Explore the Schengen visa, Croatia’s student visa initiative, and how to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry visa. Learn about eligibility, costs, and recent changes.
The Schengen Area, a zone encompassing 29 European countries, allows for free movement of people without internal border checks. For individuals outside these countries, a Schengen visa is often required to enter. This article explores various aspects of the Schengen visa, including recent discussions about student visas in specific countries like Croatia and the process for obtaining longer-term visas.
Student Visas and Croatia’s Initiative
Recently, the Croatian Employers’ Association has been advocating for the introduction of student visas in Croatia. Currently, non-EU students seeking to study in Croatia are typically issued short-term visas followed by residence permits valid for one year. However, these permits come with certain restrictions.
The Association believes that implementing student visas would make Croatia a more attractive destination for international students, boosting the competitiveness of Croatian higher education institutions. This initiative has garnered support from various rectors who view it as a crucial step forward.
Ana Tecilazić, representing the Rector of Algebra Bernays University, highlighted that the absence of long-term student visas and issues related to health insurance are major deterrents for international students. She emphasized that the declining number of foreign students in Croatia is partly due to these limitations. Data indicates a seven percent decrease in student numbers compared to seven years prior. Furthermore, only a small fraction (147 out of 1,848) of study programs are accredited for delivery in foreign languages, adding to the challenges.
Zagreb Rector Stjepan Lakušić echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of resolving the visa issue to attract foreign students. He argued that skilled foreign nationals pose no security risk and that the lack of student visas negatively impacts both foreign students and the Croatian society, which faces labor shortages in numerous sectors. However, the University of Defence and Security rector, Ivica Lučić, suggested focusing on attracting students from EU member states instead.
Obtaining a 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
For frequent travelers to the Schengen area, a 5-year multiple-entry visa can significantly ease travel. This visa allows entry into all 29 Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Although the visa is valid for five years, it restricts stays to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
Eligibility and Application Process
While there’s no guaranteed method to obtain a 5-year Schengen visa, having a history of using a multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the past three years can improve your chances. The VFS website indicates that demonstrating the need for multiple entries can also be beneficial.
Pratim Akash, founder of Elite Tours & Travels, explains that the decision to grant a 5-year visa rests with the Embassy. He notes that frequent travel to the Schengen area with single-entry visas can sometimes lead to the issuance of a longer-term visa. The application process mirrors that of a regular visa, requiring applicants to select “multiple entry” on the form and provide a cover letter justifying the need for a 5-year visa, supported by a detailed itinerary. A long-term insurance policy is also essential. Ultimately, the visa’s validity period (one, two, or five years) depends on travel history and other factors.
Cost
The application fee for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is the same as a standard short-stay visa: €90 for adults and €45 for children between 6 and 12 years old.
Sources: https://schengen.news/croatia-urged-to-introduce-student-visas-to-attract-more-international-students/
https://www.cntraveller.in/story/five-year-multiple-entry-schengen-visa/
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/ireland-visa-exempt-status-ceased-for-nationals-of-eswatini-lesotho-and-nauru.html