What is a long-stay visa and when do I need one?
Quick answer: A long-stay visa allows you to remain in a country for more than 90 days. You need one if you plan to study, work, retire, or live abroad for an extended period. Each country has its own types and requirements.
What is a long-stay visa?
A long-stay visa (also called a national visa or Type D visa in the EU) authorizes you to stay in a country for more than 90 days. Standard tourist visas and Schengen visas are limited to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer - for any reason - you need a long-stay visa before you travel, or you must apply for one in-country in countries that allow this.
When do you need a long-stay visa?
| Reason for stay | Type of long-stay visa |
|---|---|
| Study or academic exchange | Student visa |
| Employment with a local employer | Work visa / work permit |
| Remote work as a self-employed individual | Digital nomad visa (select countries) |
| Retirement on a pension or passive income | Retirement visa / passive income visa |
| Joining a spouse or family member | Family reunification visa |
| Extended tourism (over 90 days) | Long-stay tourist visa (where available) |
Common requirements for a long-stay visa
Most long-stay visa applications require proof of the purpose of stay (enrollment letter, employment contract, retirement income statements), proof of accommodation, valid health insurance for the entire stay, sufficient financial resources to support yourself, a clean criminal record, and a valid passport with enough validity beyond your planned stay.
Long-stay visa vs residence permit
In most countries, a long-stay visa covers your first year (or the initial approved period). After that, if you want to remain legally, you need to convert it to a residence permit - a card or document issued by the destination country's immigration authority. The long-stay visa gets you in; the residence permit keeps you in.
Apply before you travel
In most countries you cannot convert a tourist visa into a long-stay visa from within the country - you must return home and apply at the consulate. Always apply for the correct visa type before you travel if you know your stay will exceed 90 days.
Related articles
What happens if my visa expires while I am still in the country?
Long-Stay Visa - FAQ
A long-stay visa allows you to remain in a country for more than 90 days. It is required for anyone planning to study, work, retire, or live abroad long-term. Each country has its own long-stay visa categories and criteria.
You need a long-stay visa if you plan to stay more than 90 days in a country. Common long-stay visa types include student visas, work visas, family reunification visas, digital nomad visas, and retirement visas.
Requirements vary by country and visa type but typically include proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, a purpose of stay (enrollment letter, job contract, retirement income), valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
In the EU and Schengen Area, a long-stay visa (Type D) is issued for stays of 91 days to 1 year. After that period, you may need to apply for a residence permit to continue staying legally.
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