Was ist das Schengen D-Visum?

Depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, there are different types of Schengen visas. For short stays of up to 3 months, the Schengen Visa Type C is the most suitable and one of the most commonly issued visas. However, if you are planning a long-term stay of more than 3 months in the Schengen Area, the D visa will be relevant for you. Generally, all foreigners require a national D visa, except for citizens of EU member states, EEA nationals, and Swiss nationals.

The national D visa at a glance

A national D visa allows you to stay in a Schengen country for longer than 3 months. It is primarily intended for individuals who wish to study, work, or reside permanently in a Schengen country. Since the national D visa grants entry and long-term residence in a specific Schengen country, you must apply for this type of visa directly at the embassy of the country where you plan to stay. Although the national visa is initially valid for one country, it permits travel within the Schengen Area. Like the Type C visa, you can use the D visa to visit other Schengen countries, provided you adhere to the 90/180-day rule.
D Visa Germany

Unlike the Schengen Visa Type C, a national visa for Germany requires prior approval from the German Immigration Authority. This is always the immigration office in the area where you intend to reside. Because this approval is necessary, the process can take up to two months or even longer if other authorities, such as the Federal Employment Agency, are involved.

D Visa Austria

If you plan to stay in Austria for between 3 and 6 months (in rare cases up to 12 months), you must apply for your D visa at the relevant Austrian embassy. Please note that if Austria is represented by another Schengen state in your country, you will need to visit the Austrian embassy in a neighbouring country to apply for your D visa for Austria. Representatives can only issue Schengen Visa Type C!

D Visa Switzerland

If you wish to stay in Switzerland for an extended period, you will also need a national D visa. You can apply for this visa at the Swiss representation abroad responsible for your place of residence. For a D visa for Switzerland, the cantonal migration office is involved in the visa decision. It is important to submit your application early, as processing times can take several weeks or even months, depending on the visa type and season!

Who needs a D visa?

The D visa must be applied for before entering the Schengen Area. All foreigners are required to have a visa, except for EU citizens, EEA nationals, and Swiss nationals.

Only citizens of the following countries may apply for the national visa after entry:

• Australia
• Israel
• Japan
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea
• United States of America

What are the requirements for a D visa in Germany?

You need a national D visa if you plan to stay in a Schengen country for between 3 and 6 months.

Reasons for applying for a D visa include:

• Family reunification: Your spouse or children will join you
• Marriage: You plan to get married or enter into a same-sex partnership
• Employment: You are taking up a job
• Study: You wish to attend a language course, pursue studies, or engage in academic activities lasting longer than 3 months
• Work placement: This includes au pair roles and internships

How can I apply for a D visa?

Please note that requirements vary by country, so it is recommended to check with the relevant country's representation for additional information. The following documents are generally required to apply for a national D visa in Germany:

• Completed and signed application form: Available on the website of your foreign representation or can be completed directly online via the VIDEX system
• Consent form: Signed consent for data processing under GDPR
• 3 biometric passport photos
• Valid passport: Must have at least three blank pages and be valid for six more months
• Passport copy: A copy of the passport page with personal data
• Proof of health insurance: Coverage must meet the requirements of statutory German health insurance, although proof is only required after visa approval

What health insurance is required for a D visa?

To apply for your visa, you must provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage. A Schengen travel health insurance policy covering 3 to 6 months is often sufficient. If you take up insured employment or enrol in a university after entering your chosen Schengen country, statutory health insurance will apply. Otherwise, ensure that your travel insurance offers adequate protection for the entire duration of your trip. Check in advance whether a Schengen travel insurance policy is necessary for your situation.

How long is a national D visa valid?

The D visa is usually issued for a validity period of 3, 6, or a maximum of 12 months. If you wish to stay in the Schengen country beyond the visa's validity, you must apply for an extension. Applications should be submitted 4 to 6 weeks, and no later than 2 months, before the visa expires.

The national D visa can be converted into a long-term residence permit on-site. After entering the Schengen country, you should contact the relevant immigration authority immediately to apply for your long-term residence permit.

Holders of a D visa must adhere to the 90-180 day rule for other Schengen countries, enabling travel to other Schengen countries. If your visa has territorial restrictions, ensure you check which countries you can travel to.

How often can I enter with a national visa?

The national D visa can be issued for single or multiple entries:

• Single-entry national D visa: Allows entry for a specific purpose and duration in a Schengen country.
• Multiple-entry national D visa: Also known as a multi-visa, it allows multiple entries into your chosen Schengen country and travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Can I work with a D visa?

The national D visa allows you to work in the Schengen country where the visa was issued. The visa is purpose-specific, so it is crucial to state your intended purpose of stay accurately when applying. The D visa is designed for long-term stays to study or work in a Schengen country.

What does a national D visa cost in Germany?

The processing fees for national visas vary by country. Always check with the authorities of the country where you plan to apply.

The cost of a D visa in Germany is:

• 75 euros for adults
• 37.50 euros for children under 18

In some cases, you may qualify for a reduced fee or visa fee waiver. The foreign representation will assess your eligibility for these options.

How long does the visa process take?

Processing times for national visas depend on the purpose of stay and range from 6 to 8 weeks, but can often extend to 3 months or more.

How can AXA help?

AXA offers a range of travel insurance policies that meet Schengen visa requirements. With a minimum coverage of €30,000, these policies cover medical emergencies and repatriation and are valid throughout the Schengen Area. AXA's Low Cost and Europe Travel insurance plans are suitable for trips of up to 6 months, making them ideal for long-term visas exceeding 90 days. Prices start from just €22 per week of travel.

You may also find these articles interesting

• What is the Schengen Visa Type C?
• What is the Schengen Multi-Visa?