Important information
A Type D visa is a national visa issued by the destination country under its own law. Anyone staying in a Schengen country for more than 90 days — to study, work or live — needs one.
National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) requirements
- Your stay is longer than 90 days
- You have a qualifying purpose — work, study, training, an internship, or family reasons
- You can provide accommodation, financial means and travel insurance
- You provide the supporting documents for your specific purpose
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What is a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)?
The Type D visa is a national long-stay visa issued by a country’s consular authorities. It can be single or multiple entry depending on the conditions, and is often the route to a residence permit.
Who is eligible?
- People coming to work or on activities related to work
- Students, trainees and interns
- People joining family
- Remote workers/digital nomads and new-business founders (where the country offers these routes)
What you can do with a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
- WorkTake up employment or work-related activity in the country.
- StudyStudy, train or complete an internship.
- Live with familyJoin family for a long-term stay.
- Remote work / businessTelework or start a business where the country offers such a route.
Processing time
How long a decision usually takes.
Processing times vary by country and purpose — from a few weeks to several months. Apply well ahead of your travel date.
Visa length
How long you can stay on this visa.
Documents required
- Completed visa application form and two passport photographs
- Valid passport (valid 3+ months beyond your stay)
- Proof of accommodation and financial means
- Travel insurance
- Purpose-specific documents (e.g. university acceptance, employment contract, family evidence)
People also asked
What is a long-stay D visa?
A national long-stay visa for stays over 90 days, often used to obtain a residence permit.
What's the difference from a Schengen (Type C) visa?
A Type C short-stay visa allows up to 90 days across all Schengen countries; a Type D lets you stay in one country for longer than 90 days.
How long does it take?
It varies by country and purpose — from a few weeks to several months.
Can I extend a long-stay D visa?
Yes — you generally apply to extend before it expires (often at least 60 days ahead).
Official sources