Your Guide to Europe National Long-Stay (Type D) Visas

Anyone who is not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen and wants to study, work or live in one European country for more than 90 days needs that country’s national (Type D) visa first. While procedures vary, every applicant must: 

1. Apply through the destination state’s consulate or visa center 

2. Pay a fee (usually €50-€116) 

3. Wait several weeks for a decision 

4. Convert the visa into a residence permit shortly after arrival. 

Type D Visa vs. Schengen (Type C) Visa 

Who Actually Needs a Long-Stay Visa to Visit Europe? 

1. All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who intend to remain in a single European country longer than 90 days. 

2. Short-stay-exempt visitors (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) still need a Type D if the stay exceeds 90 days within a 180-day period.  

3. Exemptions: 

1. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. 

2. Certain categories that the destination state waives (e.g., US citizens entering the Netherlands may skip the long-stay visa step for some permits). 

3. Holders of an EU long-term residence permit issued by another member state (limited situations). 

Common Long-Stay Categories 

• Student / researcher

• Employed worker or highly skilled professional 

• Self-employed / entrepreneur / digital nomad 

• Family reunification or spouse of a citizen/resident 

• Au pair, trainee, volunteer 

• Retirement / elective residence (e.g., Portugal D7, France “visitor” visa) 

The documents you need to apply for a type D visa are essentially the same, regardless of country: application form, passport, photos, proof of purpose (admission letter, job contract, marriage certificate), proof of funds, accommodation, and compliant medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in emergency medical expenses.  

How to Apply for a National Long Stay-Visa 

1. Identify the right category on the embassy or official visa portal of the country you intend to visit, work, or study in.  

2. Book an appointment at your designated embassy or consulate (some locations fill up months ahead). 

3. Prepare paperwork & translations exactly as listed by the consulate. 

4. Submit in person, give biometrics and pay the fee (€50–€116 in most Schengen states). 

5. Wait – typical decisions take 2–12 weeks depending on country, season and visa type (see below). 

6. Collect the visa sticker (or a refusal letter) and confirm entry validity dates. 

7. Travel and register: Within days or weeks of arrival you must either validate the visa online (France VLS-TS) get a residence permit card (Germany Ausländerbehörde) or pick up a Combined MVV/permit (Netherlands). 

Country-by-Country Long-Stay Visa Highlights 

France – Visa de long séjour (VLS / VLS-TS) 

• Fee: €99 for most categories. 

• Apply via: France-Visas portal then TLS/VFS appointment. 

• Processing: 6–12 weeks recommended; consulate asks for at least one month’s lead–time. 

• Arrival formalities: Validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months and pay the applicable tax; it then doubles as your residence permit for up to 12 months. 

Germany – Nationalvisa (Type D) 

• Fee: €75 standard (not charged to some students). 

• Processing: Student visas 4-12 weeks; some skilled-worker visas now 4 weeks under 2025 reforms. 

• Arrival: Register residence and apply for an electronic residence title (eAT) promptly; the visa is usually valid 90-180 days to bridge that gap. 

Spain – Visado nacional (D) 

• Fee: €60 for a student visa; other categories vary. 

• Processing target: One month, but real-world waits run 1–3 months. 

• Arrival: Apply for the foreigner identity card (TIE) within 30 days. 

Italy – Visto nazionale (D) 

• Fee: €116 for most long-stay types; €50 for students. 

• Processing: Officially 14–20 days, though consulates warn it can extend in busy periods. 

• Arrival: File for a permesso di soggiorno at the post office within 8 days. 

Netherlands – MVV (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf) 

• Fee: ~€210–€350 depending on permit (set by IND). 

• Processing: Decision within 90 days; many applicants report the full three-month wait. 

• Special rule: Citizens of the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand may enter visa-free and submit the residence-permit application directly in the Netherlands (no MVV). 

• Arrival: Collect residence permit card and register with the municipality. 

Portugal – Type D (D1–D9 variations) 

• Popular routes: D2 entrepreneur, D7 passive-income/retiree, D8 digital nomad. 

• Processing: Consulates quote 60–90 days; SEF/AIMA then issues a two-year residence permit after an in-country appointment. 

Belgium – Visa D 

• Processing: 3–12 weeks depending on category. 

• Arrival: Report to the town hall within 8 days to receive an A-card residence permit. 

Greece – National Visa D 

• Validity: Up to 365 days; fewer documents than residence permit routes. 

• Arrival: Convert to a residence permit at the Immigration Directorate before the visa expires. 

Poland – National Visa D 

• Key document: €30,000 medical insurance is compulsory. 

• Arrival: Apply for a temporary residence card at the Voivodeship Office. 

Typical Fees and Processing Times (2025) 

After You Arrive: Residence Permit & Travel Rights 

1. Residence formalities: Every country sets a deadline (often 8–90 days) to apply for or validate a residence permit card. Missing it can invalidate your visa. 

2. Schengen mobility: While your long-stay visa is valid, you may visit other Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180-day window – ideal for weekend trips. 

3. Permit renewals: Plan to renew your residence permit at least 60 days before expiry; many prefectures (France) or foreigners’ offices (Germany) take months to issue the card. 

Tips for a Smooth Long-Stay Visa Application 

• Apply early: Book the consulate slot 3–4 months before traveling to avoid appointment bottlenecks. 

• Read the exact document list on the embassy website – requirements differ by country and even by consulate district. 

• Translate and apostille foreign civil documents where required. 

• Show clear finances: Most consulates expect proof of stable income or savings covering the entire stay (often tied to minimum wage levels). 

• Buy the right health insurance: Must list zero-deductible medical coverage of at least €30,000 and provide repatriation coverage.  

• Keep copies and tracking numbers; many services allow online status checks but do not answer calls during the target processing window. 

Key Takeaways 

• Type D visas are national, not “Schengen,” yet they unlock Europe for longer than 90 days. 

• Everyone outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland needs one if they plan extended study, work or residence in a European state—even travelers who can enter visa-free for short stays. 

• Expect several weeks of lead time: gather precise documents, pay €50–€116, attend a biometric appointment, and wait 2-12 weeks for approval. 

• Arrival formalities are crucial: validate the visa or apply for a residence card within the required timeframe, then enjoy your long-term European adventure or program. 

Following the right steps – and applying early – will eliminate most surprises and let you focus on settling into life, work or studying abroad!