers greater travel flexibility, making it particularly suitable for frequent travellers, business professionals and applicants with recurring reasons to visit the Schengen Area.
How long is a Schengen multiple-entry visa valid and how long can you stay?
Visa validity explained with real-life examples 📅
The validity of a Schengen multiple-entry visa refers to the time window during which you are allowed to enter the Schengen Area, not to the length of time you can remain there. Depending on your travel profile and history, a MULT visa may be issued with a validity of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or up to 5 years.
For example, a 1-year multiple-entry visa allows you to travel to Schengen at any time within those 12 months, as many times as you wish. A 5-year visa offers even greater flexibility, but it does not grant continuous residence. In practice, longer validity simply means more freedom to plan multiple trips over time, not longer stays.
This distinction is central to many misunderstandings: visa validity defines when you can travel, while the duration of stay defines how long you can remain in Schengen.
Duration of stay and the 90/180 rule explained simply ⏱️
Regardless of the visa’s validity, all Type C visas — including multiple-entry ones — are subject to the 90 days in any rolling 180-day period rule.
This rule works on a rolling basis: on any given day in the Schengen Area, authorities look back over the previous 180 days to check that you have not spent more than 90 days in total within Schengen. Days from different trips are added together, even if they were spread across several countries.
A common misconception is that a multiple-entry visa “resets” the counter each time you exit Schengen. It does not. Leaving and re-entering does not restore your 90 days, and overstaying — even unintentionally — can seriously affect future visa applications.
How to read a Schengen visa sticker correctly 🔍
Understanding the information printed on the visa sticker is essential to avoid mistakes. Each field has a specific meaning:
🧾 Visa field | What it means | Common misunderstanding |
|---|---|---|
📆 Valid from / until | The period during which you may enter Schengen | Treated as the allowed length of stay |
⏳ Duration of stay | Maximum total number of days you may stay | Ignoring the cumulative 90/180 calculation |
🔁 Number of entries | MULT, 1 or 2 | Assumed to mean unlimited stay time |
Reading these fields correctly helps ensure lawful travel and prevents unintentional overstays, which are one of the main reasons for visa complications or refusals in future applications.
Which countries are covered by a Schengen multiple-entry visa?
List of Schengen countries covered 🌍
A Schengen multiple-entry visa allows travel to all countries that are part of the Schengen Area, regardless of which country issued the visa. To avoid confusion, the table below clarifies which countries are covered and how Schengen differs from the European Union.
🌍 Category | Countries included | Important note |
|---|---|---|
🇪🇺 EU countries in the Schengen Area | Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden | These countries apply the common Schengen visa rules |
🌐 Non-EU Schengen countries | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland | Part of Schengen despite not being EU members |
🚫 EU countries outside Schengen | Ireland | A Schengen visa does not allow entry |
This distinction is essential: a Schengen multiple-entry visa grants access only to the Schengen Area, not to all EU countries.
Can you enter through a different country than the one that issued your visa? ✈️
Yes. A Schengen multiple-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area through any Schengen country, even if a different country issued the visa. You are not legally required to enter first through the issuing country.
However, applications are assessed based on the main destination rule. This means that the country responsible for examining your visa application should be:
- the country where you will spend the most time, or
- if time is equal, the country of first entry.
Once the visa is issued, travelling through another Schengen country does not constitute visa misuse, as long as your travel remains consistent with the purpose declared in your application. This reassurance addresses a frequent concern among multiple-entry visa holders who fear problems at the border when entering through a different country.
How much does a Schengen multiple-entry visa cost in 2024–2025?
Official Schengen visa fees 💶
The cost of a Schengen multiple-entry visa is the same as for any short-stay Schengen visa, regardless of the number of entries granted. Since June 2024, the official fees set by Schengen regulations are as follows:
👤 Applicant | 💶 Visa fee |
|---|---|
Adults | €90 |
Children (6–12 years old) | €45 |
Children under 6 | Free |
These fees apply to all Type C visas, including single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry visas. They are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
What additional costs should you expect? 💼
In addition to the official visa fee, applicants should budget for several additional expenses, which vary depending on the country and the application channel used:
- 🏢 Service provider fees (VFS Global, TLScontact) : Most Schengen consulates outsource application intake. Service fees typically range from €20 to €40, depending on the location.
- 🛡️ Travel insurance : Medical travel insurance meeting Schengen requirements is mandatory. The price depends on the coverage level, duration of stay and age of the applicant.
- 📄 Optional administrative costs : These may include document translation, photocopies, courier services or SMS notifications offered by visa centres.
While these costs do not influence the type of visa granted, submitting a complete and compliant application — particularly regarding insurance and documentation — helps avoid delays or refusals.
What are the requirements to get a Schengen multiple-entry visa?
Basic eligibility requirements 📋
Before requesting a Schengen multiple-entry visa, applicants must meet the standard short-stay Schengen conditions. The table below summarises the core requirements consulates systematically check, making it easier to understand what is expected.
✅ Requirement | What consulates expect | Common issue |
|---|---|---|
🛂 Valid passport | Issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months after exit | Passport expiring too soon |
🎯 Purpose of travel | Clear reason: tourism, business, family, events, short studies | Vague or inconsistent explanation |
💶 Financial means | Proof of funds to cover stay and return | Unclear source of funds |
🔄 Intention to leave Schengen | Strong ties to country of residence (job, studies, family) | Weak or undocumented ties |
Meeting all these criteria is mandatory for any Type C visa. A multiple-entry visa is only considered once this baseline is fully satisfied.
How important is travel history for a MULT visa? ✈️
For multiple-entry visas, travel history often weighs more than the documents themselves. Consulates analyse how previous visas were used, not just whether they were granted.
Applicants are viewed more favourably when they have:
- ✔️ held previous Schengen visas, even single-entry ones
- ✔️ respected the authorised duration of stay
- ✔️ exited the Schengen Area on time, without overstays or border issues
There is no fixed rule such as “three visas are enough”. What matters is a pattern of compliance. Even a limited but clean travel record can support a MULT request, while misuse or overstays — even minor — can significantly reduce approval chances.
How to justify the need for multiple entries 🔁
A multiple-entry visa is granted when there is a credible reason to travel repeatedly, not simply because it is requested. Consulates look for logic and consistency between the applicant’s profile and the need for flexibility.
🔁 Reason for repeated travel | Typical supporting evidence |
|---|---|
💼 Business travel | Employer letter, invitations, conference registrations |
👪 Family or private visits | Proof of family ties, residence documents |
🧳 Recurring tourism | Travel explanation, past trips, coherent travel pattern |
Future trips do not always need to be fully booked. However, the request must remain realistic, proportionate and well-explained, as exaggerated or poorly justified plans are one of the main reasons multiple-entry requests are downgraded to single-entry visas.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen multiple-entry visa?
Travel insurance requirements under Schengen law 🛡️
Yes. Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen short-stay visas, including multiple-entry (MULT) visas. This requirement is set by Schengen regulations and is systematically checked by consulates when assessing an application.
To be accepted, the insurance policy must meet all of the following criteria:
🛡️ Requirement | What it must cover |
|---|---|
💶 Minimum coverage | At least €30,000 |
🌍 Territorial validity | All Schengen countries |
🏥 Medical expenses | Emergency medical care and hospitalisation |
🚑 Repatriation | Return to home country for medical reasons or in case of death |
Insurance that does not meet each of these conditions is one of the most frequent reasons for visa refusal, including for applicants requesting a multiple-entry visa.
Many travellers choose to go through an insurance broker such as HelloSafe, which compares only Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance policies (minimum €30,000 cover, valid across the Schengen Area, including repatriation). In practice, this helps applicants avoid non-compliant policies that can lead to delays or refusals: you can compare offers online, obtain an insurance certificate immediately, and benefit from transparent terms and, depending on the policy, refund options in case of visa refusal.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
Does insurance need to cover the entire visa validity? ❓
This is a common point of confusion. For a Schengen multiple-entry visa, the insurance policy is required to cover at least the first planned stay declared in the application.
Applicants must also confirm that they understand their obligation to hold valid medical insurance for every subsequent trip to the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity. However, Schengen rules do not require insurance to cover the full visa validity period (for example, 1, 2 or 5 years) at the time of application.
💡 In practice, many travellers choose online Schengen insurance solutions that are fully compliant, quickly issued and widely accepted by consulates. Platforms such as HelloSafe make it possible to compare and subscribe to suitable coverage in just a few minutes, ensuring compliance for each trip without overpaying for unnecessary long-term coverage.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificateWhat are the Schengen multiple-entry visa rejection rates and how can you improve your chances of approval?
Schengen multiple-entry visa refusal statistics 📉
Each year, around 15–18% of Schengen short-stay visa applications are refused worldwide. Multiple-entry visas tend to be more selectively granted than single-entry visas, as they imply a higher level of trust in the applicant’s travel behaviour over time.
Refusal decisions are not based on nationality alone. In practice, consulates focus on individual risk factors such as travel history, consistency of documentation and compliance with previous visas. Applicants with limited or unclear travel records are statistically more exposed to refusals, even when all formal documents are submitted.
Most common refusal reasons for multiple-entry visas (including “motive 8”) 🚫
When a Schengen visa is refused, the decision is based on standardised refusal grounds. For multiple-entry requests, the following reasons appear most frequently:
🚫 Refusal reason | What it usually means in practice |
|---|---|
Purpose not reliable (Motive 8) | Incoherent, vague or poorly justified travel plans |
Intention to leave not proven | Insufficient professional, financial or family ties |
Insurance issue | Policy does not meet Schengen requirements |
Financial proof insufficient | Unclear, unstable or undocumented resources |
“Motive 8” is particularly common in multiple-entry applications and often reflects inconsistencies rather than ineligibility.
Does a refusal affect future multiple-entry applications? 🔄
A Schengen visa refusal does not result in an automatic ban, nor does it permanently prevent future multiple-entry approvals. However, repeated refusals based on the same unresolved issues significantly reduce credibility.
Applicants who clearly address the reasons for refusal — by improving documentation, clarifying travel purpose or strengthening ties — often succeed in subsequent applications, including for MULT visas.
What consulates really assess when granting a MULT visa 📈
When deciding whether to grant a multiple-entry visa, consulates focus on long-term consistency, not isolated documents. Key elements include:
- 📄 Coherence of the application (purpose, itinerary, supporting documents)
- ✈️ Travel behaviour over time, including lawful exits and respect of stay limits
- 🌍 Correct consulate selection, based on the main destination rule
A strong application tells a clear, logical story that matches the applicant’s profile and travel needs.
Common mistakes that reduce MULT approval chances ❌
Many multiple-entry requests are downgraded or refused due to avoidable errors, such as:
- ❌ Visa shopping, applying through a country perceived as “easier”
- ❌ Confusing visa validity with duration of stay, leading to unrealistic plans
- ❌ Unrealistic or overbooked itineraries, which raise credibility concerns
Avoiding these mistakes and focusing on clarity, consistency and compliance is one of the most effective ways to reduce refusal risk and improve the chances of obtaining a Schengen multiple-entry visa.
FAQ
Yes, it is possible for first-time applicants to receive a multiple-entry Schengen visa, but it is not guaranteed. In practice, first-time applicants are more often granted a single-entry or short-validity visa, as consulates have no prior travel behaviour to assess. A first multiple-entry visa is more likely when the purpose of travel clearly requires repeated visits, such as business or family reasons, and when the application is coherent and well documented.
A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows the holder to enter and leave the Schengen Area as many times as needed during the visa’s validity. However, all trips combined must respect the 90 days in any 180-day period rule. Days spent in Schengen are cumulative across all trips, and exiting the area does not reset the allowed number of days.
Yes. Schengen regulations allow multiple-entry visas to be issued with a validity of 1 year, 2 years or up to 5 years. Longer-validity visas are generally granted to applicants with a strong and compliant travel history, particularly those who have previously held and correctly used Schengen visas. Requesting a long-validity visa does not create an automatic entitlement to it.
No. A multiple-entry visa does not reset the 90-day limit. The 90 days within any 180-day period rule applies to all short-stay Schengen visas, regardless of the number of entries or the length of the visa’s validity. Misunderstanding this rule is a common cause of unintentional overstays.
No. All Schengen countries apply the same legal framework under the Schengen Visa Code. There is no officially “easier” country for obtaining a multiple-entry visa. Applying through a country that is not the main destination, a practice often referred to as visa shopping, can weaken an application and negatively affect future visa requests.
