It might get easier in the future. We can only hope.
As of April 2010 the
Community Code on Visas will come in force with
more detailed instructions, replacing all preceding regulations.
We can only hope, the EU Embassies read their own instructions.
Chapter IV
Issuing of the visa
Article 24
Issuing of a uniform visa
2. Without prejudice to Article 12(a), multiple-entry visas shall be issued with a period of
validity between six months and five years, where the following conditions are met:
(a) the applicant proves the need or justifies the intention to travel frequently and/or
regularly, in particular due to his occupational or family status, such as business
persons, civil servants engaged in regular official contacts with Member States and
EU institutions, representatives of civil society organisations travelling for the
purpose of educational training, seminars and conferences, family members of
citizens of the Union, family members of third-country nationals legally residing in
Member States and seafarers, and
(b) the applicant proves his integrity and reliability, in particular the lawful use of
previous uniform visas or visas with limited territorial validity, his economic
situation in the country of origin and his genuine intention to leave the territory of the
Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for.
