Schengen Long-Stay Visa (Type D) 2026: Complete Guide
A Long-Stay Visa (Type D), also called a National Visa, allows you to stay in ONE Schengen country for more than 90 days for work, study, family reunification, or residence. Unlike short-stay tourist visas (Type C) that cover all Schengen countries, Type D visas are country-specific and often lead to residence permits. This comprehensive guide covers all long-stay visa categories and requirements.
What Is a Long-Stay Visa (Type D)?
A Type D visa is a national visa issued by ONE Schengen country allowing stays of 90+ days up to several years. Key characteristics:
- ✅ Valid for ONE specific country (not all Schengen)
- ✅ Duration: 90 days to 5 years (depends on purpose)
- ✅ Can work (if work visa) or study (if student visa)
- ✅ Often convertible to residence permit after arrival
- ✅ Allows travel to other Schengen countries (up to 90 days per 180-day period)
- Type C (Tourist): All Schengen countries, max 90 days total, NO work/study
- Type D (National): ONE country only, 90+ days, CAN work/study (depending on visa type)
Type C vs Type D: Complete Comparison
| Aspect | Type C (Short-Stay) | Type D (Long-Stay) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Max 90 days per 180 days | 90+ days (up to 5 years) |
| Validity Scope | ALL Schengen countries | ONE specific country |
| Work Allowed | NO (except business meetings) | YES (with work visa) |
| Study Allowed | NO (short courses under 90 days okay) | YES (with student visa) |
| Processing Time | 10-15 days | 1-3 months |
| Visa Fee | €90 | €100-€180 (varies by country) |
| Requirements | Tourism-focused (hotel bookings, itinerary) | Job offer, university admission, or family ties |
| Leads to Residence Permit | NO | YES (often convertible) |
Common Long-Stay Visa Categories
1. Work Visa (Most Common Type D)
Who: Anyone with a job offer from a company in a Schengen country
Requirements:
- Job offer/employment contract from employer in destination country
- Employer must prove they couldn't find qualified EU worker (labor market test)
- Work permit approval from destination country's labor authority
- Recognized qualifications/degree for the position
- Salary meeting minimum thresholds (varies by country)
Duration: Usually 1-2 years, renewable
Special Work Visa Categories:
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers (bachelor's degree + salary 1.5x national average). Valid across EU after 18 months.
- Intra-Company Transfer: For employees transferring within same company to European branch
- Seasonal Work: For agriculture, tourism, hospitality (3-9 months)
2. Student Visa
Who: Students accepted to university or recognized educational institution
Requirements:
- Letter of acceptance from university/school
- Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
- Sufficient funds (€800-€1,200/month typically)
- Accommodation proof (dorm, rental contract)
- Health insurance
- Language proficiency (if course requires)
Duration: Length of academic program (1-5 years)
Work Rights: Part-time work allowed (usually 20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks)
3. Family Reunification Visa
Who: Spouse, children, or parents joining family member legally residing in Schengen country
Requirements:
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Sponsor (family member in Europe) must have:
- Valid residence permit or citizenship
- Sufficient income (€1,500-€2,500/month depending on country)
- Adequate accommodation
- Health insurance for family member
- Some countries require language test (A1-A2 level)
Duration: Same as sponsor's residence permit
4. Residence/Retirement Visa
Who: Retirees or financially independent individuals
Requirements:
- Proof of sufficient passive income (€2,000-€4,000/month depending on country)
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Accommodation proof
- No employment intention (financially independent)
Duration: 1-2 years, renewable
Popular Countries: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy
5. Researcher/Scientist Visa
Who: Researchers with hosting agreement from research institution
Requirements:
- Hosting agreement from recognized research institution
- PhD or equivalent qualification
- Research project description
- Funding proof
Duration: Project length (1-5 years)
6. Job Seeker Visa
Who: Highly qualified individuals seeking employment (offered by Germany, Austria)
Requirements:
- University degree recognized in destination country
- Sufficient funds for stay (€5,000-€10,000 blocked account)
- Health insurance
Duration: 6-12 months (NOT renewable; convert to work visa if job found)
General Application Process for Type D Visas
Step 1: Secure Required Documentation
Depending on visa category, obtain:
- Job offer/contract (work visa)
- University acceptance (student visa)
- Hosting agreement (researcher visa)
- Family proof (reunification visa)
Step 2: Apply for Work/Residence Permit (If Required)
Some countries require EMPLOYER or SPONSOR to apply for work/residence permit BEFORE you apply for visa:
- Germany: Employer applies for work permit approval first
- France: Employer applies to DIRECCTE for labor authorization
- Netherlands: Employer applies to IND for residence permit
This can take 1-3 months.
Step 3: Book Visa Appointment
At embassy/consulate in your home country. Type D appointments often require longer lead time (2-4 weeks wait).
Step 4: Gather Documents
Standard documents for ALL Type D visas:
- Completed national visa application form (longer than Type C form)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Biometric photos (usually 3-4 photos)
- Travel insurance (€30,000+ coverage for first 3 months)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Health certificate (some countries require medical exam)
- Proof of accommodation in destination country
- Financial proof (bank statements, salary proof, or sponsorship)
Category-specific documents:
- Work: Employment contract, work permit approval, diploma
- Study: University acceptance, tuition payment, blocked account
- Family: Marriage/birth certificates, sponsor's income proof
Step 5: Attend Visa Interview
Type D interviews are more thorough than Type C:
- Expect detailed questions about your plans, qualifications, ties to home country
- Bring ALL original documents + copies
- Interview may be in destination country's language (especially for family reunification)
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times:
- Germany: 1-3 months
- France: 2-4 months
- Spain: 1-2 months
- Netherlands: 2-3 months
Step 7: Receive Visa & Travel
Type D visa allows you to ENTER the country. After arrival:
- Register your address (within 1-2 weeks)
- Apply for residence permit card at local immigration office
- Residence card typically takes 2-8 weeks
Financial Requirements by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Financial Requirement (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Work Visa | Employment contract with salary meeting minimum threshold (€1,500-€3,000+ depending on country and position) |
| EU Blue Card | €3,500-€5,500+ (1.5x national average salary) |
| Student Visa | €800-€1,200 (blocked account or scholarship) |
| Family Reunification | Sponsor income: €1,500-€2,500 (increases with family size) |
| Residence/Retirement | €2,000-€4,000 passive income (pension, investments) |
| Job Seeker | €5,000-€10,000 blocked account for entire period |
Converting Type D to Residence Permit
Most Type D visas are temporary entry permits. After arrival, you must convert to residence permit:
Timeline
- Arrival: Enter country with Type D visa
- Week 1-2: Register address at local registration office
- Week 2-4: Apply for residence permit at immigration office
- 2-8 weeks later: Receive residence permit card
Required Documents for Residence Permit
- Type D visa
- Address registration confirmation
- Employment contract or university enrollment
- Health insurance
- Passport photos
- Fee (€50-€150)
Common Questions
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Type D visa?
YES, but limited:
- With Type D visa OR residence permit: You can travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days per 180-day period (same as tourists)
- Primary residence: Must remain in the country that issued your Type D visa/residence permit
- Cannot work: In other Schengen countries (unless you get work authorization there)
Do I need a Type D visa if I'm already in Schengen on Type C?
You CANNOT convert Type C to Type D while in Schengen. You must:
- Return to home country
- Apply for Type D visa from there
- Exception: Some countries allow conversion in special circumstances (marriage to citizen, job offer while on tourist visa) but this is RARE and country-specific
Which country is easiest for long-stay visa?
Depends on your profile:
- Students: Germany (free tuition), Netherlands (English-taught programs)
- Highly skilled workers: Germany, Netherlands (EU Blue Card)
- Retirees: Portugal, Spain, Greece (lower income requirements)
- Family reunification: Sweden, Finland (family-friendly policies)
Can my spouse work on my Type D visa?
Depends on visa type and country:
- Work visa: Spouse needs separate work visa UNLESS you have EU Blue Card (then spouse can work after 6-12 months)
- Student visa: Spouse usually needs separate visa and work permit
- Family reunification: Spouse rights depend on sponsor's status
How long until I can get permanent residence?
Generally 5 years of continuous legal residence:
- EU Long-Term Residence: After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence valid across EU
- Citizenship: 5-10 years depending on country (Germany 8 years, France 5 years, Netherlands 5 years)
- Continuous residence: Absences over 6 months/year may reset the clock
Type D Visa Fees by Country
| Country | Type D Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Germany | €75-€100 |
| France | €99 |
| Spain | €160 |
| Netherlands | €192 (includes residence permit application) |
| Italy | €116 |
| Sweden | €150-€180 |