Do you want to stay in a European Schengen country for more than three months—for work, to complete a course of study, or for some other activity? You will probably need to apply for a D-Visa. This is a class of long-term visa issued by Schengen countries to foreign nationals, including US citizens. But how easy is it to get a D-Visa?
Our Remitly D-Visa Guide 2025 takes you through who needs a D-Visa for long-term travel to the European Schengen area, the requirements to qualify, and how to apply. We also look at the conditions and benefits of holding a D-Visa.
What is a D-Visa?
A D-Visa, also known as a National Visa or a Long-Stay Visa, is a visa issued by countries in the European Schengen area to foreign nationals who wish to stay for longer than 90 days. For stays of less than 90 days, US citizens currently do not need a short-stay visa, while citizens of some non-EU countries need to apply for a Schengen tourist visa. Beginning in late 2026, citizens who are not required to have short-stay Schengen visas will have to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. Additionally, starting in October 2025, the EU will be implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will automatically record the travel history of all non-EU visitors—including US Americans—at border crossings.
Unlike Schengen tourist stays, which allow up to 90 days of travel in the Schengen area as a whole, the D-Visa is issued by a specific Schengen country. That country will assess your application based on the purpose of your stay—such as an employment contract or a course of study—and whether you have the financial means to support yourself during your proposed stay.
The visa can be granted for a period of between three and 12 months and permits you to stay specifically in the country that granted the visa. Under the immigration rules for long-term visas, you can travel to other Schengen countries while holding the visa. However, you can only stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days in other Schengen countries. In addition, while you may have been granted the right to work or study in the country that issued the visa, that right does not extend to other Schengen countries.
Schengen countries have slightly different criteria for granting a D-Visa. Therefore, it is important to know which country you plan to apply to and to research its specific requirements. Travelers suggest that Portugal, Iceland, Estonia, Slovenia, Greece, and Poland have some of the most accessible National Visa requirements. You can find a full list of all the countries in the European Schengen area here.
Note: In most cases, you can apply for immediate family members to accompany you on a D-Visa.
Who can apply for a D-Visa?
How you can qualify for a D-Visa varies from country to country, but in general, the visa is designed for:
- Students: You can apply if you are enrolled in a course of study that will last more than three months. You will need to provide proof that you have been accepted into the course.
- Researchers: Academic research and participation in knowledge exchange activities that last longer than 90 days can also qualify for a D-Visa.
- Workers: If you have received a local job offer, you may be eligible for a D-Visa. This can also apply to traineeships, internships, and some volunteer roles. Again, you will need to provide proof of the offer.
- Remote work: Digital nomads and entrepreneurs may qualify for the visa if they meet the minimum income requirement, which is usually set at a higher rate for remote workers. However, some countries, such as Portugal and Spain, may direct applicants to their dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
- Family reunification: D-Visas can be granted to spend time with local family members. You will usually need to provide proof of the relationship or a letter of invitation. The visa may also be granted if you are traveling to get married.
While these are the most common reasons that a D-Visa is granted, a D-Visa can be granted for a variety of other situations, such as receiving pre-arranged medical treatment or participating in a sporting event.
D-Visa Requirements in 2025
Each Schengen country has its own specific D-Visa requirements, and they are updated regularly, so you need to research your target destination. Nevertheless, all Schengen countries apply the same general set of rules. You can expect to be asked for the following documentation as part of your application.
Valid passport
Your passport will usually need to have three to six months of validity beyond the end of your proposed visa, so you may need to get a new passport before applying for a D-Visa.
Proof of legal residence
When applying from the US, you must usually show proof of your right to live in the US to make your application from there. You may also be required to submit a declaration about your period of absence from the US This could be a letter from your employer or school, verifying your period of intended absence.
Completed application form
Most Schengen countries will provide application forms in English as well as local languages for your visa application.
Passport photos
The standard size for Schengen area passport photos is 1 ⅜ by 1 ¾ inches (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm). This is different from the standard US size, so you will need to request it specifically.
Proof of purpose of stay
As part of your application, you will need to explain why you need to stay in the country and provide proof that you will participate in whatever activity that may be. Proof could include an employment contract, a school offer, or a volunteer placement letter.
Proof of accommodation
In most cases, you will need to provide evidence that you have local accommodation for at least the start of your proposed stay.
Proof of financial means
You must demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself during your proposed stay, either through savings or income. The amount required depends on the country. For example, in France, the minimum required is equal to 1.8 times the minimum legal wage in France for a full-time worker, which is around €1,500 EUR per month (about $1,700 USD at the time of writing).
In Germany, if you are traveling for employment, you must usually earn at least €4,000 ($4560) per month, but students only need to demonstrate access to €992 ($1130) per month. In Estonia, it is €800 ($910) per month for a single person applying to work, but the minimum increases to €4,500 ($5130) for remote workers.
In most cases, if you will be accompanied by family members, the minimum required income will increase.
Criminal record certificate
You need to provide proof that you are considered an upstanding member of the community in your current place of residence. For US citizens, this usually means an FBI Background Check and an FBI Identity History Summary Check. These documents will also need to be verified by an Apostille for use in foreign countries.
If you have been a resident in another country during the previous five years, you may also need to provide a criminal certificate from that country. In most cases, criminal record certificates must be less than 12 months old to be considered valid.
Travel medical insurance
You must provide proof that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover you during your stay. Most countries will set a minimum level of coverage, usually around €30,000 ($34,200 at the time of writing).
Biometrics
In most cases, you will need to provide your fingerprints when submitting your application.
Proof of relationship
If you are applying to be accompanied by family members, you will need to provide similar documentation for them, though items like a criminal record certificate will be waived for minors. You will also need to provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage license or birth certificate.
Visa fee
There is a fee for processing and issuing your visa, which varies between countries. For example, in 2025, the visa fee in France is €99 ($113), while in Germany it is €75 ($85), and in Poland it is €135 ($154).
How to apply for a D-Visa
Again, the exact process for a long-term visa application will vary depending on which country you apply to, but the general steps to follow are similar for all Schengen countries. Bear in mind that you should apply a minimum of three weeks—and generally no more than six months—in advance of your proposed travel date.
Step one: prepare your application documentation
The first thing to do is prepare your application documentation. You should do this well in advance, as some documents, such as your criminal certificate, can take weeks to arrive. Research the specific requirements for the country where you intend to apply, and gather documents in accordance with their checklist.
Step two: submit an online application
Once you have gathered all your documents, most countries—such as Belgium and France—will need you to submit an initial application via an online portal. If you do not need to submit online, you will still need to go online to make a consulate appointment.
Payment will usually be requested when you submit your online application or make an appointment. Some countries will allow you to pay via an online secure portal, but some embassies and consulates still require you to make a bank transfer—they will provide the details and a reference number.
Step three: attend your appointment
Almost all D-Visa applications require you to attend an interview at your closest embassy or consulate, bringing your original documentation. Some countries may allow you to apply by mail or empower someone to attend an appointment on your behalf. Arrive early, bring originals and copies of all your documentation, and be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and your financial means.
Step four: wait for the outcome of your application
In most cases, you will be able to track the progress of your application via the same online portal that you used to make your application or appointment. It usually takes around 15 days for visas to be approved, but this timeline differs depending on each consulate. In some cases, you can fast-track processing for an additional fee.
If your visa is granted, you will be told when you can pick up your passport, visa, and original documentation from the consulate. If you have chosen to have your documentation mailed to you, a tracking number will be provided.
If your visa is denied, most consulates offer an appeal process, but your appeal must usually be submitted within 14 days of receiving the initial decision.
Step five: register when you arrive
Once you have your visa, you are free to travel. However, many countries require that long-term visitors register locally on arrival. For example, in Germany, you must register your new residence with the authorities (Meldebehörde) within two weeks of arriving in Germany. You must then apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) within the first 90 days of your stay.
The documentation required can be different from what you submitted with your visa applications, and documents must sometimes be officially translated into the local language for submission. It is important to research the local requirements and process.
In most cases, if you want to extend your visa, you will need to reapply for the same visa. Again, the exact process for getting a D-Visa for expats depends on the country you are in.
Mistakes to avoid and top tips
While the D-Visa application is simple enough if you meet the qualifying criteria, evidence suggests that between 10-15% of all Schengen visas are rejected. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can lead to a visa being denied.
- Insufficient proof of available funds: You must prove that you will have access to sufficient funds for the full duration of your trip.
- Lack of sufficient travel insurance: Not having the minimum coverage can be an automatic denial.
- No proof of return flight: Some countries require that you provide evidence of a return or onward flight, even if you intend to stay in the country for a year.
- Submitting photocopies instead of original documents: You must submit original documents with your application, which will be returned to you when your application is complete.
- Incorrect size passport photos: Standard US passport photos are a different size from those required in Europe and will be rejected as incompatible.
To ensure your application goes smoothly, follow these tips:
- Double-check the latest requirements for the country you are applying to, as new rules and application forms are issued regularly.
- Over-prepare. It is better to provide extra documentation than arrive at your interview and be told that you are missing key documents.
- Check on the progress of your application regularly, because if it is denied, you have a short window to appeal and provide missing information.
- Research what documents you might need to apply for a local residence permit when you arrive. These documents are often different from your visa application and may need to be officially translated into the local language.
Now you’re ready!
Now that you know the basics of applying for a D-Visa, you’re better prepared to take the next steps toward your long stay in a Schengen country. Remember to research specific requirements thoroughly, because while all Schengen countries issue D-Visas, the requirements and application process vary significantly. With your visa application underway, you might want to check out our complete guide to relocating to Europe next. With the right preparation, you’ll be all set for your new chapter abroad!
FAQs
How can I apply for a Schengen D-Visa from the US?
If you are in the United States, you can apply for a D-Visa via the closest embassy or consulate of the specific Schengen country. Most embassies are in Washington, D.C., with consulates in major cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. Most applications require an interview, so you may need to travel.
When applying from the US, remember that you will need to prove that you have the existing right of residence in the US.
How much is a type D Schengen visa?
The cost of a Schengen D-Visa depends on the issuing country and can range from €75-€135 ($85-$154), paid in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
How fast can I get a Schengen visa in the US?
The standard turnaround time for Schengen D-Visas at most consulates in the US is 15 working days, but it can be longer depending on the individual consulate. If there are currently long delays, you will usually be informed of this when submitting your application.
Is there an interview for a Schengen D-Visa?
In-person interviews are stipulated as a requirement for Schengen D-Visas, so you should prepare to attend an interview. However, they can be waived at the discretion of the consulate. This could happen if you have had a Schengen visa in the last five years and your biometric information is still on file.