Europe

European long-stay visas (national Type D)

For stays in a European country of more than 90 days — to work, study or live — you generally need a national long-stay visa (Type D). Unlike the shared short-stay Schengen visa, a long-stay visa is issued by each individual country under its own national rules, and it is often the route to a residence permit. This page orients you to the long-stay route and links to each European destination so you can find that country’s own national long-stay visa.

Key facts

How long-stay differs from short-stay:

A national long-stay visa (Type D) is for stays of more than 90 days.
It is issued by each country under its own national rules — it is not the shared short-stay Schengen visa (Type C).
It is often the route to a residence permit in the destination country.
Requirements, processing and conditions vary by country and purpose — use the specific country’s hub for the exact route.

Always confirm the current requirements with that country’s official authority before you apply.

Official sources

Schengen visa policy (European Commission)

Written byVisa Applications

Reviewed byVisa Applications

Published12 Aug 2026

Last reviewed12 Aug 2026

Last verified12 Aug 2026