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THE SCHENGEN area continues to be a dream destination for many world citizens, including Indonesian citizens. Many people try to get a Schengen visa.
With easy access between the countries included in the agreement, this area attracts the attention of travelers, students, and business people. The good news is that a number of Schengen member countries now offer long-term visas with a validity period of up to five years.
This policy is seen as capable of increasing international mobility while strengthening economic and social ties between countries.
As reported by jakarta.diplo.de on Wednesday (04/30/2025), there are at least five countries that are actively offering Schengen visas valid for up to five years to applicants who meet certain requirements. These countries include: France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Germany.
1. France
France has long been known as one of the countries that is quite accommodating when it comes to providing long-term visas, especially for applicants who have a good international travel history.
Based on the multiple-entry visa policy, applicants who have obtained and used a Schengen visa multiple times without any violations have a greater chance of obtaining a five-year visa. This also applies to business people who have a long-term relationship with business partners in France.
2. The Netherlands
As reported by myoona.id, the Netherlands implements a five-year multiple-entry visa system for applicants who can demonstrate a consistent and legitimate purpose of visit.
In addition to a clean immigration record, applicants are expected to provide proof of stable finances and other supporting documents such as invitations from business partners, educational institutions or relatives. The Netherlands also simplifies the visa application process for holders of previously expired Schengen visas.
3. Italy
Italy is a Schengen country that is often a popular tourist destination for Indonesians. The Italian government, through its embassy in Jakarta, has stated that a five-year long-stay visa can be granted to applicants who have traveled to a Schengen country at least three times in the last five years without any record of legal or immigration violations.
This visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa and allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
4. Spain
Spain offers a five-year long-stay visa for applicants who travel to Europe on a regular basis, whether for tourism, business, or education.
The evaluation process is rigorous, including verification of visit history, proof of residence, and financial guarantees. The Spanish government describes this policy as part of an effort to strengthen relations with partner countries, including Indonesia.
5. Germany
As a country with an efficient immigration system, Germany also offers opportunities for visa applicants who have demonstrated commitment and consistency in using Schengen visas.
In some cases, Indonesian citizens who frequently make work visits or attend conferences in Germany have successfully obtained long-term visas with a validity of five years. The German Embassy advises applicants to include all relevant evidence to strengthen their application.
General requirements for obtaining a five-year Schengen visa
Although each country has its own policies, there are a number of general requirements that applicants must meet in order to obtain a five-year Schengen visa, namely:
(1). Have a history of travel to a Schengen country, at least two to three times in the last five years, (2). Have never violated immigration laws or regulations while in the Schengen area, (3). Provide complete documentation, including proof of finances, travel insurance, and an invitation letter or itinerary (4). Strong and repeated reasons for visiting (e.g. business cooperation, study or family visits), (5). Evidence of strong ties to the country of origin, such as permanent employment or immediate family, to ensure return after the stay.
With the increasingly open Schengen visa policies of major countries such as France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Germany, Indonesian citizens have a greater opportunity to establish global connections.
However, they must still comply with the applicable conditions to avoid abuse. Responsible international mobility will help strengthen international cooperation in the future. [bisnis.com/photo special]
