Which countries most often issue multiple-entry visas, and who is more likely to receive them

In 2023, 4.6 million multiple—entry Schengen visas (MEV – Multiple-Entry Visa) were issued — this is 54.2% of the total volume of issued visas to the Schengen area. Which countries are the most generous with multiple-entry visas? Which countries’ citizens are more likely to receive them? Read our article.

How was the multiple Schengen issued in 2023

A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the countries of the Schengen area several times during the validity period of the visa. You can stay on their territory for up to 90 days every six months. Such a visa can be valid for up to five years.

According to data published on the statistics portal Shengenvisainfo, about 10.3 million applications for Schengen visas were submitted in 2023. Of this number, approximately 4.6 million multiple-entry visas were approved and issued. This means that more than half of all Schengen visas issued last year — about 54.2% — were multiple-entry.

It is interesting to note that this figure has decreased slightly compared to 2022, when the share of issued MeVs was 58.1%.

MEV Issuance Leaders

Here are the five countries that issued the largest number of multiple-entry Schengen visas in 2023:

1. Germany: 1.1 million MEV.
2. France: 791,417 MEV.
3. Italy: 680,794 MEV.
4. Switzerland: 349,862 MEV.
5. Greece: 344.668 MEV.

These figures seem logical, given that the listed countries are major economies and popular tourist destinations in Europe. Germany, which ranks first, is known for its strong economy and business ties with many countries outside the Schengen area. France and Italy traditionally attract many tourists, and also have close economic and cultural ties with the countries of North Africa and the Middle East.

The countries that are most willing to issue multiple-entry visas

However, the absolute figures do not give a complete picture. It is also interesting to look at the share of MEV in the total number of visas issued. This indicator allows you to assess how much a particular country is inclined to issue multiple-entry visas. In this regard, the leaders are:

1. Germany: 90.4% of all issued visas are multiple-entry.
2. Austria: 75.7%.
3. Italy: 70.2%.
4. Switzerland: 69.1%.
5. Greece: 66.1%.

The nationalities that received the most MEV

It is equally interesting to consider which countries’ citizens most often received multiple-entry Schengen visas in 2023:

1. Turkey: 612,841 MEV.
2. India: 505.053 MEV.
3. China: 435,623 MEV.
4. Saudi Arabia: 357,508 MEV.
5. Morocco: 233,018 MEV.

Turkey, which occupies the first place in the list, received 7.2% of all issued MeVs, with Germany issuing the majority of these visas (21.5%).

It is interesting to note the differences in the visa issuance policy of different countries of the Schengen area in relation to different nationalities. For example, Germany issued 35.2% of all MeVs to the Chinese, and the share of multiple-entry visas amounted to 97.2% of all visas issued by Germany to Chinese citizens.

Switzerland proved to be the most supportive of Indian applicants, granting them 32.55% of all multiple-entry visas they received. At the same time, the share of MEV amounted to 88% of all visas issued by Switzerland to Indian citizens.

France was the leader in issuing MEV to Moroccans, with the share of multiple-entry visas amounting to 81.3% of all issued visas of this nationality. In addition, France issued 57.7% of all MeVs received by Moroccans in 2023.

For Saudi citizens, France has also proved to be a leader in issuing visas. A third (33%) of all MeVs received by the Saudis last year were issued by France. At the same time, the share of multiple-entry visas from all visas issued by France to Saudi citizens amounted to 92%.

Nationalities receiving multiple Schengen are most likely to

Of particular interest is the analysis of which countries’ citizens were most likely to receive multiple-entry visas. Here are the top five:

1. Kosovo: 95% of all visas received were multiple-entry.
2. Bahrain: 91.3%.
3. Saudi Arabia: 89.8%.
4. Belarus: 87.3%.
5. Oman: 86.8%.

The most common questions about the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas

What is a multiple-entry Schengen visa (MEV)?

A multiple—entry Schengen Visa (MEV) is a type of visa that allows you to enter the countries of the Schengen area several times during the validity period of the visa. You can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days during any 180-day period.

For how long is a multiple-entry Schengen visa issued?

A multiple-entry Schengen visa can be issued for up to 5 years.

Which country issued the most multiple-entry visas in 2023?

In 2023, Germany issued the largest number of multiple—entry Schengen visas – 1.1 million.

Which countries are the leaders in issuing multiple-entry visas?

After Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and Greece are among the top five.

Which countries’ citizens most often received multiple-entry visas?

In 2023, Turkish citizens received the most multiple-entry visas, followed by citizens of India, China, Saudi Arabia and Morocco.

What percentage of all issued Schengen visas in 2023 were multiple-entry?

In 2023, 54.2% of all issued Schengen visas were multiple-entry.

Which country’s citizens have the best chance of obtaining a multiple-entry visa?

Citizens of Kosovo have the best chance of obtaining a multiple-entry visa. 95% of all visas issued to citizens of Kosovo were multiple-entry.

Does applying for a multiple-entry visa guarantee its receipt?

No, the decision to issue a multiple-entry visa is made individually in each case. It depends on many factors, including the purpose of the trip, the history of previous trips and the general visa policy of the country.

Author

Yulia Yanukovych Editor-in-Chief

I am responsible for the work of the editorial office. I write expert interviews and guides.

Co-author

Roman Tomashevich Analyst

I show the situation on the real estate market in graphs and figures.

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