can i travel around europe on a type d visa

• Schengen Visa Types

How long is the Schengen visa valid?

Schengen visas have a limited validity period, which depends on the trip’s purpose and the visa category itself. The Schengen states issue short- and long-stay visas.

A short-stay visa is issued to a foreigner for the first trip to one of the countries of the agreement. A long-stay visa can be issued to those who have visited Schengen several times and have not violated visa requirements. But the decision is always made by the embassy of the country where the applicant applies.

If a Schengen visa is issued for up to 5 years, this does not indicate the possibility of staying in the Schengen states for all 5 years. The validity period of a visa and the length of stay in countries are different concepts.

The duration of stay in the Schengen Area also depends on the visa type ― up to a maximum of 90 days every 180 days. For example, if a visa is issued for five years, a foreigner can enter the region as many times as they want. The main thing is not to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within 180 days.

To avoid confusion about validity terms and stay terms, we are presenting the Schengen visa types in the table below.

A Schengen visa is pasted into a foreign passport and is often called a visa sticker. The visa has a special hologram, which is forgery protection.

The sticker contains information about the owner and the country that issued the visa. The visa validity area, validity period, duration of stay, and purpose of the visit must be specified.

A visa is required for all citizens of countries not part of the Schengen Area. There are exceptions: citizens of countries with which an agreement on visa-free entry to the Schengen Area was signed. For example, countries like Cyprus, Grenada, and Dominica.

Foreigners receive a visa at the embassies and consulates of the member states of the Schengen agreement. If the applicant plans to visit more than one country, it is recommended to submit documents to the representative office of the Schengen state where they will spend the most time.

With a Schengen visa, you can travel to Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The visa also allows you to visit countries that are:

• candidates to join the European Union — Albania, Romania, Macedonia, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. 
• de facto belong to the Schengen Area due to the peculiarities of their location ― Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino.

However, if a foreigner is travelling with a single-entry visa, they will not be able to use it to return to the territory of a Schengen Area state.

Three types of the Schengen visa depending on the purpose of your trip:

• Uniform Schengen visa (USV);
• Limited territorial visa (LTV);
• National visa.

A visa type depends on the visit’s purpose and the stay’s duration. All types are indicated by the letters: A, C, and D .

Type A visa ― transit, Type C ― short-stay, allows you to stay in the Schengen states for up to 90 days within six months. Type D visa is a national visa issued for a longer stay in a Schengen country, for example, to study.

Validity periods of the visa are limited and depend on the purpose of the trip and the category. For example, a transit visa is issued for up to 2 days. The maximum validity period of a Schengen visa is 5 years. Specialists of the embassy and consulate decide on the deadline.

The duration of stay in the Schengen states is limited : foreigners can stay in the agreement countries for up to 90 days every 180 days. You will need to obtain a national Type D visa for a longer stay.

“A visa sticker” is a Schengen visa’s second name. The visa itself is pasted into the passport. Each sticker contains a unique hologram that confirms the authenticity of the visa.

The sticker must contain information about the owner and the country that issued the visa. The details are the country and city of issuance, visa validity area, validity period and duration of stay, as well as the purpose of the visit.

The visa is issued to citizens from countries outside the Schengen Area.

There are exceptions for the countries that have signed an agreement on visa-free entry with the Schengen Area. Citizens of these countries do not need to obtain a Schengen visa, for instance, Cypriots, Grenadians or Montenegrins.

Foreigners apply for a visa at the consulate of one of the Schengen states. Documents are submitted to the country’s consulate, where the longest stay is planned during the first trip.

Travelling in the EU

Your rights & eu rules.

As an EU national, you enjoy the right of free movement. This means you’re entitled to travel, work and live in another EU country. If you’re a citizen of a Schengen country  – which is most EU countries – you’re also free to travel to other Schengen countries without the need for border checks.

As an EU national, you can also benefit from EU-wide passenger rights for travel into, out of or within the EU by air, rail, bus/coach or ship. You can travel with pets and other animals in the EU provided you comply with the rules (pet passports). There are EU limits on taking alcohol, tobacco or cash with you to another EU country. Each EU country can set its own limits or restrictions, so check before you go.

Travelling to or within the EU? Follow the links below to check which documents you need to take.

Documents you need to travel in the EU

Information on travel documents needed by EU nationals, non-EU national family members, non-EU nationals and children when entering the EU or travelling across it. Find out what to do if you lose your passport or it expires when travelling in the EU.

Public Register of Authentic travel and identity Documents Online (PRADO)

View authorised travel and identity documents issued by EU countries and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Schengen – ID-free travel zone

What is it.

The Schengen area is a travel zone without borders between the 29 Schengen countries. It allows EU nationals and many non-EU nationals to travel freely without border checks. Since 1985, it’s kept growing, and now covers almost all EU countries and a few non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland). It guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU nationals.

Any person, irrespective of nationality, can travel between Schengen countries without going through border checks. However, national authorities can carry out police checks at borders between these countries and in border areas.

Having abolished their internal borders, Schengen countries have also tightened controls at their common external borders on the basis of Schengen rules to ensure the security of those living or travelling in the Schengen area.

See all the Schengen countries

Common visa policy

The common visa policy enables non-EU visitors to make transit or short stays to the Schengen area. A short-stay visa issued by one of the Schengen countries generally entitles them to travel through all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

In practice, this means that if you’re cleared to enter one Schengen country, you can travel to any of the other Schengen countries without having to show your travel document again.

Follow the links below for more information about your rights when travelling in the EU.

What can you take with you?

Information on what you can take with you when travelling in the EU, including pets, food, alcohol, tobacco and cash. Find out the luggage restrictions when flying from an airport in the EU and which EU countries use the euro.

Air passenger rights

Information on where and when EU air passenger rights apply and how to make a complaint. Find out who to contact if you need help or advice with your claim.

Assistance for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility

Information on your rights if you’re travelling in the EU with a disability or reduced mobility. See if you’re entitled to an EU disabled parking permit.

National Visa Type D

Can I enter Germany and stay for long term?

All citizens of so-called "third countries" (non-EU countries) need a visa to stay in Germany for more than three months or work here. That means only citizens of the EU countries and Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea,  Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the US do not require a visa to enter Germany. The long-stay visa most foreign citizens need to obtain is called the "National Visa Type D".

Most people from third countries also require a visa for shorter visits. You can find out more about it in our chapter " Visitor Visa ".

• The information on this page has been reviewed and verified by our consulting lawyer,  Astrid Meyerhöfer. 

What do I need to know?

The "National Visa Type D" is a visa for longer stays or stays until you obtain your other (main) residence permit, depending on your situation (for example: residence permit for students or employment). The visa essentially entitles you to enter Germany for a long-term stay, which you can only achieve by obtaining a corresponding residence permit.

Since the Immigration Office can often take several months to issue a residence permit, you should contact the relevant immigration authority immediately after entering Germany and applying for a residence permit.

The residence permit is the document that, depending on your visa type, allows you to work, study, undergo vocational training, etc. You can find detailed information about various types of visa here:

• Visa for skilled workers (§18a and §18b Residence Act)
• Student Visa (§16b Residence Act)
• Visa for Vocational Training   (§16a Residence Act)
• Jobseeker visa (§20 Residence Act)
• Visa for searching for a spot in avocational training or university programme  (§17 Residence Act)
• Visa for taking up work (§19 c para. 1 or §19 c para. 2 Residence Act)
• Visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications (§16d Residence Act)
• Blue Card EU (§18g Residence Act)
• Visa for researchers (§18d Residence Act)
• Self-employment visa (§21 Residence Act)
• Marriage visa
• Family Reunification
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You must apply for your visa at the German embassy/consulate in your home country or - if that is not possible - in a neighbouring country or in the country in which you live. To do so, you need an appointment that you can book online on the website of the embassy responsible.

Each embassy or mission abroad has its own appointment arrangements. It is best to check out the website of the German embassy where you are applying for your visa. The  Federal Foreign Office website has a list of German diplomatic missions abroad.

The embassy will also forward your application to the responsible Immigration Office in Germany, i.e. the local Immigration Office in the city where you wish to live. In principle, the Immigration Office must also approve your application.

Good to know: Some German consulates abroad work with external organisations to shorten processing times and make appointments quicker. This means that you do not always hand in your documents directly to a German consulate or embassy. These external bodies receive your documents and forward them to the responsible consulate.

Please note : Many fraudulent websites pose as third-party embassy services. So make sure about external service providers on  the website of the consulate or embassy in your country of origin and avoid unreliable sources.

You can obtain the visa application form directly from the German embassy or consulate responsible. You can also download the form at  auswaertiges-amt.de and print it out twice. In some countries, the application form is only accepted in the language used in the embassy there. 

Please note: In most cases, you must submit all documents, some along with a certified translation into German. For instance, you don't have to have your passport translated, but often your birth certificate needs to be translated into German and certified. That means you need to find translation agencies in your country who can  translate and certify documents . So, there are some additional costs to consider. 

Check out the website of the embassy responsible for you beforehand to find out more.

For a national visa, you usually need at least the following documents:

• Visa application form - filled out and signed (2x)
• A valid passport
• Current biometric passport photos
• Proof of financing or a declaration of commitment. You can find out more about such a document in each chapter mentioned in the section "What is a national visa type D?" and our chapter " Declaration of Commitment for a National Visa ".
• Other documents, depending on the type of your visa. Whether you need documents like an employment contract, proof of health insurance, or housing depends on the purpose of entry. In case of family reunification, for instance, you may have to prove custody of your child, or you may have to present the relevant employment contract in order to enter the country or obtain a visa as an employee. You can learn more in each chapter mentioned in the section "What is a type D national visa?" and chapter “ Declaration of Commitment for National Visa ”.

The processing fee for a national visa is  €75 for adults and  €37.50 for minors (under 18). You must pay it when applying. Important: You won't get it back even if your visa application is rejected. 

Please note: There are exceptions to the costs for certain groups of people. You can find more about it (in German) in the German Foreign Office's leaflet .

In principle, you should expect up to 3 months, but it may take longer for some types of visas. That’s often the case, for instance, with family reunification. Such is often the case if the Federal Employment Agency also has to approve your visa application.

However, the visa process can be accelerated for certain visa categories. This applies, for example, to work-related visas such as the EU Blue Card, the skilled worker visa, the vocational training visa, etc. You can find out how to apply for an accelerated procedure on the  Make-it-in-Germany.de .

The requirements of National Visa Type D differ depending on the purpose of your entry. You can learn more about the conditions in each specific chapter mentioned in the "What is a National Visa Type D?" section.

The duration of this visa differs depending on the purpose of your entry. You can learn more in the specific chapters mentioned in the "What is National Visa Type D?" section.

You can enter the country with a National Visa Type D and then apply for asylum in Germany. Whether your asylum application will be accepted depends on the circumstances in your home country. Often people who have a chance of asylum are not issued a visa at all. You can learn more about the asylum procedure in our chapters " Asylum procedure " and " Residence permit for refugees ".

Please note:   If a “declaration of commitment” has been submitted, you or the person who has made a declaration of commitment on your behalf must bear all of your costs (accommodation, food, medicine, etc.)  until   your asylum case is decided.   If the application is rejected, that could include the costs of a possible deportation. You can learn more in our chapter " Declaration of commitment for a National Visa ".

Please note : This regulation has nothing to do with the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG). If a relative enters Germany through family reunification and applies for asylum independently based on personal grounds, the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG) applies to them.

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Korea, Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the United States of America do not need to apply for a visa at the embassy in advance. They can also apply for it after they arrive in Germany. 

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Can I come to Germany to look for a job? What requirements do I need to meet for a visa? 

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Additional Links

Here you can find the German embassy in your country.

Here you can find all the information you need about the National Visa Type D ("D-Visa") for a long-term stay in Germany.

Here you can learn about visa requirements for Germany.

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Already in the EU?

On these pages you can find general information on what rules apply if you are a non-EU citizen already in an EU country and would like:

• your family to join you
• to become a long-term resident
• to move to another EU country
• to know more on what the EU is doing to promote integration

While immigration rules vary from country to country, these pages explain the general conditions and procedures which you can expect to find in most EU countries.

Applications for family reunification or long-term resident status must always be made to the authorities of the EU country you are already living in.

This information applies in 25 of the 27 EU countries, excluding Denmark and Ireland.

Bringing your family together

Would you like your family to join you in the eu country where you are living.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU and you are legally resident in an EU country, you may be able to apply to have your family come and live with you. This is called family reunification. If you apply for family reunification, you are called a “sponsor”.

On these pages you will find general information on how to apply for family reunification within the EU and the rights that your close relatives may have once they are reunited with you.

For detailed information on the rules for family reunification in a particular country, select the country on  this map .

If you are not an EU citizen but would like to join a member of your family who is an EU citizen, a different set of rules will apply to you and your relatives. Visit the  Your Europe  Portal for more information.

The following text explains the family reunification rules under EU law (the Family Reunification Directive). However, individual EU countries may have more favourable and more broadly applicable rules in place than what is laid down in the Directive. Therefore, you should always turn to national authorities to find out the details of policy and practice in the host country.

Who can apply for family reunification?

You can apply to have your family join you in the EU if you:

• hold a residence permit issued for a period of at least one year by an EU country, and
• have so called “reasonable prospects” of staying permanently in that country. “Reasonable prospects” are defined individually by each EU country.

In some EU countries you can only apply for your family to join you after you have been living there legally for two (or in some cases three) years. If you require more details on the rules in your EU host country, select the country on  this map .

Which family members can join me?

The following family members can join you:

• Your husband or wife (including same-sex spouse, when same-sex marriage is recognised in the EU country where you reside). As polygamy is not recognised, you can only be joined by one spouse;
• The minor children of you and your spouse;
• When there are children from a previous relationship, the minor dependent children of you, or of your spouse, provided you/your spouse has custody, and in case of shared custody the other custodian has given consent.

‘Minor children’ are children who are not considered adults under the laws of the sponsor’s host EU country and who are unmarried. They include adopted children.

Depending on the EU country in which you live, some further restrictions may apply:

• You and your spouse may have to be of a certain minimum age (maximum 21 years old);
• More restrictive rules may apply to children over the age of 12 who arrive independently of their families.

Depending on the rules in your host EU country, the following family members may also be able to join you:

• Your unmarried partner;
• Your registered partner;
• Your parents or the parents of your spouse who are dependent and do not enjoy family support in the country of origin;
• Your adult unmarried children, or those of your spouse, who are unable to look after themselves due to the state of their health.

For detailed information on the family members that can join you in a particular EU country, select the country on  this map .

Are there conditions to fulfil to have my family come live with me ?

Once you have proven that the applicants are your family members according to the applicable definitions, you may be required to fulfil certain material conditions. Namely, you may have to prove that you can provide, both for yourself and the family members:

• Adequate accommodation;
• Health insurance;
• Sufficient, regular and stable financial support.

Some EU countries may also require you and/or your family members to comply with integration measures such as tests for language or civic knowledge about the country you are moving to.

If you have a refugee status in the host country, your family members benefit from a more favourable scheme and are subject to fewer conditions.

For detailed information on the conditions set by a particular EU country, select the country on  this map .

My family members have been allowed to join me. What happens next? 

Your family members will be issued with residence permits allowing them to reside in your host country, valid for at least one year and renewable. As a rule, your family members’ residence permits cannot be valid beyond the expiry date of your own residence permit. Some countries issue residence permits abroad whereas in others family members may obtain the permits only after having entered the territory.

Do my family members need entry visas?

Your family members who have been granted family reunification may need entry visas, depending on their nationality and on whether the EU host country issues residence permits abroad. For information on how your family members can enter into your host country, select the country on  this map .

Can a family member’s permit be refused or withdrawn?

Yes. In the following circumstances, a family member’s permit can be refused or withdrawn:

• Failure to fulfil the conditions for family reunification;
• End of family relationship;
• Use of false information or documents;
• Threat to public security, public policy or public health.

Can I argue against a decision to refuse a family reunification application or to refuse or withdraw a relative’s residence permit?

Yes. You will have the right to legally challenge a decision to refuse your application for family reunification or a decision to refuse or withdraw a residence permit for your family member.

What entitlements do my family members have? 

Your family members will be entitled, in the same way as you, to the following:

• Access to employment / self-employment (this may be limited for a maximum of one year);
• Access to education;
• Access to vocational training.

Can my family members eventually qualify for residence permits in their own right? 

Yes. Your spouse, unmarried partner and children who have reached adulthood will be allowed to get a residence permit in their own right after no less than five years. Access to personal residence permit may be limited if the family relationship has broken down. For other relatives, different rules apply depending on the EU host country concerned.

Family members may be issued with a personal permit before five years where:

• Their sponsor has died;
• They are separated or divorced from their sponsor;
• They are faced with ‘particularly difficult circumstances’ such as domestic violence.

For detailed information on how to qualify for an autonomous residence permit in a particular EU country, select the country on  this map .

Long-term residents

If you have stayed legally in an eu country for five years, you may be entitled to be given a "long-term resident" status there..

What is a long-term resident?

A long-term resident is a citizen from a country outside the EU who has been given long-term resident status. This status means that the person will have similar rights as EU citizens.

What conditions must I fulfil to get long-term resident status?

If you have resided legally for an uninterrupted period of five years in an EU country, you can apply to become a long-term resident.

You must demonstrate that you have:

• Stable, regular and sufficient financial resources;
• Health insurance.

Some EU countries may also request that you fulfil certain integration conditions, such as tests for knowledge of the language and history of the country where you live.

You may have to show that you have an appropriate accommodation.

Can I leave the host EU country during the five-year period before I fill out my application?

Yes. You can spend periods shorter than six months in a row abroad, if those periods do not add up to more than ten months in total during the necessary five-year period before you hand in your application. Such periods outside your country of residence will not be considered as interruptions when calculating the duration of your residence.

In some exceptional circumstances, longer periods of absence may also be treated as not interrupting your residence. Depending on national law, these could include time spent outside your host country for military service, serious illness, maternity care, research or study.

How do I apply to become a long-term resident?

You apply to the competent national authorities with the necessary documentation to prove your length of residence and the other conditions outlined above.

I have submitted my application. What happens next?

If your application is successful you will be granted long-term resident status and issued with a long-term resident’s permit. In general, you should be informed of the decision within six months of sending in your application.

How long can I stay?

Your long-term resident status does not have any fixed end. As regards your residence permit, it will be valid for at least five years and is automatically renewable on expiry.

Can my application be refused?

Yes. Countries can refuse to grant you long-term resident status if you do not fulfil the necessary conditions or if you represent a threat to public policy or public security.

Under what circumstances could I lose my long-term resident status?

You could lose your status if:

• Your application was based on false information or documents;
• You represent a serious threat to public security or public policy;
• You have been absent from EU territory for more than 12 months in a row;
• You have become a long-term resident in another EU country.

The competent national authorities will inform you of their decision to refuse or withdraw your long-term residence status and will give reasons for their decision.

May I argue against a decision to refuse or withdraw my long-term resident status?

Yes. You will have the right to legally challenge a decision to refuse your application for long-term resident status or a decision to withdraw your long term resident’s permit.

What rights would I get as a long-term resident?

As a long-term resident you have the right to be treated equally with the citizens of the host EU country in the following areas:

• Access to employment and self-employment (this may not apply for some activities which are only for nationals or EU citizens, such as access to some positions in the public administration);
• Conditions of employment and work;
• Education and work-related training, including study grants;
• Recognition of diplomas and qualifications;
• Social protection, social assistance and social security as defined by national law (EU countries can limit social assistance to basic benefits only, such as the minimum income);
• Tax benefits;
• Access to goods and services (e.g. transport, museums, restaurants, etc.);
• Freedom of association and trade union membership;
• Free access to the entire territory of the EU host country.

As a long-term resident in one EU country, can I live and work in a second EU country?

Yes. You can stay in a second EU country for more than three months for purposes including work, study or training, if you apply for and are granted a residence permit in this second country.

To obtain a residence permit for a second EU country, you may have to show that you have one or more of the following:

• Stable and regular financial resources to maintain yourself and your family;
• Appropriate accommodation;
• If you wish to take up a job, evidence of employment;
• If you are self-employed, evidence that you have sufficient financial funds;
• If you wish to study or train, proof that you are registered to do so.

You may also be required to comply with integration measures such as language requirements.

The second EU country may have set a quota on the number of residence permits it issues. This could mean that your application may be refused if this quota has been met, even if you fulfil the appropriate conditions. The second EU country can also examine the labour market situation before allowing you to work, giving preference to persons already staying there legally.

Will I have any rights in the second EU country?

Yes. Once you get a residence permit for the second country, you are entitled to equal treatment with citizens of that country. Some restrictions as regards access to labour market can be applied for one year. You can also bring your family members with you if the family was already joined together in the first country.

Moving between EU countries

If you are a non-EU citizen already staying in one EU country, you may be able to go to another EU country. This applies to any kind of stay.

The rules that apply to enter or stay in another EU country will depend on what type of visa or residence permit you have, how much time you plan to spend in the other EU country and the rules that apply there.

Going to another EU country during my short-term visit – less than 90 days

If you have entered an EU country with a Schengen visa, you can travel throughout the Schengen area for as long as your visa is valid, and for a maximum of 90 days during an 180 day period. You will not need a separate visa for each Schengen area country and you will not need to show your passport at each internal border.

The borderless Schengen area includes 23 EU countries, excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania. If you wish to travel to one of these four countries for a short stay (less than 90 days), you must get a separate national visa. If you wish to travel from one of these four countries to the Schengen area, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. You can find more information on  this website .

Going to another EU country during my long-term stay – more than 90 days

When you stay in an EU country for a long stay, usually for more than 90 days, you will generally be issued with a long-stay visa and/or a residence permit.

If your long-stay visa or residence permit has been issued by a Schengen area country, you can travel to another Schengen area country for 90 days per 180 day period. You must:

• justify the purpose of your stay;
• have sufficient financial resources for your stay and travel back;
• not be considered a threat to public policy, public security or public health.

You can also pass through other Schengen area countries on the way to your host country.

To move from one EU country to another for more than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa or a residence permit for that country. If you wish to work, study or join your family in the second country, you may have to fulfil more conditions.

For information on the rules that apply in a particular EU country, select the country on  this map .

Rules for certain categories of non-EU residence permit holders

Certain categories of non-EU residence permit holders, and their family members, may be able to move more easily from their EU country of residence to another EU country, where both countries have adopted applicable EU rules.

Integrating in society

Non-EU citizens (also called “third-country nationals”) living legally in any EU country have a set of rights and obligations that should be respected. EU countries have different ways to help migrants integrate to their local societies, and the EU is doing its part to coordinate and make it easier for EU countries to share their experiences in order to improve integration of migrants all over Europe. The  Common Basic Principles for the integration  of non-EU citizens guide EU countries in their development of integration actions.

The  European Web Site on Integration  helps improve integration policies and practices in the EU. The website shares successful strategies and highlights and supports cooperation among EU countries.

Building on the 2016 Action Plan on the Integration of third-country nationals, the Commission has published, in November 2020, the  Action plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027 . This Action plan also takes into account specific challenges to people with a migrant background, on top of non-EU citizens. It sets out a comprehensive policy framework with more than 60 actions to help Member States and other actors to further develop and strengthen their integration policies. Cooperation between different levels and stakeholders is key to successful integration.

Further information

The European Website on Integration

The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund

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Travelling within the Schengen Area with a residence permit or visa

You want to travel within the Schengen Area. Find out which countries belong to the Schengen Area and with which document you are allowed to travel within it. Also find out how long you are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area with that document.

Schengen countries

Documents required to travel within the schengen area, the netherlands is part of the schengen area. the schengen area consists of different european countries. there are no border controls within the schengen area. the schengen area consists of the following countries:.

• Czech Republic
• Denmark (without the Faeroes and Greenland)
• France (without French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Norway (without Spitsbergen)
• Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)
• Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands)
• Switzerland

Cyprus and Ireland are not Schengen countries.

Do you want to travel within the Schengen Area? Then you need specific documents. Find out with which document you are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area and how long you are allowed to travel with that document.

Passport or other travel document always required.

You always need a passport or other travel document for a journey abroad. This is also the case for a journey within the Schengen Area. Your passport or travel document must not have been issued more than 10 years ago. The passport or other travel document must also be valid for at least another 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.

Travellers with the nationality of a Schengen country

Travellers with the nationality of a Schengen country are free to travel to all countries in the Schengen Area. They do not need any extra document besides their passport or other travel document.

Travellers with residence permits

What if you do not have the nationality of a Schengen country but do have a valid Dutch residence permit? Then you are allowed to be in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Besides your passport or other travel document, take your residence permit with you when you travel.

Travelling in the Netherlands after your residence permit has expired

Is your residence permit expiring and you will not continue to live in the Netherlands? But do you wish to stay in the Netherlands for an additional maximum of 90 days after the end of your permit? Read about a short stay after end of residence permit .

Travellers with a provisional residence permit (mvv)

Do you not have a residence permit, but you do have a valid provisional residence permit (in Dutch: machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf or MVV)? Then you are allowed to enter and exit the Netherlands and other countries in the Schengen Area. The MVV is a sticker in your passport.

Other travellers

You do not have the nationality of a Schengen country. Nor do you have a valid residence permit or valid provisional residence permit (MVV). In that case you sometimes need a visa to travel in the Schengen Area. This can be a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa.

No visa needed

Do you not need a visa? Then you are allowed to be in the Schengen Area in the visa-free period for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In this period you are allowed to enter and exit the Schengen Area several times. You do not need an extra document besides your passport or other travel document.

Do you want to be in another Schengen country for a short stay? Then you do not have to first leave the Schengen Area. Do contact the authorities of the country you want to visit.  

Single entry visa

You have a valid single-entry Schengen visa. You may enter the Schengen Area once with this visa. You may be in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When you arrive in the Schengen Area, you must show that the Netherlands is your destination.

Multiple entry visa

You have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa. You may enter and exit the Schengen Area several times with this visa. You may be in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The first time you enter the Schengen Area you must show that the Netherlands is your destination.

• Travelling with a residence permit and return visa
• Apply for a Schengen visa

Long-Stay Schengen D-Visa

Visa applications for visits of over 90 days in the Schengen area. Click below to get started.

Important Travel Document Information – Please Read

The Long-stay Schengen Visa Type D is known as a national visa. Anyone who wants to study, work, or live in a Schengen country for more than 90 days must have one (up to 1 year). It lets its holder travel and stay in the Schengen area for the full duration of it’s validity.

National D-Visa Travel Purposes

• Travel for business or pleasure
• Activities related to work
• School/study, participate in a training program, or do an internship
• Family reasons

To start your application process, please click below.

National D-Visa

The consular authorities of the intended Schengen country give out the national visa, or type D visa, which is based on national law. So, getting in touch with the country’s services is essential to learn about the different rules and requirements that need to be met. It can be given as either a single-entry or a multiple-entry Long-stay visa, depending on certain conditions.

Even if you have a long-stay visa, you can’t just go to the Schengen area. You have to follow the rules for travel.

Biometric Exemptions

The following applicants won’t have to give fingerprints for a Long-Stay Schengen D-Visa:

• children younger than 12 years old;
• people whose fingerprints can’t be taken because of how they look;
• heads of state or government, members of national governments with their spouses, and members of their official delegations when they are invited for an official purpose by the governments of Member States or by international organizations;
• Sovereigns and other high-ranking members of a royal family when they are invited for an official purpose by the governments of Member States or by international organizations.

Documents Required For Long-Stay D-Visas

All applicants must show the following documents:

Visa application form: The visa application form must be completed and signed by the applicant.

Two recent passport-sized photographs: The photographs must be taken against a white background and must meet the requirements of the issuing authority.

Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Schengen area and must have at least two blank pages.

Proof of accommodation: The applicant must provide proof of accommodation for the duration of their stay in the Schengen area.

Proof of financial means: The applicant must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the Schengen area.

Proof of travel insurance: The applicant must provide proof that they have travel insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in the Schengen area.

Letter of invitation: If the applicant is visiting a friend or family member in the Schengen area, they may need to provide a letter of invitation from that person.

Joining a member of the family

• an invitation letter from the family member with a copy of the data page of the family member’s passport and/or residence permit;
• proof of family ties (birth or marriage certificates that were issued outside the EU must be apostilled or legalized);
• documents confirm financial means (e.g., bank statements for the past 3-6 months).

Employment for a short time

• Registration/work confirmation for short-term work.
• an official, signed letter from the school saying that the applicant has been accepted (with the applicant’s name, type of studies, number of classes (hours) per week, and record of attendance);
• Exchange students need to show confirmation from the school where they are currently enrolled;
• documents confirm financial means (e.g., bank statements for the past 3-6 months)

Teleworking (Digital nomad visa)

• Proof that the applicant’s job doesn’t depend on where they work and that he or she can do their job using telecommunications technology;
• proof that the applicant continues to:
• working for an employer who is registered in a foreign country and with whom they have a contract;
• doing business for a company that is registered in a foreign country and in which they have shared;
• mainly providing services to customers whose business is in another country and with whom they have a contract;
• documents showing the applicant’s legal income for the six months before the application, including the amount, how often it came in, and where it came from;
• a list of courses taken and jobs held (CV);
• a letter from the applicant explaining why they want to use the visa to work from home;
• a written statement from the applicant’s employer saying that he or she can do their job duties by teleworking;
• a contract of employment or another contract governed by the law of obligations;
• a certificate from a government agency in the applicant’s home country that shows they have paid any state taxes, local taxes, or social security contributions that are required in their home country;
• a certificate from the company’s country of registered office that shows the company’s name, registered office, and area of business, as well as the applicant’s stake in the company and information about the company’s legal representatives;
• a certificate from a competent authority in the country where the company is registered showing that all state taxes, local taxes, or social security contributions that are required in the country where the company is registered have been paid and that there are no tax arrears;
• any other paperwork.

At the request of a consular officer, you must go to the Embassy or Consulate in person to answer questions about facts important to your visa application.

For detailed information on specific parts of the EU visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any detailed information, please contact us via email .

Useful Resources

Other eu visa types.

The Schengen region consists of 26 countries (“Schengen States”) without internal border controls. The countries in the Schengen area are as follows:

New business startup

• A letter from the Startup Committee confirms that the business qualifies as a startup or that the business is taking part in a qualified accelerator program.

People Also Asked

national long-stay visas (D visas) and residence permits valid for longer than 90 days Article. For visits longer than 90 days, a national visa (D visa) may be utilised to get a residence permit.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel to any of the 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A long-stay D-visa is a visa that allows you to stay in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days. It is required for people who are going to study, work, or live in a Schengen country for an extended period of time.

The processing time for a long-stay D-visa can vary depending on the country you are applying to and the time of year. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to process a long-stay D-visa.

If your long-stay D-visa application is denied, you will receive a letter from the embassy or consulate explaining the reason for the denial. You may be able to appeal the decision, but you will need to provide additional information or documentation to support your appeal.

Yes, you can extend your long-stay D-visa if you need to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the original visa period. You will need to apply for an extension at least 60 days before your visa expires.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days

When I planned my move to Sweden a few years ago, I tried to figure out how to get past the 90-day limit placed on tourist visas in the Schengen Area. This is a problem encountered by thousands of travelers every year and a question that regularly (especially this time of year) pops up in my inbox.

“How can I stay in Europe for more than 90 days?”

It’s a simple question with a very complicated answer.

I always knew it was complicated, but until I started researching how to stay there longer, I never knew just how complicated.

Fortunately, in the process of this research, I came to learn there are a few ways to stay in Europe longer than 90 days; they just aren’t well known.

This post will teach you the options for staying in Europe over 90 days as well as give you tips on how to move to Europe. But first a few things:

It’s important to note that Europe isn’t just one place — there are varying visa rules throughout the continent. When people talk about the “90-day limit,” they’re talking about restrictions on the Schengen Area, which is the visa policy that governs 27 countries in Europe. It includes most of the European Union as well as a few non-EU countries.

Note: While I call it the “Schengen Visa,” it’s not an actual visa you necessarily need to apply for. Depending on your residency status and country of citizenship, you may need to apply in advance for a Schengen Visa, however, those with an American passport do not need to apply in advance.

However, it should be noted that as of 2025, visitors from 60 countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) will need to apply for an online ETIAS, which is essentially a visa waiver, when entering the 23 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries of the Schengen. It is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can apply and pay online up to 96 hours beforehand. It is similar to the US version of ESTA (or the eTA in Canada). ETIAS cost 7 EUR for those 18-70 years old and are free for those under 18 years or over 70.

If you come from a country that requires you to get a Schengen visa you will not need to apply for ETIAS. It’s one or the other. Learn more here . (The ETIAS was originally set to launch in 2024, but has been pushed back.)

Table of Contents

• What is the Schengen Visa?

Part 1: Staying or Moving to Europe the Easy Way

Part 2: staying in the schengen area past 90 days.

• Take Advantage of the Bilateral Agreement
• Working Holiday Visas
• Long-Term-Stay Visas
• Student Visas
• Freelancer Visas
• Marriage Visas

What is the Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa is a 90-day tourist visa for Schengen Area countries, which are:

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

  Additionally, there are several microstates that are de facto members of the Schengen Area. These are Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

These Schengen countries have a border-free visa agreement that lets residents move throughout the Area without needing to show their passports every time they cross a border. Essentially, it’s as if they’re one country, and you can move as freely as you want.

Citizens of many countries are allowed to enter the Schengen Area without having to get a visa beforehand. Your passport simply gets stamped upon your arrival and departure from Europe. You’re allowed to enter and leave from any country you want — they don’t have to be the same.

Here is a map of the countries with visa waivers that can enter the Schengen without requiring a visa in advance.

Most visitors (including Americans) are allowed to spend 90 days in the Schengen Area in every 180-day period. The easiest way to think of it is that you can visit for 3 months and then you have to leave for 3 months before you can return.

However, you can also bounce back and forth between Schengen and non-Schengen countries — you just need to keep track of all your dates of entry/exit.

When I visit Europe, I fly in and out of different countries all the time. Your first entry in the 180-day period is when your 90-day counter starts. These days don’t need to be consecutive — the total is cumulative. Once day 181 hits, the count resets itself.

For example, if I come to the Schengen Area in January and stay for 60 days and then come back in June for 10 days, that counts as 70 days in 180 days. Only days you are in the zone during the period count. If you go on January 1st and stay 90 straight days, you have to leave and technically can’t come back until July 1st.

If you’re doing a lot of bouncing around, use the EU’s Schengen visa calculator . Simply input all your travel dates and it’ll tell you how many days you have remaining.

However, not all travelers are allowed such freedom.

Citizens from many countries need to apply for a Schengen visa ahead of time. You’ll be required to fill out paperwork beforehand and fly in and out of the country for which your visa is issued.

Even then, you still might not be granted a visa. Spoiler alert: citizens from African and Asian countries get screwed.

So, with that being said, how DO you stay in Europe longer? How do you get around that rule? Let me break it down for you.  

Most non-Schengen countries such as Moldova , Ireland , and some Balkan countries allow you to stay for up to 60 or 90 days. Albania even lets Americans stay up to a year!

So, all you need to do to stay in Europe longer than 3 months is spend 90 days in the Schengen Area and then visit the UK, go to the Balkans, drink wine in Moldova, and have a pint in Ireland. If you align your schedule right, you can easily be out of the Schengen Area for 90 days and then head back into the Schengen Area with a brand new Schengen visa.

Years ago, to get around this limit, I spent three months in Bulgaria , Romania , Ukraine , and England as I waited for my clock to reset.

After that, I headed back into the Schengen area for Oktoberfest .

If you want to travel the continent for a long time without having to go through the various visa processes described below, vary your travel by visiting non-Schengen countries. There are plenty of countries to choose from while you wait for your Schengen Visa clock to reset. This is the easy, hassle-free way of doing things.

—-> Need more tips for Europe? Visit my destination guide and get in-depth information on what to see and do and how to save money .  

After all, the Schengen Area spans 27 countries and visiting so many destinations in 90 days can be a little rushed (you would have an average of just 3.5 days per country).

If you want to stay longer to travel, live, learn a language, or fall in love, then the “move around” option suggested above isn’t going to work for you. You need something else.

Luckily, there are a few ways to do this — and I can’t stress enough the importance of the word “few.” Because staying more than 90 days in the Schengen Area isn’t easy.

First, let’s understand the rule:

The Schengen law states that you can’t stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. If you do, you’re subject to a fine and possibly deportation and being banned from re-entering the Schengen Area. How that rule is enforced, though, varies greatly from one country to another. Overstaying by a day might not be the end of the world, however, some countries do not mess around with visitors overstaying.

For example, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries are all very strict about entry and exit rules. If you overstay your tourist visit, there’s a good chance they’ll pull you aside. Two Australians I know were detained leaving Switzerland due to overstaying their visa by two weeks. They were allowed to go with just a warning, but they missed their flights and had to book new flights.

I know of someone who overstayed by six months, tried to leave from Amsterdam, and now has an “illegal immigrant” stamp on her passport. In order to enter Europe again, she must apply for a visa at an embassy and be preapproved:

I made the mistake of attempting to leave from the Netherlands after overstaying a Schengen visa and was caught. I overstayed by about a month, and they hand-drew some sort of insignia in my passport to note my overstay. They told me I’d have to contact the IND and find out if I would be able to enter the Schengen states again.

Another blogger told me this happened to them too so don’t overstay your visa!

That being said, if you leave from Greece , France , Italy , or Spain you may be less likely to encounter an issue, provided you (a) haven’t stayed over too long and (b) didn’t catch the immigration officer on a bad day.

When I left Greece, no one even looked at my passport. One of my friends met a guy in France, fell in love, and decided not to leave. A year later, when she finally did, the French officials didn’t even look twice. Another friend flew into France and didn’t even get an entry stamp. Spain is another place notorious for not caring and Americans who decide to overstay for months mention that as the easiest country to exit from. Still, it’s a good idea not to take your chances.

Of course, I don’t think it’s wise to overstay. A day or two? Likely not the end of the world. But a few weeks? A few months? The risk is too great. The fines can be large and I love going to Europe too much to risk being banned.

But, Matt, can I extend just extend my Schengen visa/stamp?

Unfortunately not. Simply put, you cannot extend your tourist visa or entry stamp. There’s a 90-day limit, and that’s that.

So what’s a tourist to do?  

1. Take advantage of the Bilateral Agreement

There are 23 Schengen countries to date with bilateral agreements in place with Austria having the most visa waiver agreements (for 27 non-EU countries). Moreover, there are 12 countries that have bilateral agreements with Australia.

For example, France has a bilateral agreement that allows U.S. citizens to stay an additional 90 days beyond the Schengen limit. You can enter from any Schengen country, stay 90 days in France, and then fly home. But the catch is you have to go home — you can’t go elsewhere. You have to leave Europe so you can’t use your time in France as a sneaky way to reset your Schengen clock.

Now, the France/U.S. rule is tricky. It’s based on a post-World War II agreement that was never canceled. Multiple French consulates told me yes, they thought this law existed but couldn’t tell me where to find it. A few visa services told me I was crazy. One consulate told me it was possible but only with a long-term visa.

BUT, after many calls, the US, Canada, and UK French embassies told me that yes, this law does exist and that yes, this is still valid. Then they referenced me to the French national archives.

Well, we found the actual diplomatic papers that spell this out . It took us close to a year to find it but we did.

This is the note from the French government about it:

Hi, There is a bilateral agreement between French and the U.S. by exchange letters (March 16-31 mars 1949), which allows American citizens to stay in France 90 days over 180 days, irrespective of the stays already made in other Schengen countries. However, this agreement has been made before the Schengen agreement. Today, as there is no more border control between the Schengen countries, it is very difficult to determine how long a person has stayed in France and we heard that some people had troubles with the immigration police while leaving France. Therefore, we recommend American citizens to respect the Schengen regulation which allows a maximum of 90 days on 180 days in the whole Schengen area. Consulat général de France, Service des visas 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington DC, 20007

A follow-up to the London embassy gave me this response:

“Whilst the bilateral agreement you refer to has not officially been revoked, the French Border Police has sole authority on deciding whether to apply it or not, at the time of entering or exiting the Schengen area.”

So this is really a thing. And, while they don’t like you using it, it’s still the law. Just bring proof you stayed in France for 90 days! If you plan to use this rule, bring documentation as border guards may not be aware of it.

Additionally, Denmark, Norway, and Poland also have bilateral agreements with the United States that let citizens stay an additional 90 days in each country separate from the regular Schengen Zone visa. The Denmark rule applies exactly the same way as the French one. Denmark also has a bilateral agreement that is applicable for citizens of Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea .

That said, travelers can only use the Norwegian or the Danish bilateral agreement — they can’t use both (time in Norway under the bilateral agreement counts as time in Denmark and vice versa).

For Poland, you must enter and leave Poland via a non-Schengen country where you will be stamped again (i.e., direct flight from NYC). So you could do 90 days in the Schengen, fly to the UK, and then fly to Poland. Poland’s rules are simply laid out in an agreement letter the U.S. and Poland signed in 1991. ( Here’s a copy of the letter from the Polish government) .

In theory, there are also other bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Schengen countries. I’ve been told by multiple sources that Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands all have their own bilateral agreements with the U.S. as well. This page outlines the existing bilateral agreements .

However, I reached out to each country’s consulate and none of them replied (save Portugal) in any meaningful way. They simply directed me to the standard visa FAQ page.

Regarding Portugal, a representative from the Portuguese consulate said this regarding their bilateral 60-day visa:

Please note that those 60 days are an exceptional extension that needs to be requested within Portugal at SEF office near your temporary address in Portugal.

Now, in theory, one could say thanks to borderless travel you could get your “extra 90 days in Denmark” and then just travel around, fly out of Denmark, and no one would be the wiser. One could say that. But I’ve noticed a lot more intra-Europe passport checks in recent years. I got yelled at in France for not having my passport with me while on a train to see a chateau. So, I wouldn’t recommend doing this.

Note: Most countries have bilateral agreements with other countries. Call the local embassy for more information (you’ll have better luck calling than emailing).  

2. Get a Working Holiday Visa

There is no single “working holiday” program for the Schengen or EU so applicants must apply for a visa from a specific country. Usually, applicants must be younger than 30, though age restrictions are becoming more relaxed in recent years.

Additionally, you can get consecutive working holiday visas. An Australian reader of mine got a two-year Dutch working holiday visa and then got one from Norway to stay two more years. While she and her boyfriend (who also got one) did odd jobs in Holland for a bit, they mostly used it as a way to travel around the continent.

Note : This type of visa won’t allow you to work in any other country than the one that issued it.

For Americans, there are only two options for working holidays in Europe: Ireland (non-Schengen country) and Portugal (Schengen country). Both programs are essentially the same, providing a 12-month work visa to those either currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a higher education institution.

While you must be at least 18 to apply, there’s no upper age limit, provided that you fit the other criteria. For the Portuguese visa, you can only work for 6 months out of the 12-month visa, while the Irish visa has no work restrictions.

3. Get a Long-Term-Stay Visa

However, in 2023, if you have a fully online business, there are countries within Schengen that allow digital nomad visas provided you make a certain amount of money per month and have your own health insurance. Countries that currently offer digital nomad visas include Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, Spain, and Norway.

The countries that allow you to apply with the lowest online salary are Portugal, Hungary, Malta, and Croatia, which require around 2,500 EUR in income per month.

Schengen allows for a C- or D-class visa (the letter varies on the country), which is a temporary residence visa for up to one year. But the specific visa and requirements vary from country to country. Some countries are harder, some are easier, and others are nearly impossible despite being in the same visa treaty zone.

However, there are a few countries that do offer long-term visas that aren’t too hard to get:  

France offers a long-term visitor visa for a period of up to one year. According to the French Embassy, “The ‘visitor’ visa (or visa ‘D’) allows you to enter France and stay for more than three months. Long-stay visa holders will be allowed to reside in France for up to 12 months according to the validity of their visa and purpose of stay.”

To get this visa, you must set up an appointment at the French consulate near you. You can’t walk in — you must make an appointment.

At this appointment, you’ll need the following documents:

• One application form filled out completely and signed
• Three passport photos
• Your original passport, which must have been issued less than 10 years ago, be valid for three months after your return, and have at least two blank pages left
• A letter certified by a notary public that promises you won’t engage in work
• A letter of employment stating current occupation and earnings
• Proof of income (you’ll need copies of a pension certificate or your last 3 bank statements)
• Proof of medical insurance that includes evacuation insurance and medical coverage of at least €30,000 (a copy of your US health insurance card is not acceptable as proof, you need a detailed description of coverage)
• Proof of accommodation in France. (If you don’t have an official document such as a sublet agreement, you can include a letter describing your accommodation arrangements).

Note : You can’t apply for this visa more than three months before your arrival date.

France-Visas is the official visa website for France. It details all the types of visas and has a helpful “visa wizard” where you put in your situation and it tells you what type of visa you should apply for as well as all the documents that you need.

You can also visit the French Embassy website for links to local embassies and consulates for more information. Find your closest consulate here .

This post has some helpful information to get you started on long-term visas in particular .  

Sweden also offers a long-term stay tourist visa for a maximum period of one year. Here’s a brief overview of what you need:

• Residence permit for visitor’s application form
• Notarized copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity and the validity of your passport, as well as copies of all the other visas/stamps you have. Your passport also needs to be valid for 3 months after your stay.
• A bank statement showing your means of supporting yourself for the duration of your stay (450 SEK for each day of your stay)
• A return airplane ticket
• Proof of medical coverage of at least 30,000 EUR

Most people who apply for this visa have family in Sweden. If you don’t, you’ll need to have clear reasons as to why you need to stay longer and show ample proof that you can support yourself (i.e., “I want to meet Swedish guys/girls” won’t cut it!).

You can apply either in Sweden or outside the country. If you’re applying from Sweden, you can apply online, and then make an appointment at the consulate or embassy to show your passport and get fingerprinted. If you’re applying outside of Sweden, you need to file your application in person at the consulate or embassy. When you file your application abroad, you’ll also be interviewed about your intended trip and the purpose for staying in Sweden.

You can learn more about the process on this government page .

Spain offers a couple of long-term visas. The Golden Visa is based on a sizable financial investment in Spain, either into a company (minimum 1 million EUR), real estate (minimum 500,000 EUR), or invest in a new business such as in science or tech that creates local employment opportunities. The other more attainable and popular long-term visa targets retirees and is called the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. It requires that you spend at least 183 days in Spain, which would make you a legal resident for tax purposes. During this time, you are unable to work in Spain (so you’ll need to have enough savings to get you by). However, studying and unpaid internships are permitted.

The big catch for this visa is that you need to have at least 26,000 EUR in your bank account (ideally more). Since the visa is designed for retirees, the assumption is that you’re coming here to rest on your financial laurels after a lifetime of saving up — hence the sizeable requirement.

The visa has been denied to people who are remote workers so I wouldn’t recommend this visa if you’re a digital nomad (Spain is supposedly working on a visa specifically for digital nomads, though it’s not currently available). This is a bit of a gray area though. If you can show enough savings to financially sustain yourself for a year without working, you can get this visa. You just cannot use monthly statements (such as from your remote job) to prove income; financial proof must be savings or passive income (such as a pension).

In addition to having sizable savings, you’ll also need to fill out the application, submit your passport and additional photos, pay a fee, and provide the following:

• Proof of private health insurance (from an authorized company in Spain not travel insurance)
• A doctor’s note certifying that you’re healthy
• A criminal background check translated into Spanish

You must apply for this visa in your country of residency (usually with the help of lawyers). The application varies per country, usually between 120-900 EUR (it’s around 125 EUR for Americans and over 500 EUR for Canadians).

This consulate page has all the specific details you need regarding the application .

Portugal has multiple long-term stay visas. First, there is a Golden Visa, which requires a minimum investment in the country of 280,000 EUR and takes around 18 months to process. The D7 Passive Income visa, which is similar to Spain’s non-lucrative visa, is more realistic for most people.

To apply for the D7 visa in Portugal you need:

• Proof of health insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR
• A background check
• Proof of financial means to stay in Portugal (8,460 EUR)
• Letter of purpose and intent in Portugal
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of accommodation

The main difference between the Portuguese and Spanish long-term visas is that you only need an income of around 8,460 EUR instead of the 26,000 EUR in savings that the Spanish visa requires. You still cannot work on this visa, so your income must be passive (investments, pension, rental property, etc.).

The D7 visa can work for digital nomad as it is valid for 4 months. Portugal is much more accepting of remote work as proof of income for the visa application than Spain.

Portugal also offers the D2 immigrant Entrepreneur visa, which isn’t designed specifically for digital nomads, but could be used by specific entrepreneurs. You’ll need to submit a business plan and demonstrate you have enough capital to get started. You’ll also need to explain why you want to start your business in Portugal (or move it there). You’ll have a much higher chance of getting approved if you have invested upwards of 5,000 EUR in your business and speak some Portuguese (it’s not required, but these visas are regularly rejected so it will give you a leg up).

In short, there are a lot of steps for a temporary visa. However, you can get this extended and eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.

You’ll need to apply for both of these visas in your country of residency.

The official Portuguese visa website has more information about specific visas and requirements. You can locate your nearest Portuguese consulate here .

A note on long-term visas: Keep in mind that the information above is just for reference. There may be more requirements needed for your application and not all visas are open to everyone. You’ll want to contact your local embassy for specifics and additional information.  

4. Get a Student Visa

All Schengen Area countries offer student visas that are easy to obtain so long as you’re enrolled in a recognized university program. This would require you to pay for the course and you may also have to show proof of minimum fund requirements, but it will virtually guarantee you a visa if you are accepted.

One of the best countries to do this is Spain, where a whole industry has sprung up to help students study Spanish. There are tons of schools that will allow you to enroll and write letters stating you’re a student there. You’ll need to apply in your home country but the process is relatively straightforward. This post details the requirements .

Germany is another popular choice, as post-secondary schools there are essentially free. While there may be more competition, the costs are much lower. However, you need to show proof that you have money in a bank account to cover your expenses. As of October 2022, that amount is 11, 208 EUR in a blocked bank account.

In Germany, you might also be able to work up to 120 full days, or 240 half days (20 hours a week) while you study as well. You can learn about the application process here .

While most student visas allow you to stay in a country for one year, I would only consider getting one if you actually plan on studying. If you’re just getting a student visa to travel and play tourist, it’s not going to be worth the cost and paperwork since you’ll need to set up everything from a residential address to a bank account to a local phone number and more.  

5. Get a Freelancer/Remote Worker Visa

There are several countries that offer freelancer visas and visas geared towards the increasing number of remote workers. This process is a little more complicated and not for the casual tourist. These visas are meant for people who actually want to live and work in Europe. If you’re just a casual tourist, expect to be denied. But if you’re a digital nomad, this is the visa for you.

Schengen countries that offer freelancer or remote worker visas include:

• Germany (no set income amount, but you need a business plan and upwards of 10,000 EUR in savings)
• Estonia (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Czechia (5,600 EUR in savings)
• Portugal (2,800 EUR income/month)
• Greece (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Malta (2,700 EUR income/month)
• Hungary (2,000 EUR income/month
• Croatia (17,800 HRK (2,300 EUR income/month)

Non-Schengen countries that have them include:

• Romania (no set income, reports of successful applicants range from about 3,700 EUR/month)
• Georgia (2,000 USD income/month)
• Iceland (1,000,000 ISK income/month (6,617 EUR), only valid for up to 6 months)

Germany is the country most used by people who want to reside in Europe. If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, artist, or have some form of income, this is the visa to get. If you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., Israel, South Korea, or Japan you can apply after you arrive in Germany (everyone else needs to apply in advance).

The visa only lasts for three months, however, it is designed to be extended into a residency visa which would then last for three years. I have many friends who have gotten this visa. As long as you follow the steps, you should be fine. This post has more information about the process .

Most of these visas follow a similar format: apply, pay a fee, submit proof that your business can stay afloat, then wait to be accepted. However, some have more stringent requirements.

For example, Estonia’s freelancer visa requires a monthly income of at least 3,500 EUR per month leading up to your application. For the Czechia visa, you need to have at least $6,000 USD in your bank account (the lovely folks at Wandertooth, who did this process a couple of years ago, can walk you through the steps ).

If you are a digital nomad and are considering working remotely from the EU you can compare these programs to see which one bests suits your goals (though Germany is likely the best place to start since it’s one of the easiest to get).  

6. Get Married to a European

Fall in love with a European (or at least a friend) and apply for a marriage visa! You’ll get to stay there while the application process goes through and then you can move to Europe and stay there forever with the love of your life! That’s a win-win! (This is a joke. Don’t get married just for a visa to stay in Europe!)

The best, easiest, and most effective way to stay in Europe long-term is to increase the number of countries you visit so you’re in the Schengen Area for only 90 days. As I said, there are a lot of countries not in the Area so this is easy to do.

If you’re like me and want to stay in the Schengen Area longer than 90 days (or just want to move to Europe because it’s awesome), be prepared to work the system. It’s not impossible to stay long-term in the Schengen Area. By understanding the system and using the few loopholes that do exist, one can legally stay past 90 days and enjoy all Europe has to offer without worrying about being barred for life.  

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here is a list of my favorite hostels in Europe .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

NOTE: Due to the complexities of visas and the uniqueness of everyone’s situation, we do not answer any visa related questions in the comments or via email. Thank you.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Can I travel around Europe with a national visa type D? - Greece Forum

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Can I travel around Europe with a national visa type D?

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I am an Indian passport holder and I have been issued a national "D" visa with multiple entry by the Greek embassy for education purposes. My visa is from July 1st 2015 to 31st December 2015.

I have been searching on sites and some of them say with a national visa of multiple entry you are allowed to travel around the Schengen area without any further requirements.

http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-types/

I have called the Embassy but no one picks up and I am really stuck because I really want to travel around Europe and I want to make sure before I book my tickets.

My understanding is with a visa issued for an EU country then you can travel in the Schengen area, but I'm not 100% certain.

Obviously the only place to get solid advice would be the embassy so maybe you could keep trying.

(It might sound daft but have you allowed for any time difference when you've been calling?)

Not all EU countries are members of the Schengen treaty, and the Schengen treaty has some members who are not members of the EU.

When you travel on a Schengen Visa you can travel to any (or all) Schengen member countries using one single visa. The Schengen visa is a “visitor visa”. It is issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen countries for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in a 6 month period.

In some cases, such visas are (in theory) valid only for the country that issued them. However, there are no routine border controls between Schengen countries, and so nobody will be looking at passports as one travels around the Schengen area.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad

Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to EU countries that are not in the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in each of these countries without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in these countries.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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Do I Need A Visa To Travel To Europe? European Visa Guide

As you plan for your next trip to Europe, visas may not be the first thing on your mind. However, it is critically important to arrange your European visa ahead of time, to ensure that your trip can go off without a hitch. 

Depending on where you’re from, you may be exempt from needing a visa to travel to Europe, but for most travelers, a Schengen visa will be more than sufficient for a backpacking trip. 

Although visas for Europe can be tricky to understand at first, by the end of this guide, you will know exactly what you need to do to apply for one.

Related: (opens in new tab)

• Amazing Non-Schengen Countries to Visit
• Backpacking Europe Routes: 4 Epic Itineraries
• How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Europe?

Disclaimer: The following information reflects Europe Backpacker’s understanding of the Schengen visa rules. While this article has been extensively researched and is updated regularly to ensure the information is as current as it can be, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

European Visa Guide for Travelers

Who needs a visa to enter europe.

In a nutshell, mutual agreements between countries in Europe (and the EU) determine whether or not you need a visa to travel within Europe. As a rule of thumb, most non-EU citizens will require a Schengen visa, but nationals from around 60 countries are exempt. Whether or not you need a visa to enter Europe depends on your country of origin (or which country’s passport you are using to travel.)

You can see a full list here , but many countries in Asia, North America, and South America are exempt from the Schengen visa and can travel through the Schengen bloc visa-free. This includes the U.S., Canada, the UK, Japan, and Australia, among other places. 

On the other hand, you may need an airport transit visa to change airplanes within Europe, even if you aren’t leaving the airport. This will depend on your nationality. It’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements for your country of origin. 

What Is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa is a ‘short-stay’ visa, which allows the holder to travel within the Schengen Area and other participating countries for a period of 90 days. A big perk of the Schengen area is that you do not have to go through border control procedures between member countries. This means that Schengen nationals can work and live in other member-states, and visitors like you are allowed free movement within your visa’s time frame. Of course, make sure you always have your passport with you – especially when traveling by air, as agents will likely still ask for identification. 

The Schengen Area comprises 26 countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium , the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ger many, Greece, Hungary, Iceland , Italy , Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands , Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

Note that while most of these countries are also members of the European Union, a few aren’t, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Relatedly, a few EU member-states are not part of the Schengen border-free area, including, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland. Travel procedures may differ slightly in these countries.

Which Countries Use the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa gives you unlimited access to travel within member states of the Schengen Area, as well as several other places. There are several countries that are not part of the Schengen Area but still allow you to travel to them if you have a valid Schengen visa. These include Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. 

The territories of Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City are technically not part of Schengen but are considered ‘de facto’ members because they do not impose border controls. Interestingly, outside of Europe, a valid Schengen visa also allows you to travel to Colombia , Sao Tome and Principe, Antigua, and Mexico. 

Note that requirements vary widely from country to country, so be sure to check the specifics prior to traveling. 

Which European Countries Don’t Use the Schengen Visa?

While most countries in Europe use the Schengen visa, there are a few exceptions. Ireland, Moldova, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom do not use the Schengen visa. If you’re visiting these countries, make sure to check what you need to do to get a visa, as it varies depending on the country. 

It is important to remember that the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, and travel rules have changed. Be sure to pay special attention to the entry requirements if you’re planning to travel to the UK.

How To Apply for a Schengen Visa

If you are traveling from a country that requires a visa and your primary reason for visiting is tourism (such as a backpacking trip), you will apply for the tourism Schengen visa. Note that there are separate visas for visiting family or friends, business, culture and sport, and studying – if one of these categories better fits your situation, make sure you apply for that type of visa.

You should always apply for a Schengen visa directly from an embassy, consulate, or its designated representative in your country. They may utilize a contractor service to process applications, but the information should be clear and available on their website. Official embassy websites can be found on the European Union’s website here , which is a great place to start the process.  

To start your application, there are a few rules of thumb depending on your situation: 

• If you are visiting one country, apply for the visa there.
• If you are visiting more than two countries, apply for the visa wherever you will be spending the most time.
• If you will be spending an equal amount of time in each country you visit, apply for the visa wherever you first enter the Schengen area.

The earliest that you can apply for a visa is 6 months ahead of your trip, and the latest is 15 days. Due to different processing times, it’s recommended that you apply at least 3 weeks before you start your journey to ensure you get the visa in time, but earlier is always better! 

You will also have to book an appointment for an interview. How and where the appointment is booked varies depending on the country. Some countries require that you make the appointment in-person and then attend in-person as well, while some allow you to make appointments online or over the phone. 

At your appointment, you will need to bring two copies of your completed Schengen visa form ; your passport; two passport photos; and other items like proof of travel insurance (we recommend SafetyWing ), round-trip flight reservation, and accommodation. The visa form is streamlined for all Schengen member-states.

Biometric data (fingerprints) will also be collected, and a photo is taken of you for their system. This data is kept for five years, so if you apply for a second visa in that time frame, you won’t have to give your fingerprints again.  

Travel Documents Required for Non-EU Citizens

At a minimum, you will need ​​your passport to travel to Europe. Per EU regulations , it must be valid for at least three months after you leave and must have been issued within the past 10 years. Again, many countries also ask for other documentation in order to grant your visa, which can include proof of lodging, proof of return ticket, or an invitation letter if you are visiting Europe for a particular reason. 

You may also be asked to provide proof of travel insurance and proof of health insurance too. While the application form is streamlined, individual countries can request different supplementary documents. Make sure to check the requirements for the country you’re visiting ahead of this step. It’s never a bad idea to supply more information than is strictly asked for if you have it!

How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?

A Schengen visa costs €80. This is a flat administrative fee set by the Schengen member countries and does not vary . Once your application is approved, you will receive a sticker to place in your passport. The sticker has your photo, as well as validity dates, the countries you can enter, and a unique visa number. 

If you are able to enter the whole Schengen area, it will just say “Schengen States” or “Etats Schengen.” If you are restricted to certain countries, the respective country codes will be listed. This will be a 1 or 2 letter acronym: e.g. Portugal is P, Netherlands is NL. 

Remember to apply for your visa only through the embassy or consulate in your country. If they use a contractor or similar service to process applications, they’ll point you in the right direction. Scams are uncommon but do exist. You should be easily able to avoid them if you only communicate with the correct embassy or consulate directly.

Read more: Scams in Europe .

It has been announced that in 2023 , the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be launched. Any traveller who is visiting the EU or Schengen Area visa-free will need to complete an online form that comes with a €7 ($7USD) admin fee per person. This includes travellers from the US, UK, Japan, Singapore and others.

Entry Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

In addition to the travel documents mentioned above, you may be asked to provide means of subsistence . This is proof of income or proof of your ability to sustain yourself financially during your trip. 

Authorities may ask you for bank statements or similar to ensure that you can support your activities while in the Schengen area. The amount varies depending on where you are visiting but is often around €50 per day plus the cost of a hotel room. Countries with a higher cost of living will require proof of more funds.

Schengen Visa FAQs

• Do I need a visa to travel to Europe? Whether or not you need a visa depends on where you come from and what countries you’re visiting. Most non-EU citizens will need a visa to visit Europe. Nationals of countries on the exempt list do not need a visa to enter.
• What is a Schengen visa? The Schengen visa is a ‘short-stay’ visa, which allows you to travel within the Schengen Area and other participating countries for a period of 90 days.
• Do UK citizens need a visa for Europe? No, the UK is on the list of visa-exempt countries.
• Do American citizens need a visa for Europe? No, the US is on the list of visa-exempt countries.
• What are common reasons Schengen visa applications get declined? Most declined applications are declined due to an error on the application or suspicion of false data provided (e.g. fake passport.) If you made a mistake on your application, you can appeal the decision with the correct data. Your application may also be declined if you do not satisfy the application criteria, such as proof of means of subsistence.
• Are you required to submit biometric data for a Schengen visa? Yes. In addition to other identification documents, biometric data (fingerprints) will be recorded at your application appointment. 
• How long in advance can I apply for a Schengen visa? You can apply up to six months in advance of your trip.
• How much does a Schengen visa cost? There is a flat administrative fee of €80.

When you plan your trip to Europe, don’t forget to check if you need a visa. If you are not an EU citizen, there is a good chance that you will need a European visa, unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Most non-EU citizens will be best served by a Schengen visa. This visa includes the 26 Schengen bloc countries as well as several other places in Europe and offers you free movement between them for 90 days. 

It’s not as hard to secure a Schengen visa as you might think – simply follow these steps:

• Check if you need a visa 
• If you do, contact the consulate or embassy nearest to you for the country you are seeking to get a visa for and make an appointment
• Fill out the application form correctly prior to your appointment, and print out two copies. Bring the form, your passport, passport photos, and any required supplementary information (proof of lodging, etc.) with you
• When you receive your visa, stick it in your passport
• Enjoy your trip!

What has your experience been like getting a Schengen visa? Any tips we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries (starting in the second half of 2024)

Travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries (starting in the first half of 2025)

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