How to get 5-year Schengen Visa? Check eligibility, documents required, fee structure for Indians

Have you ever dreamt of shopping in London, munching a croissant in Paris and taking a refreshing dip in Athens? Sounds very, very European, isn’t it? Well, if your idea of vacation is strolling the cobbled paths of Prague, then Schengen Visa is the ultimate solution for you. Indians who fly to Europe frequently can apply for a five-year Schengen Visa that helps in multiple entries without any trouble. So, how to apply for this golden ticket visa? What are the eligibility criteria? How much visa fees do Indians need to pay? We answer all your questions in easy format here:

What's eligibility criteria regarding 5-year Schengen Visa for Indians?

If you want to apply for multiple entry Schengen Visa, you must have exhausted two multiple-entry Schengen Visa in the period of last three years. Additionally, there should have been absolute Schengen compliance on your part during your stay in those three years. Using two multiple-entry visas help the visa authorities to know that you are indeed a frequent flyer to Europe and compliance of rules show no trouble in the candidature making a solid credible ground for application.

Other common reasons that better the eligibility include family ties in Europe, consistent visits to Europe be it for business or a simple vacation. However, one must know that final decision lies with the visa officials. They can, despite all fulfilled criteria, decide to reject the visa application.

What documents Indians need to apply for 5-year Schengen Visa?

Like all visa applications, there are some standard documents that need to be duly completed by the applicant. However, in case of Schengen, some additional documents are required. First, one needs to fill the Schengen visa application form.

Here, you will get an option of multiple entry. Check on this. Then, you need a properly drafted cover letter. This letter is very critical for the Schengen visa application. In this, you should clearly and coherently explain the reason for visiting Europe frequently, need for long-term, multiple entry visa as well as future plans of returning to India.

Other documents include duly stamped previous visas, business invites in case that was the reason for that particular travel plan, travel insurance, a detailed travel itinerary. Lastly, a proper, solid proof of ties to India such as property, employment and family ties here will help the officials to know that you want to travel to Europe without any plans of settling over there.

What's the fee for Indians applying for multiple-entry Schengen visa?

So now comes the main point – how much you need to pay as visa fee for applying multiple-entry Schengen visa? Quick answer – Rs 8,460 or 90 euros. This is visa fee for Indians above 18 years. For children between 6 and 12, the visa fee is 45 euros that roughly translates to Rs 4,230.