For many Indian travelers, getting a long-term Schengen visa once seemed out of reach. However, recent changes in European Union policy have made it possible for frequent, law-abiding visitors to Europe to secure longer visas, such as two-year or even five-year multiple-entry permits. The journey of one Indian couple, who upgraded from a six-month single-entry visa to a two-year multiple-entry Schengen visa through the Denmark Embassy, offers a clear example of how this process works and what steps are involved. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you understand the process, what to expect at each stage, and how to improve your chances of success.
Understanding the Cascade Visa Scheme
The European Union introduced the cascade visa scheme on April 18, 2024. This new system rewards travelers who have a strong record of following visa rules. If you have used at least two Schengen visas correctly in the past three years, you may now qualify for a two-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. If you use a two-year visa without breaking any rules, you could later be eligible for a five-year visa, as long as your passport is valid for the entire period.
This policy is designed to make travel easier for people who visit Europe often and follow the rules. However, it’s important to remember that even with a long-term visa, you can only stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Working in Europe is not allowed on this visa.
Step 1: Build a Strong Travel History
The first and most important step is to create a record of responsible travel. The Indian couple in the example had held five Schengen visas, each for less than six months, and had used them all without any problems. They also had a valid five-year Japan visa, which helped show they were trustworthy travelers.
To build a strong travel history:
- Travel on short-term Schengen visas and always follow the rules.
- Do not overstay or break any visa conditions.
- Keep records of all your past visas and entry/exit stamps.
This history is what makes you eligible for the cascade visa scheme and shows consulates that you are a reliable visitor.
Step 2: Choose the Right Embassy
Some embassies are known for being more open to granting long-term visas or for processing applications faster. The Denmark Embassy, for example, has a reputation for approving longer-term Schengen visas for qualified applicants. Other embassies, such as those of the Netherlands and Iceland, are also considered good options.
When choosing where to apply:
- Research embassy approval rates and processing times.
- Apply through VFS Global in India, which handles applications for most Schengen countries.
- Plan ahead and apply 30–60 days before your intended travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents Carefully
A successful application depends on submitting the right documents in the right way. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A valid passport with at least six months left before it expires and enough blank pages.
- A completed Schengen visa application form. You can find the official form here.
- Recent passport-sized photos that meet Schengen requirements.
- Flight reservations and hotel bookings or an invitation letter if you are staying with someone.
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
- Proof of finances, such as bank statements or income tax returns for the past 3–6 months.
- A concise cover letter where you clearly request a long-term visa, explain your travel history, and state your intent to return to India.
- Copies of all previous Schengen visas and entry/exit stamps.
- Any other supporting documents, such as valid visas from other countries (like Japan or the United States 🇺🇸), which can show you are a frequent and responsible traveler.
Be sure to avoid sending unnecessary documents, like very long UPI transaction lists, which can make your application confusing.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once your documents are ready, submit your application through VFS Global or directly at the embassy, depending on the country’s process. Make sure you:
- Double-check all documents for accuracy and consistency.
- Pay the required fees: The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 (about ₹7,200), plus a VFS processing fee of €20–25 (about ₹1,800–2,200).
- Book your appointment well in advance, especially during busy travel seasons.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview (If Required)
Some embassies may ask you to attend an interview. This is your chance to explain your travel plans, show your travel history, and answer any questions about your application. Be honest, clear, and confident. Bring all your original documents and copies.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times can vary. Some travelers have reported getting a five-year visa in just four working days, while others may wait longer. The Denmark Embassy and some others are known for faster decisions, but always allow enough time for your application to be processed.
During this time, the embassy will review your documents, check your travel history, and decide whether to grant you a long-term Schengen visa. Remember, the final decision is always up to the consulate.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa and Check Details
When you get your passport back, check your visa carefully:
- Look for the validity period (e.g., two years).
- Check that it is a multiple-entry visa.
- Review the “90/180 day rule” printed on the visa sticker.
If anything is wrong, contact the embassy or VFS Global right away.
What to Expect from Authorities
Authorities will look for a clear pattern of responsible travel. They want to see that you have:
- Followed all previous visa rules.
- Returned to India after each trip.
- Provided honest and complete information.
If you meet these expectations, you have a good chance of getting a longer visa. However, even with a perfect application, the embassy has the final say.
Recent Changes and What They Mean for Applicants
- Germany has ended its informal appeal process for visa refusals as of July 2025. This means you must submit a strong application the first time, as you cannot easily appeal a rejection.
- The EU is launching the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. This system will use biometric data instead of passport stamps to track entries and exits, making it even more important to follow the 90/180 day rule.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Build your travel history with short-term visas before applying for a long-term one.
- Write a clear, polite cover letter asking for a longer visa and explaining why you qualify.
- Choose embassies with good approval records, like the Denmark Embassy.
- Apply early to avoid last-minute problems.
- Stay updated on rule changes by checking official sources, such as the European Commission’s visa policy page.
Community Advice and Real-Life Examples
Travelers on forums like Reddit often share their experiences. Many agree that a strong travel history and a clear cover letter make a big difference. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Indian couple’s success story shows that careful planning and honest documentation can help you secure a long-term Schengen visa.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
If you’re an Indian traveler hoping for a long-term Schengen visa, start by building a solid travel record. Gather your documents, choose the right embassy, and apply with confidence. While the process takes time and effort, following these steps can make your dream of easier, longer trips to Europe a reality. Always remember to follow the rules, as this is the key to future visa upgrades and smooth travel experiences.
Learn Today
Cascade Visa Scheme
→ EU policy rewarding travelers with long-term Schengen visas for consistent, rule-abiding visits within three years.
Multiple-entry Visa → A visa allowing several entries to the Schengen Area during its validity without reapplying each time.
Schengen Area → A zone of 27 European countries with no internal border controls for free movement of travelers.
90/180 Day Rule → Limits stays in the Schengen zone to 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of visa length.
Visa Interview → A meeting at an embassy where applicants answer questions about travel purpose and provide original documents.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian travelers can now obtain long-term Schengen visas thanks to the EU’s new cascade system, rewarding responsible travel. Denmark Embassy leads in approvals. Success requires solid travel history, careful preparation, and rule compliance. Planning and early application improve chances of securing multi-year, multiple-entry visas for easier European access.
— By VisaVerge.com
