The ultimate guide to the Denmark Schengen Visa multiple-entry rule

If you're dreaming of sipping coffee in Copenhagen or cycling through the charming streets of Aarhus, and currently planning your trip, you're probably researching how to apply for a Denmark Schengen Visa.

Part of this process involves choosing between a single- and multiple-entry Schengen Visa. We're here to break down the benefits and differences between these options in plain and simple terms and explain the 90/180 validity rule for the multiple-entry Schengen Visa.

So, grab your passports, and let's explore what the Denmark Schengen Visa validity is all about, and how each option can make your Danish adventures even more delightful.

Single- or multiple-entry: Which Denmark Schengen Visa to choose

Denmark offers various Schengen Visa types, with the short-stay Schengen Visa being the most common. This visa allows travel for tourism, business, and short-term studies.

The standard Denmark Schengen Visa comes with three different validity options:

• Single-entry: This option allows for one entry into Denmark and the Schengen Zone and a maximum stay of 90 days.

• Double-entry: This option allows two entries into Denmark and the Schengen Zone. Each stay can last up to 90 days within every 180 days.

• Multiple-entry: This option allows multiple entries into Denmark and the Schengen Zone. Each stay can last up to 90 days per entry within every 180 days.

Continue reading to learn more about how the 90-day stay within 180 days works and how to calculate how many travel days you have left.

Reasons to choose a single- or multiple-entry Schengen Visa

When deciding between a single-entry and a multiple-entry Schengen Visa, consider the following reasons to help you make the right choice for your travel plans:

• A single-entry Schengen Visa may have fewer requirements and less paperwork.

• 90 days is more than enough time for most people to explore the highlights of the Schengen Zone, so a single-entry Schengen Visa should be enough.

• If you can only take short trips due to work obligations, and you'd like to see more of the Schengen Zone than possible in a few days/weeks, multiple entries help you break up the 90 days into shorter visits.

• The purpose of your trip is to be a one-time tourist or student, frequent business traveler, or regular visitor to close family members residing in the Schengen Area.

• The costs of the Denmark Schengen Visa are the same for each validity. So, if you're a frequent traveler, it may be more cost-effective to apply for multiple entries.

As you can see, choosing between the different Schengen Visa options is based on your individual needs, budget, and circumstances.

Apply for the multiple-entry Denmark Schengen Visa with us

When you apply for a Denmark Schengen Visa with us, we'll automatically apply for the multiple-entry visa, allowing you to get the longest validity and most value for the same cost as a single-entry Schengen Visa.

However, please note that it's ultimately up to the Danish authorities to grant you a single, double, or multiple-entry visa based on your trip's purpose and supporting documents.

What is the 90/180 rule for the Denmark Schengen Visa?

When looking for the validity of each Schengen Visa options online, you most likely have come across something called the 90/180 rule.

The 90/180 rule is the standard that is used for the maximum length of stay per visit for both the double- and multiple-entry Schengen Visas. According to the guidelines set by the authorities, visitors may only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days within every 180 days.

Spending a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Zone within a 180-day period

The 180-day part of the rule is the most confusing for most visitors, and many get it wrong, resulting in them illegally overstaying and possibly facing a ban.

Basically, the rule works as follows: Once you've been in the Schengen Area for 90 days (starting on the day you arrived), you cannot return until 90 more days have passed.

This is because, from the moment you last departed, counting back 180 days, you would've already spent a total of 90 days in the Schengen Zone and must wait until the 180-day period has passed.

Examples of the 90/180 Schengen Visa rule

Let's take a look at some real-life examples to help you understand and apply the 90/180 rule better:

Example 1:

• You enter the Schengen zone on January 1st, 2024, spending 20 days in Denmark and 10 days in Sweden - a total of 30 days.

• On January 30th, you leave the Schengen zone.

• You re-enter the Schengen zone on April 1st and spend 30 days in France. You leave France on April 30th.

If you count back 180 days from April 30th (your most recent departure date), you must include the time you spent in the Schengen Zone in January. So, by April 30th, you've spent 60 days in the Schengen Zone within a 180-day period.

The 180-day timeframe starts on your first day of entry (in this case, January 1st). So, on July 15, you can enter the Schengen Zone for another 16 days because your 180-day period only extends back to January 16th.

Example 2:

• You enter Denmark on January 1st, 2024, and spend 30 days there until January 30, 2024.

• Then, you spend the next couple of days outside the Schengen Area and re-enter from February 1st until March 2nd, 2024. You've now essentially spent 60 days in the Schengen Area, regardless of staying in different Schengen countries.

• You spend the next couple of months outside the Schengen Area.

You travel to Spain on May 1st again until May 31st. Here, you're overstaying according to the 90/180-day rule; at that date, you've spent 91 days in the Schengen area in the last 180 days. You must leave the Schengen Area on May 30th.

If you enter the Schengen Zone on July 1st, you can stay for another 30 days because, in the last 180 days, you've only been in the Schengen Zone for 60 days (in March and May).

The time you spent in Europe in January no longer counts because it was over 180 days ago.

Denmark Schengen Visa 90/180 calculator

Still confused and trying to figure out how many days you have left on your multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

Simply use the calculator on the official website of the European Commission!

Commonly made mistakes when calculating the 90/180-rule

Many Schengen Visa holders encounter some common mistakes when determining the number of days left. These errors include:

• Not considering all Schengen countries: The 90/180 rule applies to all nations that are part of the Schengen agreement. Regardless of how you distribute your stay across these countries, the total time within all Schengen member states contributes to your 90-day limit.

• Exceeding the 180-day limit: The 90 days allotted to you must fall within a 180-day period. Going beyond this limit results in a violation of the 90/180 rule.

• Misjudging times: When you enter the Schengen area just before midnight in the destination's time zone, it still counts as the first day of your stay. Similarly, if you depart shortly before sunrise, it still counts as your final day.

• Equating 180 days to six months: Often, individuals mistakenly view the 180-day period as equivalent to six months. However, some months have more days than others. Counting your days to avoid errors in this regard accurately is crucial.

Can I stay 90 days in one Schengen country and then 90 days in another?

No, the 90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries combined and not 90 days in each country.

Validity of the multiple-entry Denmark Schengen Visa

Another part of the validity of the Schengen Visa is how long the actual visa is valid. The multiple-entry visas usually get different validity periods, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years after issued.

There's no guarantee that you'll get a specific visa, but based on your circumstances, supporting documents, and the purpose of your trip, you may receive a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa with any of the following validity periods:

• The 1-year multiple-entry Schengen Visa is typically provided to travelers who've already received and used one or more single-entry Schengen Visas in the past. Proof of these previous visas must be provided with your application.

• The 3-year multiple-entry Schengen Visa is typically easier to get for those who've previously received a multiple-entry Schengen Visa.

• The 5-year multiple-entry Schengen Visa is available to those who've previously used a multiple-entry visa within the last two years.

These validity periods mean you can visit the Schengen Zone as often as you like within 1, 3, or 5 years, provided you don't violate the 90/180 rule.

The longer validity periods are frequently easier to obtain for travelers who've previously received, used, and adhered to the rules of a Schengen Visa.

Extra requirements to apply for the multiple-entry Denmark Schengen Visa

The Schengen Zone regulates multiple entries by requiring applicants to meet the following additional criteria:

• The applicant must have a valid reason for traveling to the Schengen Area multiple times within their requested time frame.

• The applicant should have no history of overstaying visa validity in any of the Schengen member nations and shouldn't have worked illegally in the Schengen area.

• The applicant mustn't have a criminal record in their home country.

• The applicant must have travel insurance for each trip to Denmark and the Schengen Area.

Is the Denmark Schengen Visa multiple-entry rule the same for everyone?

The exact validity of a multiple-entry Schengen Visa (1, 3, or 5 years) is indicated on your visa sticker, and the authorities determine this based on your needs.

However, the 90/180 rule is the same for all Schengen Visas. It must be calculated correctly to avoid being banned from the Schengen Zone.

Contact us for more info about the Denmark Schengen Visa

More questions about the Denmark Schengen Visa or need help with your application? Please let us know via online chat or email us at [email protected]. Our customer support team is here to assist you whenever you need it!