A guide to applying for multiple-entry Schengen visas in 2025

Introduction

Europe is a popular travel destination worldwide. Tourists, businesspeople, students, and families flock to the country every year. The Schengen Area requires Schengen visas for citizens of countries outside the EU, including Nigerians. A multiple-entry visa offers more flexibility for experienced or frequent travelers than a single-entry visa.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about multiple-entry Schengen visas in 2025, including eligibility requirements, documentation, application procedures, common mistakes, and successful strategies.

Understanding the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area (as of 2025) comprises 29 countries that have removed all internal borders. Passport checks are not required within the zone.

Almost all of continental Europe can be accessed with one Schengen visa.

What Are the Benefits of a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa?

Multiple-entry visas (Type C) are valid for multiple entries and exits within the Schengen area.

Consider these aspects:

Multiple entries are allowed – You can cross in and out as many times as you’d like.
A maximum stay of 90 days is allowed in a 180-day period.
The Schengen visa is valid in all Schengen states – France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, etc.
Flexible – Ideal for travelers who need to leave Europe temporarily and return without reapplying.

For instance:

A Nigerian businessperson attended conferences in Germany, flew to Morocco, then flew back to France.
The tourist wants to visit Europe, leave for a short time in the UK (non-Schengen area), and then return to Europe.
Several times a year, a family member travels to Europe to visit relatives.

Visa types with multiple entries for Schengen

EU Visa Code outlines the following validity levels for multiple-entry visas:

1. Six-month multi-entry visa

Valid for up to six months.
Several short trips are possible during this period.
A first-time applicant who shows a genuine need is often granted this loan.

2. One-year multi-entry visa

Valid for one year.
The 180-day period is still capped at 90 days.
For frequent travelers with a good track record.

3. Two-year visa with multiple entries

Valid for two years.
This visa is available to applicants who have previously held a one-year visa without overstaying.

4. Five-year visa with multiple entries

Visas issued by the Schengen area have the longest validity period.
This program is available to travelers with extensive compliance histories.
Refraining from reapplying for years saves you a great deal of time and energy.

Schengen visa eligibility for multiple entries

It is not guaranteed that everyone will qualify. To prevent misuse, embassies carefully evaluate applicants. In order to increase your chances of approval, you should:

No overstays on previous Schengen visas.
Needs to travel regularly (business trips, family visits, medical care, etc.).
You should include information about your home country on your resume (job, family, property, studies, etc.).
Demonstrate financial stability in order to afford repeated travel.

When it comes to first-time applicants, embassies are cautious. A multiple-entry visa is usually issued when you have a positive track record instead of a single-entry visa.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Select the right embassy

You can apply at:

How much time will you spend in each country?
This is the country you will enter first if time is evenly divided.

For example, if you fly from Nigeria to Spain (5 days), then to France (15 days), you must apply through the French embassy.

Step 2: Submit an application

Here are the forms for applying for Schengen visas.
When entering more than one entry, indicate “Multiple entries.”.
If you require multiple entries, explain why in your cover letter.

Step 3: Collect the required documents

Identification documents

Valid passport for three months beyond return (issued within the last ten years).
Visa application completed.
Biometric passport photos.

Proof of travel

The round-trip flight reservation has multiple entries.
Meetings, tours, and visits to family in Schengen states make up a travel itinerary.

The accommodation

Each leg of the trip needs to be booked.
If staying with relatives or friends, send a letter of invitation.
A passport or residence permit proving the host’s residency.

A policy of insurance

Travel insurance that is Schengen-compliant must cover at least €30,000.
The visa is valid for all Schengen countries and for the entire duration of the visa.

Financial evidence

Statements from your bank account from the past six months.
A letter confirming employment (payslips, contracts, etc.) or proof of ownership.
Sponsorship documents will be required if your travel is funded by someone else.

Having strong ties to Nigeria

Employment confirmation.
Proof of enrollment in school or ongoing studies.
Property ownership, family ties, or other commitments.

Step 4: Pay the Visa fee

Adults: €90
Children 6–12 years: €45
Children under 6: Free
Visa centers (VFS, TLS) charge additional service fees.

Step 5: Make an appointment for your visa and attend it

Consult a visa application center or an embassy for scheduling.
All documents must be submitted.
(Biometrics) Fingerprints and photos are required.
The interviewer will ask questions about the purpose of the trip, the financial capability, and the reasons behind multiple entries.

Step 6: Wait for processing

Processing time: 15 days.
If additional checks are needed during peak travel season, the period may be extended to 30–45 days.

Step 7: Pick up your visa

The visa sticker will indicate:
- Multiple entries (MULT).
- Dates of validity.
- The duration of the stay (e.g., 90 days).

Make sure you check the details before traveling.

90/180-Day Rule

Even if you have a multiple-entry visa, you cannot live permanently in Europe. In accordance with the rule:

During a 180-day period, you can stay for a maximum of 90 days.
This includes all Schengen states.

For instance, if you stay in the Schengen zone for 90 consecutive days, you must leave it for 90 days before reentering.

Example scenarios for Nigerian applicants

Case 1: Business Traveler

German and Italian trade shows are regularly attended by Nigerian entrepreneurs. He provides company registration documents, tax returns, and invitation letters with his application.

Case 2: European tourists with families

Her children studied in France and Spain, and she visits them twice a year. She requests a multiple-entry visa for two years, demonstrating strong connections to her family at home and property ownership in Nigeria.

Case 3: Frequent Tourist

A Nigerian professional travels to Europe three times a year. One-year multiple-entry visas were granted to the applicant with past visa stamps, proof of steady employment, and full itineraries.

Avoiding the most common mistakes

Multiple entries are requested without justification. Insufficient entries must always be explained.
Incomplete insurance coverage. Insurance must cover all Schengen countries and match the visa period.
Uncertain financial information in documents. It may be suspicious if a deposit is large and unexplained.
Lack of ties to Nigeria. There is a concern among consulates that overstayers will not return without a proof of return.
Itineraries are inconsistent. Flight reservations, hotel reservations, and the cover letter must be aligned.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved

Make sure your visa history is positive. Ensure that you have met the requirements for previous Schengen or international visas.
Your cover letter should be strong. Multiple entries (business trips, family trips, conferences) should be explained.
Check the documents to make sure they match. Dates, bookings, and insurance must be aligned.
Demonstrate a strong financial capability. You should be able to afford repeated trips.
It is important to apply early. Apply eight to twelve weeks in advance rather than at the last minute.

Sample Cover Letter for Multiple-Entry Visas

Greetings, Sir/Madam

I am applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa both for business and for family reasons. The coming year will see me attending business meetings in Germany and Italy, as well as visiting family in France.

I have attached supporting documents, including my business registration and financial statements. In order to efficiently manage these travel needs, I would need a visa that allows multiple entries.

I have previously held Schengen visas and have always complied with entry and exit regulations. Please consider granting me a multiple-entry visa.

Sincerely,
[Applicant’s Full Name]

The following questions are frequently asked

1. Can a first-time applicant obtain a multiple-entry visa?

It is extremely rare. Unless there is a strong reason to change it, most embassies use a single entry.

2. Is it possible to work in Europe with a multiple-entry visa?

No. A short-stay visa is not a work permit.

3. What if I overstay?

Overstaying your visa can result in a visa refusal or ban.

4. Is insurance required for the entire visa period?

Yes. One-year visas require a full year of insurance.

5. If approval is granted, how long does it take?

Usually, it takes 15 days, but it can take up to 45 days in complex cases.

The conclusion

Schengen visas with multiple entries are ideal for frequent travelers to Europe. It saves you time and resources regardless of whether you are traveling for business, family, or tourism.

In order to qualify for a visa in 2025, Nigerian applicants must present strong documentation, demonstrate genuine need, and show ties to their countries of origin. Using this guide will greatly improve your chances of getting a multiple-entry visa and allowing you to travel more freely around Europe if you follow its steps.