6-month Schengen visa for Thai married to a citizen of a Schengen member state

[jimster]

Hi,

 

I was wondering what the process is to apply for a Schengen visa, valid for at least 6 months for a Thai married to a Schengen citizen (EU/Switzerland/Norway etc.)?

 

I've done a little bit of research on various embassy websites but couldn't find anything specific that mentions the requirements to apply for a 6 month or longer stay visa for a Thai national.

 

My understanding is an ordinary tourist visa is only valid for a 3 month stay, but how about if for example, a Thai woman wants to give birth in Europe and needs to stay for up to 6 months? Or alternatively, she has another reason for staying for between 3 and 6 months? Given the Thai national is married to a citizen of the Schengen zone, shouldn't it be quite straightforward?

 

Note that I'm not looking for information about migrating to Europe, that is not the intention at this point in time. Just a visa for a longer period of stay than is usually requested.

[MJCM]

I first thought of Multiple Entry, but that is NOT an option as the stay can't exceed 90 days in a 180 day period.

 

Maybe there are other options without going to the getting residency etc route but I have no idea about them as we only (Schengen Citizen and Thai Wife) only get the Visa for visiting a max of 3 months.

 

But interesting question !!

Edited September 27, 2017 by MJCM

[jimster]

Aha, I see. That's what i thought. The person in question would like to spend 4-5 months in the Schengen zone, 6 months is likely unnecessary but 3 months is too short; 4 months is the minimum intended period of stay. I have never heard of a 4 or 5 month visa, only 3 and 6 months etc. and leaving after 3 months and coming straight back isn't very convenient, and it may also raise some questions.

 

Thanks for your reply, I do hope that someone knows something about applying for a 6 month visa though.

[MJCM]

@jimster

 

I have edited my Post as the ME Entry Visa is NOT A GOOD one. Only can stay 90 days in a 180 day period !!

[Donutz]

It's either 3 months (short stay, type C Schengen visa) or immigration  (type D visa). There is no 'medium' stay or such. 

 

But if you are an EU/EEA citizen (Briton, Dutch, Norwegian, ..

) you could go with your wife to any other EU/EEA country than the one which you are a citizen of. She would then be eligible for a free visa, issued ASAP and with minimum paperwork.

 

After arrival you could apply for residency which would allow you to stay indefinitely asking as you would be no unreasonable burden to the state. For details you can read EU Directive 2004/38 or check the EU webpage on immigration and freedom of movement for EU nationals and their family members. 

 

Obviously you could simply emigrate again after 5-6 months and return to Thailand. An other advantage could be that because of immigration status you would need to have proper healthcare like residence do which should also mean insurance coverage for giving birth. A medical travel insurance (which is required for short stay visitors on a C visa) does not cover this. Ofcourss healthcare is different in each country so specifics will vary for each member state.