How to Get a Longer Term Schengen Visa: Cascade Regime for Indians

Written By
Arun Kumar Gundu
Last Updated
Feb 14, 2025
Read
7 min

The Schengen visa framework has long been a cornerstone of seamless European travel. For Indian citizens, the rules and structures determining the duration of their Schengen visas are becoming more transparent, thanks to the introduction of the cascade regime. On 18 April 2024, the European Commission implemented new regulations regarding issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas for Indian citizens. This structured approach rewards responsible and compliant travellers with progressively longer visa durations, offering convenience and a clear incentive for maintaining a good travel record.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the mechanics of the cascade regime, explore how it determines the length of Schengen visas for Indian citizens, and provide actionable insights on how travellers can navigate this system effectively.

If you are a visual learner, here is our YouTube video on getting a long-term Schengen visa.

Overview of the Cascade Regime

The cascade regime is a tiered visa issuance system introduced by the European Union to streamline visa decisions. Designed to reduce administrative burdens while encouraging responsible travel, the regime determines the duration of Schengen visas based on an applicant’s travel history, compliance with visa conditions, and intent.

Under the cascade regime:

  1. First-time travellers are typically granted short-term, single-entry visas.

  2.  Regular and compliant travellers progress to multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for two years.

  3.  Frequent and trustworthy travellers can eventually qualify for a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.

This regime provides predictability to applicants and aligns with the EU’s efforts to foster closer economic and cultural ties with countries like India, where outbound tourism to Europe is steadily rising.

How the Cascade Regime Works?

Type 1: Initial Visa (Short-Term Single-Entry)

  • Eligibility: First-time applicants or those with minimal international travel history.

  •  Duration: Usually matches the proposed travel itinerary. For example, a planned 15-day trip results in a 15-day visa.

  • Type: Most commonly, a single-entry visa, meaning re-entry is not allowed after leaving the Schengen Area.

  • Purpose: This visa is considered a probationary stage, allowing consulates to evaluate the applicant's intentions and compliance.

Key considerations for the initial visa include:

  • A comprehensive itinerary with confirmed bookings for flights and accommodations.

  •  Clear evidence of financial stability, employment, or ties to India.

  •  A strong narrative explaining the purpose of the trip.

Type 2: Two-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

Once an applicant successfully utilises two short-term visas within three years, they may qualify for a two-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

  •  Proof of two prior Schengen visas, used without violations such as overstaying or working without authorisation.

  •  Clear documentation of legitimate reasons for frequent travel (e.g., business meetings, tourism, or family visits).

 Key Benefits:

  •  Multiple entries are allowed for two years, subject to the 90/180 rule.

  •  Simplifies travel plans by reducing the need for repeat applications.

 Purpose

  • It is designed for individuals who demonstrate regular and responsible travel habits.

Type 3: Five-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

The ultimate reward for travellers who comply with all visa conditions while using their two-year visa is a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

  •  Successful use of a two-year visa without incidents.

  •  Evidence of frequent travel to the Schengen Area for legitimate reasons.

  •  Strong ties to the home country to mitigate the risk of overstaying.

 Key Benefits:

  •  Offers unparalleled flexibility for business or leisure travel across the Schengen Area.

  •  Reduces administrative efforts for both the traveller and consulates.

The 90/180 Rule

Even with long-term visas under the cascade regime, travellers are subject to the 90/180 rule. This means:

  • You can spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area within any rolling 180-day period.

  •  Compliance is essential, as overstaying can jeopardise eligibility for future visas.

The short-stay calculator the European Commission provides is invaluable for managing travel within this framework.

What are the Factors Influencing Visa Length Under the Cascade Regime?

1. Travel History

A well-documented travel history is crucial:

  • First-time applicants often receive short-term, single-entry visas as a precaution.

  •  Frequent travellers with a compliance record are more likely to progress to multiple-entry visas.

  •  Travel to other regions (e.g., the USA, UK, or Australia) can also positively impact visa decisions.

2. Compliance with Visa Conditions

  • Adherence to the 90/180 rule is non-negotiable.

  •  Overstaying, even by a day, can lead to future visa refusals or bans.

  •  Misusing a Schengen visa (e.g., working without authorisation) is a major red flag.

3. Purpose of Travel

  • Short-term visas are often issued for specific purposes, such as tourism or business.

  •  Applicants with legitimate reasons for frequent travel (e.g., multinational employees) are better positioned for longer visas.

4. Ties to Home Country

  • Strong ties, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family commitments, indicate a low risk of overstaying.

  •  Consulates may scrutinise these factors more closely for first-time applicants.

5. Financial Stability

  • Bank statements, income tax returns, and sponsorship letters determine visa duration.

  •  Applicants who can demonstrate sufficient funds for travel and accommodation are more likely to receive favourable outcomes.

What are the Benefits of the Cascade Regime for Indian Citizens?

  1. Clear Pathway to Long-Term Visas: The cascade regime provides a transparent framework for progressing from short-term to long-term visas.

  2. Reduced Administrative Burden: Travellers with long-term visas save time and effort by avoiding repeat applications. Consulates can focus on new applicants or complex cases.

  3. Enhanced Travel Flexibility: Multiple-entry Schengen visas under the cascade regime allow for spontaneous travel without prior approval.

  4. Incentives for Compliance: The promise of longer visas encourages travellers to adhere strictly to visa conditions.

What are the Challenges and Criticisms of the Cascade Regime?

  1. Inconsistencies Across Consulates: While the cascade regime is a unified policy, its implementation can vary between Schengen countries. Some applicants report inconsistencies in visa durations granted for similar profiles.

  2. Stringent Initial Requirements: First-time applicants often face extensive scrutiny, making qualifying for short-term visas challenging.

  3. Limited Awareness Among Applicants: Many travellers are unaware of the cascade regime's benefits, leading to suboptimal application strategies.

  4. Risk of Overstaying: Misunderstanding the 90/180 rule remains a common issue, even for experienced travellers.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Cascade Regime

  1. Start with Short-Term Trips: Build a strong travel history by completing one or two short-term Schengen trips. Ensure full compliance with visa conditions.

  2. Maintain Detailed Documentation: Keep copies of previous visas, entry/exit stamps, and travel itineraries. Provide consistent and truthful information in all applications.

  3. Demonstrate Strong Ties to India: Highlight employment, family commitments, or property ownership to reassure consulates of your intent to return.

  4. Use the EU's Short-Stay Calculator: Regularly check compliance with the 90/180 rule using the European Commission's tool.

  5. Stay Informed About Policy Changes: Follow updates on the Schengen visa code and guidelines from official sources.