Study
Long-term stays for university, master’s, doctoral, exchange, long-term language or other educational programmes recognised under the relevant country’s rules.
Let us plan your Schengen long-stay (Type D)
visa application around
your purpose of stay and personal profile.
For stays exceeding 90 days in Schengen countries for study, work, family reunification and other long-term purposes, it is important to identify the correct visa
category, assess country-specific requirements and ensure that the information and documents submitted with the application are consistent.
At Altun Vision, we assess your application in light of your purpose of stay, personal circumstances and the current procedures of the country of application,
and coordinate the process from start to finish.
What Is a Schengen Long-Stay (Type D) Visa?
A Schengen long-stay visa is a national long-stay visa issued under the national law of the relevant country for people who intend to remain in a Schengen country for more than 90 days.
These visas are commonly used for study, employment, family reunification, research, long-term internships and other country-specific residence purposes.
While short-stay Schengen visas largely operate under a common framework, eligibility requirements, document lists, assessment criteria and procedures for Type D visas may vary significantly from one country to another.
For this reason, correctly identifying the country of application and the visa category corresponding to the intended purpose of stay is one of the most important stages of the process.
For What Purposes Can You Apply for a Type D Visa?
Employment
Applications based on an employment contract, qualified employment, intra-company assignment or other work categories defined by the relevant country.
Family Reunification
Applications for long-term residence with a spouse, child, parent or other family member recognised as eligible under the relevant national rules.
Research and Academic Activity
Applications for researchers, academics and people who will undertake long-term scientific or academic activities in a Schengen country.
Long-Term Internship and Vocational Training
Applications related to vocational training, long-term internships, professional qualification programmes or other country-specific study-and-work arrangements.
Other Long-Term Purposes
Volunteering, cultural or religious activities and other long-term residence categories defined under the national law of the country of application.
How Do We Prepare Your Application?
Defining the Purpose of Stay
Your purpose of travel, proposed length of stay and personal circumstances are assessed together to determine whether the application should be handled as a short-stay Schengen visa or a national long-stay visa.
Identifying the Appropriate Country and Visa Category
The national rules and visa categories of the country of application are reviewed to identify the appropriate route for study, employment, family reunification or another long-term purpose.
Personalised Application Preparation
The application file is planned around the applicant’s educational, professional and financial circumstances, family relationships, admission letter, employment contract and other core supporting documents.
Form, Appointment and Document Coordination
Application forms, appointment procedures, translations, apostilles, notarisation and other country-specific document formalities are coordinated where required.
Final Review and Process Follow-up
The application is reviewed as a whole before submission, and subsequent requests for additional documents, biometrics, interviews or other procedures are followed.
Key Considerations for Type D Visa Applications
Correct Visa Category
The intended purpose of stay must correspond directly with the category selected. Different procedures may apply within the same country for study, employment or family reunification.
Consistency Between Purpose and Documents
Admission letters, employment contracts, documents proving family relationships and other core evidence should clearly support the purpose stated in the application.
Financial Capacity and Accommodation
Many long-stay categories require evidence of sufficient financial means and suitable accommodation. The applicable requirements may differ by country and visa category.
Educational and Professional Profile
For study and employment applications in particular, a reasonable and explainable connection between the applicant’s previous education, professional experience and intended activity is important.
Country-Specific Document Formalities
Apostilles, certified translations, notarisation, diplomas or qualifications, health insurance and criminal record certificates may be required depending on the country and category.
Residence Procedures After Entry
In some countries, a Type D visa may cover only the initial entry stage. Registration, a residence card or a residence permit application may need to be completed after arrival.
What Is the Difference Between a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) and a Type D Visa?
A Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is generally used for tourism, family visits, business travel and other short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
A Schengen long-stay visa (Type D) is intended for people who will remain in a Schengen country for more than 90 days for study, employment, family reunification or another long-term purpose.
Type C visas are governed more directly by the common Schengen framework, whereas Type D eligibility and procedures are largely determined by the national law of the country of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay with a Type D visa?
The permitted stay depends on the country, visa category and conditions of the visa granted. Type D visas are generally intended for stays exceeding 90 days.
Does a Type D visa provide residence rights throughout the Schengen Area?
No. A Type D visa primarily provides a right of long-term stay in the country that issued it. To live, work or study long term in another Schengen country, that country’s own visa or residence procedures must be followed.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Type D visa?
Holders of a valid long-stay visa or residence permit may make short visits to other Schengen countries if the applicable entry conditions are met. This does not provide a right to work or reside long term in another country.
What documents are required for a Type D visa application?
The document list varies by country and purpose of stay. In addition to a passport and application form, documents such as an admission letter, employment contract, proof of family relationship, financial means, accommodation, insurance and a criminal record certificate may be required.
Will I need an apostille or translation?
Depending on the country and document type, an apostille, notarisation or authorised translation may be required. These requirements should be checked against the current procedure before submission.
Will I need a residence permit after receiving a Type D visa?
This depends on the country and visa category. In many countries, local registration and/or an application for a residence permit or residence card must be completed after entry.
How long does the application take?
Processing times vary according to the country, visa category, application quality, demand and whether additional assessment is required. There is therefore no single fixed processing time applicable to all Type D visa applications.
Is a visa outcome guaranteed?
No. The final decision rests with the competent consular, diplomatic or immigration authorities of the relevant country. Altun Vision provides advisory support for identifying the appropriate category, preparing consistent and complete documentation and managing the process correctly; however, visa approval cannot be guaranteed.
SCHENGEN LONG-STAY VISA ADVISORY
Let us assess your Schengen long-stay (Type D)
visa application together.
We can plan the appropriate visa category and application process around your study and employment,
family reunification or other long-term stay plans.