Long-stay national visa (Visa D)
For any stay over 90 days — study, work, family reunification, retirement, or research. Each Schengen country sets its own rules.
What is Visa D?
A Visa D is a national long-stay visa issued by one specific Schengen country. It's needed for stays longer than 90 days and is the gateway to a residence permit. Once you receive your residence permit, you can travel freely within Schengen for short stays of up to 90 days in 180.
Who needs one?
Anyone (including visa-exempt nationals) planning to stay over 90 days for:
- Studies — full-degree university programmes, longer language studies
- Salaried work — employment contract, EU Blue Card, intra-company transfer (Directive 2014/66/EU)
- Self-employment / business — France Passeport-Talent, Portugal D2, Spain self-employed
- Family reunification — spouse, children, dependent parents of legal residents/citizens
- Researchers — Hosting Agreement under Directive (EU) 2016/801
- Retirement / passive income — France VLS-TS visiteur, Portugal D7, Spain non-lucrative, Greece Financially Independent Person
- Long-term medical treatment — by some countries
Indicative fees and validity (2026)
| Country | Visa D fee | Initial validity | Residence permit fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | €99 (most categories) | 3–12 months | €225 + €25 stamp duty |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €75 | 3–6 months | €100 (residence) — €110 (settlement) |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €80–€150 | 3 months | ~€16 + TIE card |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | €90–€180 | 4 months | ~€155 (initial) |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | €116 | 1 year | €80–€200 depending on category |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €228 (MVV) | 3 months | ~€243 (most categories) |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | €80 (autorisation de séjour) | 3 months | €80 + biometric residence card |
Indicative; always confirm with the relevant consulate. Many categories (researchers, students under EU programmes) are exempt from some fees.
How a Visa D application generally works
1. Get your sponsoring document
Acceptance letter (university), employment contract, family registration, etc.
2. Apply at the consulate of the destination country
You apply in your country of residence — never in another Schengen country.
3. Provide additional documents
Financial proof for the entire stay, accommodation, criminal record (often), medical certificate (some categories).
4. Wait — 15 days to 3 months
D visas can take significantly longer than C visas, especially work and family categories.
5. Travel and register
Once in the country, register your address, then apply for the residence permit (delays vary by country: 30–90 days).
Visa D vs residence permit
The Visa D lets you enter the country. The residence permit (titre de séjour, Aufenthaltstitel, permesso di soggiorno, NIE/TIE, autorização de residência) lets you stay. Always do the registration steps within the deadline shown on your visa or arrival paperwork — missing it can lead to renewal problems later.