Traveling around Europe has no limits if you have a multiple-entry visa. This is extremely convenient; you can safely plan your trip and choose favorable flight rates. Visit several countries at once, take a ferry ride, travel from Finland to Portugal - all this is possible if your passport has a multiple visa. How to get a Schengen visa for 3 years? We will tell you how to achieve this independently and quite legally, according to the embassy’s rules.

First of all, we decide which country we will get a visa from. It is no secret that the consulates of different European countries treat Russian travelers differently. Some states, for example Italy, willingly put visas even in a blank passport, and upon a second visit they issue a visa for a year. The chances of getting a three-year visa increase if you have already visited the country twice.

Italian multiple entry visa

But Germany is very harsh towards travelers from Russia. It is almost impossible to obtain a multiple visa without a reason. You can get a single-entry visa for exactly as many days as you have a hotel booked for - two or three days. And no corridors.

To expand the boundaries of your stay, you will need to prove that you are planning a trip by car or by train or ferry. You will need to show your ticket. Only in this case is there a chance to get a visa for more days in order to slowly cross the border.

German multiple entry visa

Taking into account the peculiarities of the visa regime, it is worth preparing in advance and even visiting the country for which you want to obtain a Schengen visa later. So, we plan our trips taking into account far-reaching plans and strictly adhere to the regime of staying abroad. Violations of any kind will ruin your reputation and will forever close the road to obtaining a Schengen multiple visa for three years.

Loyal countries

According to the latest data, the following countries are the most loyal to Russians and most often issue “long” Schengen visas:

  • France. Visas are issued to everyone who correctly crossed the border on previous trips and previously had a one-year Schengen visa.
  • Italy. There is an unspoken rule. After two trips within a year, you can qualify for an annual visa. If the annual visa was already in the passport, the next visa will be issued for three years.
  • Spain. A good direction for young people. The chances of getting a multiple visa for six months are high the first time. The next submission of papers will bring you closer to realizing your dream. They can immediately grant Schengen for three years.
  • Greece. In 2017, this country is very hospitable to Russian tourists. It is stated that the number of visas issued for three years will increase.

Conditions for obtaining a multiple visa

In order to qualify for a Schengen multiple entry visa, you must:

  • Correctly use the previous visa permit without the slightest violation.
  • Do not break laws either abroad or in Russia.
  • Have a reason to enter the country whose consulate you are applying to. It is required to confirm the need for frequent visits (business, study, relatives, real estate, etc.).
  • Prove a good financial position, having bank accounts for a substantial amount
  • Confirm strong ties with your homeland, which guarantee your return home after the required 90 days per semester.
  • Bring a complete package of correctly completed papers. No forgery or false information about yourself or your place of work! Remember that consular officers often call at work and ask to call the applicant to the phone. Absence from work will not be a problem, but colleagues must confirm that such an employee is registered with them.

Who is easier to get multiple Schengen visas?

Based on duty of service or property rights, visa permission for three years is most often obtained by:

  • Entrepreneurs with business abroad.
  • Civil servants and officials traveling as part of delegations cooperating with EU countries.
  • Participants in seminars, conferences, experience exchange programs.
  • Researchers participating in joint projects and research.
  • Athletes leaving for training or competition.
  • Theater troupes, famous performers giving concerts.
  • The drivers are truckers who regularly transport transit cargo across the border.
  • Persons purchasing real estate in European countries.

If you don't fall into any of these categories, don't despair. Collect papers and try to convince consulate officials that frequent visits to the chosen country are part of your plans.

Features of paper filing

The list of required papers and, oddly enough, the cost of the visa do not change whether you independently request a visa permit for six months or three years. You will need questionnaires, certificates from your place of work, from the bank, photographs, confirmation of family ties.

You will find the complete information provided to the consulate of the destination country on the website. It is important to confirm the need for frequent visits. To do this, you should prepare an invitation from the organizers of the event or from business partners, confirm the presence of close relatives abroad, and so on.

Sometimes it's worth showing tickets and hotel reservations for your next trip. Consular officials must ensure that you have a legal basis and a legitimate reason to visit the country regularly and do not intend to stay there after your trip ends. By the way, that’s why you also need to show your return ticket to Russia.

If you decide to apply for a Schengen visa for three years on your own, go for it. Follow the rules - and you will succeed!