Kochi and the wider Kerala region have a large diaspora across Europe, particularly in healthcare and related sectors, which means family visit and Multiple-Entry Visa applications are especially common from this region — apply through the consulate of whichever Schengen country your family member lives in.
This guide is written for Applicants from Kochi and Kerala with family in a Schengen country, considering a multiple-entry visa who want clear Schengen (Type C) Visa guidance from India. Each destination country's consulate or embassy sets its own detailed rules and these can change, so use this as a practical preparation guide and confirm the final requirements with the relevant consulate before submission.
Schengen visa processing timeline at a glance
| Stage | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | Up to 15 calendar days | The default timeline set by the EU Visa Code for a complete application |
| Extended processing | Up to 30 calendar days | Can apply in individual cases, for example where further documentation is needed |
| Exceptional cases | Up to 60 calendar days | Rare, and limited to specific exceptional circumstances |
There is no official fast-track "Priority" or "Super Priority" service from any Schengen consulate. Some Visa Application Centres offer an optional paid premium or prime-time service that speeds up your appointment slot and paperwork handling, but it does not change the consulate's own decision timeline.
Building a strong multiple-entry visa case from Kerala
- Gather a clear record of any previous Schengen or international visits
- Ask your family member in the destination Schengen country to confirm their residence status and relationship to you
- Understand that a 1-year MEV is normally the starting point, with 3-year and 5-year MEVs considered later based on compliant travel history
- Check your passport's expiry date against the visa term you are being considered for
- Prepare comprehensive financial documents and Schengen-wide travel insurance if applying at a later cascade stage
Related Schengen Visa categories
We assist with the full range of Schengen Visa categories for Indian travellers: Schengen Visa, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Family Visit Visa, Visa for Wedding, Medical Treatment Visa, Airport Transit Visa, and Short-Term Study Visa.
Common mistakes Indian applicants should avoid
Some Kerala applicants expect the longest available multiple-entry term on a first application without a travel history — consulates generally expect the 1-year, then 3-year, then 5-year cascade to be followed, and the visa becomes invalid once the passport expires, regardless of its stated term.
How a Schengen visa agent can help
Our team checks passport details, photo specification, purpose of visit, proof of funds, mandatory travel insurance, and supporting documents before the application moves forward, and helps coordinate your appointment at the Visa Application Centre for your destination country (operated by VFS Global, BLS International, TLScontact, or VisaMetric depending on which Schengen country you are applying to). For this topic, start with Schengen Family Visit Visa support and then choose the correct category based on your travel plan.
Practical recommendation
If you visit family in a Schengen country regularly, keep a simple travel log of past visits and dates, always staying within the 90-day limit — this supports progressing through the multiple-entry visa cascade well.
Important: Visa Expertz handles Schengen Visa assistance only. We do not provide EU work permits, national long-stay (Type D) visas, or immigration/settlement services. No genuine agent should guarantee approval because final decisions rest with the consulate or embassy of your main destination Schengen country.
