Type D (aka “long-stay”) Schengen Visa

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 06/01/2025

Taking up a landmass of over 4 million square miles, the Schengen Zone covers more than 40% of the European continent (and beyond). And it’s also therefore the international, visa-free home of roughly 420 million Europeans. Meanwhile, each of the dozens of Schengen countries they call home is also a dream destination for hundreds of millions of non-Europeans worldwide. But if you’re one of those non-Europeans and want to stay beyond the traditional 90 tourist days — you’re going to need a Type D (aka a “long-stay,” aka national) visa. And the process of getting one can be downright daunting.

But don’t panic. Fortunately, AXA has all you need to know about your future Type D visa below — from eligibility and requirements to how, where, and when to apply (and everything in between).

• What is a Type D (aka “Long-Stay”) visa?
• Who needs a Type D visa for Europe?
• What are the requirements for a Type D visa?
• How do I apply for a Type D visa?
• How can AXA help with my Type D visa?

What is a Type D (aka “Long-Stay”) visa?

So there are a few different types of Schengen visas. For example, the more common Type C (aka “short-stay” or tourist) Schengen visa’s validity allows for stays in the Schengen Zone of up to 90 days (within any 180-day period).

A Type D visa, on the other hand, is designed for long-term stays (i.e., those exceeding 90 days) — and is therefore issued by an individual European nation within the Schengen Area.

Moreover, while issued by a Schengen country, a Type D visa is not considered a “Schengen visa” in the traditional sense either.

Instead, it is known as a “national visa” or “long-stay visa”) — as it is particular to your longer-term stay in one Schengen country (as opposed to the whole of the Schengen Zone).

What is a Type D visa for?

The Type D visa is generally issued for purposes like work, internships, studies and/or academic research, family reunification, and marriage or civil partnership.

A long-stay visa can also be granted to researchers, trainees, entrepreneurs, and individuals participating in cultural, volunteer, or exchange programs.

But the specific purposes of visit — and relevant eligibility criteria — will depend on each particular Schengen country’s national rules.

Can I travel through Europe with a Type D visa?

Usually, yes. At least through roughly 40% of it, that is. Having a Type D visa does allow you to travel within the rest of the Schengen Area too (for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, adhering thereby to the same rules as the Type C Schengen visa).

How long is a Type D visa valid for?

Once issued, the Type D visa is typically valid for 3 to 12 months — depending on your particular situation and purpose of stay.

Who needs a Type D visa for Europe?

Almost all non-EU nationals planning to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days will need a Type D visa. And this includes any individuals seeking to work, study, or generally live in Europe long-term.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, along with Schengen and European Union citizens, nationals of the European Economic Area (aka EEA*) and Switzerland can both move freely between and stay long-term in other member states without a visa.

Meanwhile, nationals of countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. may often enter Europe visa-free — and then apply directly for residence permits (as opposed to Type D visas) for long-term stays.

In short, it all comes down to the individual country and your purpose of stay — so it’s best to confirm specific requirements with the embassy/consulate of your destination country (as well as the official website of the European Commission).

*PRO-TIP: AXA can tell you more about European non-Schengen countries — as well as the subtle but important differences between the Schengen Zone, the EU, the EEA, and Europe as a whole — in our ‘Related Articles’ section below.

Is a national visa for non-Schengen (and/or non-EU) European countries also a Type D visa?

On that note, it’s important to know that a national visa for non-Schengen or non-EU European countries is not necessarily a "Type D" visa either.

Because, again, Europe is a big place — with the EU and the Schengen taking up a lot of it, but still less than half combined. The national visas of European countries outside the Schengen Area (and/or the EU), therefore, may each have their own nomenclature and regulations.

For example, Ireland — which is in the EU but not in the Schengen — does refer to its national visa as a “Type D.”

However, countries like the U.K., Russia, Turkey, and others often just classify their national visas based on purpose (i.e., “Tier 4” for students or “Skilled Worker visa” in the U.K., and so on).

In other words, the term “Type D visa” itself usually applies specifically to Schengen Area countries for long-term stays exceeding 90 days.

What are the requirements for a Type D visa?

Specific requirements will also vary depending on the individual country. But most of the paperwork you’ll need for a Type D visa is similar to that of the standard Schengen visa requirements, and will typically include:

• Completed and signed visa application form (usually available on the website of the embassy/consulate of your destination country);
• Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay);
• Passport photos (usually two recent biometric photos meeting specific size and quality standards).
• Proof of purpose of stay (such as an employment contract, a letter of admission from a school or university, marriage or family reunification documents, and so on);
• Proof of financial means (i.e., bank statements, scholarship letters, proof of sponsorship, etc.);
• Proof of accommodation (such as a rental agreement, university housing confirmation, or an invitation letter);
• Proper health insurance (coverage is mandatory and must meet the requirements for long-term stays — but more on that below!).

NOTE: Again, additional documents may be required depending on your home country, the purpose of stay, and your destination country’s specific rules — so triple-check those proper channels.

How to apply for a Type D visa

Traditionally, you’ll need to follow several key steps. And here’s a general overview to help you get the ball rolling:

• Apply via the embassy/consulate of the country where you intend to stay (NOTE: Some countries may require applications to be submitted through visa centers or third-party service providers);
• Appointments are mandatory for submitting your application (so be sure to schedule early — slots can fill up quickly).
• Gather all your paperwork and attend your appointment in person. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) and pay the application fee.

PRO-TIP (and heads-up): Applying for a Type D visa can be both time-consuming and tedious — as each Schengen nation will have their own unique level of requirements and red tape. So it’s essential that you do your homework, ask questions, take notes, and start the process well in advance of your planned trip.

When should I apply for a long-stay visa?

You can typically apply for a Type D visa up to 6 months before your planned travel date. However, the earliest application window might vary slightly depending on the country you are applying to.

And, generally speaking, you should apply at least 3 months before your planned departure date. This should theoretically allow sufficient time for processing. But, again, make sure to check with the embassy/consulate of your destination country well beforehand.

FINAL PRO-TIP: You can find the European Union’s embassies and consulates worldwide via its official website.

How can AXA help with my Type D visa?

And, finally, having the right travel insurance is both a crucial and mandatory part of your visa application process. And that’s before you start the actual process — and no matter which type of visa you choose

So — along with all the info above — the best way AXA can actually help you get your Type D visa is by ensuring that your Schengen travel insurance is top-quality, first-class, and Europe-friendly.

Two of our three plans — i.e., Low-Cost and Europe Travel — offer up to 180 days of consecutive coverage, for example. And those six months should be plenty of time for you to land on your feet in the Schengen and figure out your next move.

Moreover, “Low-cost” covers you in any and all the countries within the Schengen Zone — as well as the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

And “Europe Travel” covers you in any and all the countries within the Schengen Zone, all 27 European Union nations, the European microstates above, and the U.K. — giving you that much more options for your long stay in Europe.

Not only that, but AXA’s plans also have no age restrictions, zero deductibles, require no medical exams, and offer:

• 24/7 assistance;
• Free Video and Phone Medical Consultations (in English and a number of other languages);
• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses, including medical repatriation & transport;

Our application process, meanwhile, is quick and straightforward. And the AXA travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen embassies worldwide — can be downloaded and printed instantly.

And last but not least — if your Type D visa happens to be denied, we offer a full refund in most cases. We’ll only ask for an official explanation letter as to why it was refused (from the corresponding embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

Because — with AXA — your dream of staying in the Schengen Zone for more than just a vacation is one huge step closer to being a reality.

You might find these articles interesting
 

• The difference between the Schengen Zone, the EU, the Euro Zone, the EEA, and Europe
• How to get a long-stay visa (D Type) for France
• Dangers and Safety Tips for Traveling in Europe

FAQ
 

How long does it take to get a Type D visa?

The processing time for a Type D visa can vary depending on the country. But it’s definitely a bit longer than traditional Schengen visa processing times — i.e., usually between 4 and 8 weeks.

Can I apply for a Type D visa while in Europe?

No, Type D visa applications must generally be submitted from outside the Schengen Area — meaning you will need to apply from your home country (or the country where you have legal residence).

Can I extend my Type D visa once I’m in Europe?

Yes, some countries do allow extensions of the Type D visa. But, again, it all depends on your particular situation. So make sure to check with the immigration authorities of your destination country regarding your specific case.