Long-stay visas (Type D)
Schengen National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
For stays over 90 days. Unlike the uniform short-stay visa, it is issued under each individual country's own national procedures rather than area-wide.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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.
On this page
- Official name
- National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
- Route type
- Long-stay
- Length of stay
- For stays over 90 days, typically up to one year, and often used to obtain a residence permit; extensions are usually applied for before the visa expires.
Who can apply
- 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)
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
What you can do
- Work — Take up employment or work-related activity in the country.
- Study — Study, train or complete an internship.
- Live with family — Join family for a long-term stay.
- Remote work / business — Telework or start a business where the country offers such a route.
Documents you may need
- 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)
Processing time
Processing times vary by country and purpose — from a few weeks to several months. Apply well ahead of your travel date.
Frequently asked questions
A national long-stay visa for stays over 90 days, often used to obtain a residence permit.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.