Type D Visa: Everything You Need to Know About the Long-Stay Visa for France

There are several types of Schengen visas. To enter and stay for more than 3 months (up to a maximum of 1 year) in a Schengen member country, a foreign national must have a long-stay visa (Type D visa) for the country they intend to visit. It is typically issued for purposes such as studying, working, or family reasons.

For more information on the Type C visa, which is mandatory for short stays of less than 3 months and allows you to travel within the Schengen Area, this page will be useful.

Schengen multi-entry visa: Learn about the formalities and conditions for crossing borders and entering the Schengen Area with a multi-entry visa.

Type D Visa for France: A Comprehensive Guide

The Type D national visa is issued by the consular authorities of the desired Schengen country in accordance with national legislation. This means that its procedures and conditions are individually determined by each Schengen state. Therefore, it is essential to contact the consular authorities of the Schengen country where you plan to apply for a long-stay visa to understand the process.

Long-stay visa for France: Who is it for and why?

This visa is intended for foreign nationals (except citizens of a Schengen country) without a residence permit who wish to stay in France for a duration of 4 months to a maximum of 1 year.
The reasons for travel that may justify a visa application include:

• working
• studying, undergoing training, or completing an internship
• family reasons (e.g., for close family members of an expatriate worker)

For more information on the visa for marriage in France (long-stay), this page will be helpful.

How to apply for a long-stay visa for France?

You must contact the French consular authorities directly to obtain a detailed list of documents required to apply for a long-stay visa based on your specific circumstances (as mentioned above) to complete your visa application file.
However, the preliminary formalities are broadly similar across all Schengen countries. Your application file must be prepared and completed before submission at the consular service during the appointment set for you.
Your application file for a long-stay visa should include:

• A completed and signed long-stay visa application form
• Two recent, identical passport-size photos meeting official standards
• A photocopy of your passport + your valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiration date and containing at least 2 blank pages)
• A letter explaining the reasons for your trip
• A reservation confirmation for a return ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or an invitation from hosts)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, or pension payment receipts)
• A medical travel insurance certificate

Note: For minor applicants, additional documents are required: - A birth certificate - A visa application form signed by both parents/guardians - A court order if one parent has custody - A notarised and signed parental authorisation from both parents or guardian if the minor is travelling alone

For each reason for travel, you must attach specific supporting documents to your Type D visa application, which vary depending on the purpose of your stay (e.g., as an employee, student, or family member of a French citizen or a foreigner legally residing in France). Consult the French consulate in your country of residence for the exact list of required documents based on your situation. Examples include:

• Documents attesting to your socio-economic status
• An acceptance letter from a university/college/school in France
• Proof of enrolment in a training programme
• An employment contract with your future employer residing in France
• A marriage certificate to join your spouse, if they are a Schengen citizen
• A copy of their residence permit if they are not a Schengen citizen but live there, etc.

Type D long-stay visa for France: Number of entries

The visa sticker for a national visa includes the letter “D” to indicate it is a long-stay visa.
The number of entries is also specified.

• “1” indicates it is a single-entry Type D visa (the holder can enter the Schengen Area only once)
• “MULT” indicates it is a multiple-entry Type D visa (the holder can travel inside and outside the Schengen Area multiple times, provided the visa remains valid).
  The multiple-entry Type D visa may be granted in certain cases: for studying for up to one year in a Schengen country (with the possibility of extension), for educational or research work in all Schengen countries (also valid for close family members), for professionals in specific fields (artists, athletes, etc.) requiring regular travel within the Schengen Area, or in emergencies such as medical issues.

When should you apply for a Type D long-stay Schengen visa?

Fees vary depending on the Schengen country for which you are applying for a long-stay visa. For France, the cost is €99, for example, or €75 for Germany. Some Schengen states may also require an additional fee.

What documents are needed for a D visa to study in a Schengen country?

In addition to the standard documents for any Schengen visa application, you will generally need to provide an acceptance letter from a university/college/school in the Schengen country and proof of financial means to support your stay.