Schengen Visa Types: Complete Guide 2026

· 12 min read

Not all Schengen visas are the same. Depending on your purpose of visit, you need to apply for the correct visa type. Applying for the wrong type can lead to automatic rejection. This comprehensive guide explains all Schengen visa types, their requirements, and how to choose the right one for your trip.

Table of Contents

Schengen Visa Types Overview

There are three main categories of Schengen visas:

Visa Type Purpose Duration Entry Type
Type A (Airport Transit) Transiting through airport 24 hours Single/double transit
Type C (Short-Stay) Tourism, business, family visit Up to 90 days in 180 days Single/double/multiple
Type D (Long-Stay/National) Work, study, residence Over 90 days (up to 1 year+) Multiple entry

Most visitors need Type C (Short-Stay) visas. This guide focuses primarily on Type C categories.

Short-Stay (Type C) vs Long-Stay (Type D)

Type C - Short-Stay Schengen Visa

  • ✅ For visits up to 90 days within 180-day period
  • ✅ Tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits
  • ✅ Allows travel across all Schengen countries
  • ✅ Cannot work (except business meetings)
  • ✅ Cannot extend easily

Type D - Long-Stay/National Visa

  • ✅ For stays over 90 days (work, study, family reunification)
  • ✅ Specific to ONE Schengen country
  • ✅ Can lead to residence permit
  • ✅ More complex requirements (job offer, university admission, etc.)
  • ✅ Allows working/studying
⚠️ Critical: If your stay is over 90 days or you plan to work/study, you MUST apply for Type D (long-stay) visa. Type C tourist visas are ONLY for short visits.

Tourist Visa (Type C) - Most Common

The tourist visa is the most common Schengen visa type, used for leisure travel, sightseeing, and holidays.

When to Apply for Tourist Visa

  • Sightseeing, vacation, holiday
  • Visiting tourist attractions, museums, landmarks
  • Beach vacations, skiing trips
  • Attending festivals, cultural events (as visitor, not performer)

Key Requirements

  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings)
  • Detailed travel itinerary
  • Round-trip flight reservations
  • Financial proof (€45-€100/day depending on country)
  • Travel insurance (€50,000+ coverage)
  • Employment letter showing approved leave

Read complete Tourist Visa guide →

Business Visa (Type C)

For business meetings, conferences, trade shows, and professional visits. You CANNOT work on a business visa - only attend meetings.

When to Apply for Business Visa

  • Business meetings with European companies
  • Attending conferences, seminars, workshops
  • Trade shows, exhibitions
  • Company training (short-term)
  • Signing contracts, negotiations

Key Requirements (Additional to Standard Docs)

  • Invitation letter from European company detailing:
    • Purpose of visit
    • Meeting dates
    • Company details
    • Who covers expenses
  • Company registration certificate (your employer)
  • Business correspondence (emails, contracts)
  • Conference registration (if attending event)
  • Proof of previous business relationships (if applicable)

Read complete Business Visa guide →

Family Visit Visa (Type C)

For visiting family members or friends living in Schengen countries.

When to Apply for Family Visit Visa

  • Visiting parents, children, siblings in Schengen
  • Visiting spouse/partner
  • Visiting friends
  • Attending family events (weddings, graduations)

Key Requirements (Additional)

  • Invitation letter from host in Schengen country
  • Host's documents:
    • ID/residence permit copy
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Financial documents (bank statements, employment)
  • Proof of relationship:
    • Birth certificates (for parents/children)
    • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
    • Photos together (for friends)
  • Formal sponsorship declaration (country-specific):
    • France: Attestation d'accueil
    • Germany: Verpflichtungserklärung
    • Spain: Carta de Invitación

Read complete Family Visit Visa guide →

Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

Required ONLY for certain nationalities when transiting through Schengen airports WITHOUT entering the country.

Who Needs Type A Visa?

Only nationals of specific countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka) need airport transit visas when connecting through Schengen airports.

When NOT Needed

  • If you hold valid visa/residence permit for EU/EEA country, US, Canada, Japan
  • If connecting within same terminal without passport control
  • If your nationality is exempt

Read complete Transit Visa guide →

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

For stays exceeding 90 days. This is a national visa issued by one specific Schengen country.

Common Type D Categories

  • Work visa: Requires job offer from European employer
  • Student visa: Requires university admission letter
  • Family reunification: For joining family member in Schengen
  • Residence visa: For long-term stay/retirement

Key Differences from Type C

Aspect Type C (Short-Stay) Type D (Long-Stay)
Duration Up to 90 days Over 90 days (usually 6-12 months)
Scope All Schengen countries Specific issuing country only
Work allowed NO YES (with work visa)
Processing time 10-15 days 1-3 months
Requirements Tourism-focused Job offer/admission letter
Fee €90 €100-180 (varies by country)

Read complete Long-Stay Visa guide →

How to Choose the Right Visa Type

Quick Decision Tree

Step 1: How long will you stay?
  • Less than 90 days → Type C (Short-stay)
  • More than 90 days → Type D (Long-stay)
Step 2: What's your purpose?
  • Holiday, sightseeing → Tourist Visa
  • Business meetings, conference → Business Visa
  • Visiting family/friends → Family Visit Visa
  • Airport connection only → Transit Visa (if required)
  • Work, study, residence → Long-Stay Visa
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  1. Applying for tourist visa when visiting family: Should apply for family visit visa with proper invitation letters
  2. Using tourist visa for business meetings: Should apply for business visa with company invitation
  3. Planning to work on tourist visa: Illegal - you need Type D work visa
  4. Staying over 90 days on Type C: Overstaying = fines and future bans

Visa Types FAQ

Can I change from tourist visa to business visa after approval?

NO. You cannot change visa type after approval. If your purpose changes, you must apply for a new visa with the correct type. Always apply for the visa type matching your PRIMARY purpose of visit.

Can I combine tourism with visiting family on one trip?

Yes, but choose the PRIMARY purpose. If mainly visiting family (staying with them), apply for family visit visa. If mainly tourism with brief family visit, apply for tourist visa but mention the family visit in your cover letter.

Do I need a business visa if attending a conference?

YES, if the conference is work-related. Provide:

  • Conference registration confirmation
  • Employment letter explaining business purpose
  • Conference agenda/program
If attending as leisure/personal interest (not work-related), tourist visa is acceptable.

Can I use a Type C visa to look for work in Europe?

NO. Type C visas are for temporary visits only. You cannot:

  • Work on Type C visa
  • Look for employment
  • Attend job interviews (use business visa for networking)
To work in Europe, you need a Type D work visa with a job offer.

What happens if I apply for the wrong visa type?

Your application will likely be REJECTED, and you'll lose the visa fee (€90). Even if approved with wrong type and later discovered at border, you can be denied entry. Always apply for the correct visa type matching your true purpose of visit.

Can I study on a tourist visa?

Short courses (language courses under 90 days) are generally okay on tourist visas. However:

  • University degree programs → Need Type D student visa
  • Vocational training → Need Type D
  • Any course over 90 days → Need Type D
Mention the short course in your tourist visa application.

Choose Your Visa Type

Select your visa type to get detailed requirements and application guide: