Schengen Visa Types — Type C, D and Transit Explained
Answer 3 questions to find out which Schengen visa type you need
🔤 What is this? A free interactive guide to Schengen visa types — explains the difference between Type C (short stay), Type D (long stay) and Transit visas, and tells you which one you need in 3 questions. Who is it for? Anyone applying for a Schengen visa who is unsure which type to request. Source: EU Visa Code (Regulation EC 810/2009) | EU Long-Stay Visa Regulation.
🔤 Which Schengen visa type do you need?
Step 1 of 3
Are you only passing through a Schengen airport without leaving the transit zone?
Step 2 of 3
How long will you stay in the Schengen Area in total?
Step 3 of 3
What is the main purpose of your visit?
Type C — Short Stay Visa
You need a Schengen Type C Visa
The Type C Schengen visa is the standard short-stay visa for tourism, family visits, business trips and short courses. It allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, across all 27 Schengen countries.
The Type D visa (national long-stay visa) allows stays of more than 90 days in one specific Schengen country. It is issued by the individual country — not a joint Schengen visa. It is used for work, study, family reunification and long-term residence.
An airport transit visa (Type A) allows you to pass through the international transit zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and the specific Schengen country of transit.
The most common Schengen visa. Valid for tourism, family visits, business trips, conferences and short courses. Allows travel across all 27 Schengen countries. Can be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry (up to 5 years for frequent travelers).
Max 90 days / 180 daysAll 27 Schengen countriesNo work allowedTLScontact / VFS / BLS
Type DLong Stay Visa — over 90 days
National visa issued by one specific Schengen country for stays over 90 days. Used for work, study, family reunification or retirement. Each country sets its own rules. Also allows short travel in other Schengen countries during its validity.
Over 90 daysOne specific countryWork / Study / FamilyDirect to consulate
Type AAirport Transit Visa
Required for some nationalities to transit through Schengen airport international zones without entering the Schengen Area. Does not allow leaving the transit zone. Required only by specific nationalities — check with your airline or destination consulate.
Transit zone onlyCannot enter SchengenNationality dependent
❓ Schengen Visa Types — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Type C Schengen visa?
A Type C Schengen visa is a short-stay visa allowing non-EU nationals to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It covers tourism, family visits, business trips, conferences and short courses. It is valid across all 27 Schengen countries and can be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry.
What is a Type D Schengen visa?
A Type D visa (national long-stay visa) allows stays of more than 90 days in one specific Schengen country. It is used for work, study, family reunification or retirement. Each Schengen country issues and manages its own Type D visas with different requirements.
Can I work with a Type C Schengen visa?
No. A Type C Schengen visa does not authorize work. To work in a Schengen country you need a Type D national visa with work authorization, applied for directly at the consulate of the specific country where you will work.
What is the difference between Type C and Type D?
Type C: up to 90 days, all 27 Schengen countries, tourism/business/family. Type D: over 90 days, one specific country, work/study/family reunification. Type C is processed through visa centers (TLScontact, VFS, BLS). Type D is processed directly at the consulate.
Do Moroccans and Algerians need an airport transit visa?
Generally no — Moroccan and Algerian nationals do not currently require airport transit visas for most Schengen countries. However, requirements can change. Always verify with your airline and the consulate of your transit country before travel.
Source: EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 | EU Long-Stay Visa rules | European Commission
All information is for guidance only. Visa requirements can change. Always verify with your specific consulate or visa application center before applying.
Schengen Visa Types Explained — Type C, Type D and Transit
There are three main types of Schengen visas. Type C (short-stay visa) allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries. It is used for tourism, family visits, business and conferences. Type D (national long-stay visa) allows stays of more than 90 days in one specific Schengen country and is used for work, study and family reunification. Type A (airport transit visa) allows transit through Schengen airport international zones without entering the Schengen Area. A Type C Schengen visa does not authorize work. A Type D visa is issued by one country but also allows short travel in other Schengen countries. The most common Schengen visa is the Type C short-stay visa processed through TLScontact, VFS Global or BLS International centers. Type D visas are applied for directly at the consulate of the destination country.