In 2025 the European Commission adopted a cascade rule for Turkish nationals residing in Türkiye. Headlines called it “five-year visas for everyone”. In reality it is a ladder, and each step is reached by using the previous visa correctly.
What is the cascade rule?
Travellers who used an earlier visa lawfully can receive multiple-entry visas of increasing validity on later applications. For Türkiye the steps progress through 1 year, 3 years and 5 years; the decision also includes a shorter six-month first step. Confirm the practical details with the consulate you apply to.
The rule covers Turkish nationals who live in Türkiye and apply there. Visa validity cannot exceed passport validity, so renewing your passport first often makes sense.
Is a 5-year visa automatic?
No. Consulates keep their discretion and reassess purpose, finances, insurance and intention to return every time. A multiple-entry visa does not extend your stay either: the limit remains 90 days in any 180-day period.
What counts as lawful use?
Never overstay, not even by a day; the digital Entry/Exit System (EES) now records every crossing. Travel for the purpose you declared. And actually visit the country that issued the visa: you generally apply to the country of longest stay, or of first entry if stays are equal.
Building your visa history
Start with a realistic, well-documented first trip and then really take it. On later applications, tick the multiple-entry request and explain why you need it. Keep old passports as evidence.
The basics are unchanged: the fee is €90 for adults and €45 for ages 6-12, decisions normally take 15 days and may extend to 45, you may apply from six months to 15 days before travel, and insurance must cover at least €30,000.
Next step
Practice varies between consulates, so verify current conditions with the European Commission’s visa policy announcements and the consulate’s official page.
To find out which step you are on, message our advisor on WhatsApp or choose “Schengen” in the 30-second journey flow on our site. The consulate decides; we focus on a complete and consistent file.