Schengen Visa Types: Short-Stay & Long-Term Visa Categories Explained

The Schengen visa allows travelers to visit 27 European countries without border checks. However, not all Schengen visas are the same. Depending on the purpose of your visit and duration of stay, you may need a Type C or Type D Schengen visa.

Understanding the types of Schengen visas is crucial for choosing the right one for your trip. This guide will explain the Schengen Visa Type C, Type D Visa, and how they compare to other types of visas in Europe.

1. What Are the Different Types of Schengen Visas?

Before applying, you need to determine which Schengen visa type suits your travel needs.

Overview of Schengen Visa Types

✔ Schengen Visa Type C – Short-term visa for tourism, business, and family visits.
✔ Schengen Visa Type D – Long-term visa for work, study, and residence permits.

Short-Stay (Type C) vs. Long-Term (Type D) Visas

Visa Type	Duration	Purpose
Type C Schengen Visa	Up to 90 days	Tourism, business, family visits, transit
Type D Visa	Over 90 days	Work, study, residency

💡 Tip: The Type C visa Schengen is perfect for short stays, while the D Type visa is required for long-term purposes like work or education.

2. What Is a Schengen Visa Type C?

The Type C Schengen visa is the most common visa for short-term visitors. It allows non-EU travelers to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Who Needs a C Type Schengen Visa?

✔ Tourists visiting Europe for sightseeing.
✔ Business travelers attending meetings or events.
✔ Family members visiting relatives in the Schengen Area.
✔ People transiting through Schengen countries to another destination.

Validity Period & Restrictions of a Type C Schengen Visa

✔ Maximum stay: 90 days within 180 days.
✔ Not extendable beyond 90 days unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Single-Entry, Double-Entry & Multiple-Entry Type C Visas

Visa Type	Number of Entries Allowed
Single-Entry Visa	One entry only – visa expires after leaving Schengen.
Double-Entry Visa	Two entries – allows re-entry into Schengen once.
Multiple-Entry Visa	Unlimited entries within visa validity.

💡 Tip: If you travel frequently, apply for a multiple-entry Type C Schengen visa to avoid repeated applications.

3. Type D Visa: Long-Term Schengen Visa

A D Type visa is required for stays longer than 90 days in a Schengen country. This visa is commonly used for study, work, or residency purposes.

What Is a Type D Visa?

✔ A national visa issued by a specific Schengen country.
✔ Allows stays over 90 days, unlike a C type Schengen visa.
✔ Required for students, employees, and long-term residents.

Difference Between Schengen Type C vs. Type D Visa

✔ Type C Visa Schengen – Short-term (tourism, business, transit).
✔ Type D Visa – Long-term (employment, studies, residence permit).

Who Qualifies for a D Type Visa?

✔ Students enrolled in European universities.
✔ Workers with long-term employment contracts.
✔ Residents applying for permanent stay or family reunification.

💡 Tip: Unlike a Schengen Type C visa, a Type D visa requires a residence permit after arrival.

4. Types of Visa in Europe: How Schengen Visas Compare

Not all European visas are part of the Schengen system. Some countries require separate visas, even if they are in Europe.

Types of Visas Available in Europe

✔ Schengen Visa (Type C & Type D) – Covers 27 countries in the Schengen Area.
✔ National Visas (UK, Ireland, Cyprus) – Separate visa systems.
✔ Residency Permits – Long-term visas leading to citizenship or permanent stay.

Difference Between Schengen Visa & European National Visas

✔ A Schengen visa allows travel across multiple countries.
✔ UK, Ireland, and some European countries require separate visas.

Countries That Require a Separate Visa from Schengen

✔ United Kingdom (UK) – Requires a UK visa.
✔ Ireland – Has its own visa policy.
✔ Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria – Not fully part of Schengen yet.

💡 Tip: A Schengen visa does NOT allow entry into the UK or Ireland.

5. What Are the 4 Types of Visa?

There are four main types of visas based on travel purpose.

1. Tourist Visa (Type C Schengen Visa)

✔ Used for vacations, sightseeing, and short visits.
✔ Valid for up to 90 days.

2. Business Visa (Type C Schengen Visa)

✔ For business meetings, trade fairs, and conferences.
✔ Can be single-entry or multiple-entry.

3. Student Visa (Type D Visa)

✔ For students enrolled in European universities.
✔ Usually valid for one academic year.

4. Work Visa (Type D Visa)

✔ For long-term employment in a Schengen country.
✔ Requires a sponsor or work contract.

💡 Tip: If you’re applying for a Type C visa, choose the right category to match your travel purpose.

6. How to Apply for the Right Schengen Visa Type?

Steps to Determine Which Schengen Visa Type You Need

✔ Short stay (Type C) → Apply for a tourist or business visa.
✔ Long stay (Type D) → Apply for a work or student visa.

Required Documents for Type C vs. Type D Visas

✔ Type C Visa Requirements: Passport, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and travel insurance.
✔ Type D Visa Requirements: University/work acceptance letter, financial proof, and residence documents.

How to Apply for Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas?

✔ Provide proof of frequent travel (past visas, business trips).
✔ Show strong ties to your home country (job, family, property).

💡 Tip: Frequent travelers can apply for a 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is the Difference Between Type C and Type D Schengen Visa?

✔ Type C Visa = Short-term stay (up to 90 days).
✔ Type D Visa = Long-term stay (over 90 days).

2. Which Type of Schengen Visa Should I Apply For?

✔ Tourism, business, or transit → Type C Schengen visa.
✔ Study, work, or residency → Type D visa.

3. What Are the 4 Main Types of Visas for International Travel?

✔ Tourist visa, business visa, student visa, and work visa.

4. Can I Convert a Type C Visa Into a Long-Term Visa?

✔ No, you must apply separately for a Type D visa.

5. Does a Type C Schengen Visa Allow Multiple Entries?

✔ Yes, if you apply for a multiple-entry visa.

Choosing the Right Schengen Visa Type

✔ Type C Visa = Short stays for tourism, business, and family visits.
✔ Type D Visa = Long stays for work, study, and residency.
✔ Multiple-entry visas allow frequent travel across Schengen countries.

Understanding the Schengen visa types will help you apply for the correct visa and avoid application delays.