Work & Employment Visa Support UK

Long-stay employment visas

A long-stay employment visa is a national (Type D) permit that lets you live and work in one country for more than 90 days. Unlike a short-stay Schengen visa, it is issued under the destination country’s own immigration rules and is normally tied to a specific employer, role or sponsorship arrangement. Each country sets its own conditions, so the documents, fees and processing times differ from one consulate to the next.

We support UK residents through the application process, helping you understand the route, prepare a complete file and avoid the errors that commonly cause delays.

Who this route suits

This route is generally for people who have secured, or are securing, work abroad, including:

Professionals relocating with a confirmed job offer or employment contract.
Employees transferring within an international company to an overseas office.
Skilled workers whose role qualifies under a destination country’s sponsorship or work-permit scheme.
Those moving with a spouse or partner who has been offered work, where a dependent route applies.

What we help with

Confirming the correct national work-visa route for your destination and circumstances.
Reviewing your job offer, contract or sponsorship paperwork against consulate requirements.
Checking your supporting documents before submission, so gaps are caught early.
Preparing cover letters and helping you book the consulate or visa-centre appointment.
Guiding you through each step, from first enquiry to submission.

What to prepare

Requirements are country-specific, but applicants are typically asked for some combination of the following. Always confirm the current list on your destination consulate’s official website:

A valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages.
A signed employment contract or offer, and any employer sponsorship or work-permit reference.
Proof of qualifications or relevant experience, where the role requires it.
Evidence of accommodation and, in some cases, funds for the initial period.
Completed application forms and recent passport photographs to the consulate’s specification.

Because immigration rules and timeframes change, we do not quote fixed fees or processing times here. We will point you to the official source for your destination and help you plan around it.

When you are ready, start your application and tell us your destination country and intended start date, and we will outline the right route for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a long-stay employment visa?

It is a national (Type D) visa that lets you live and work in a single country for longer than 90 days. It is issued by that country, not under the short-stay Schengen rules, and usually depends on a confirmed job or sponsorship.

Do I need a job offer before I apply?

For most employment routes, yes. A signed offer, contract or employer sponsorship is typically the basis of the application, though the exact requirements vary by country and consulate. We help you check what your destination expects.

How long does an employment visa take to process?

Processing times vary by nationality, destination and consulate, and can change with demand. Always check the official consulate website for current timeframes, and apply with plenty of margin before your intended start date.

Can Schengen Travel guarantee my visa will be approved?

No. The decision rests entirely with the consulate or immigration authority. We provide application support, document checking and guidance to help you submit a complete, well-prepared application.

Which countries can you help with?

We assist UK residents applying for long-stay work routes across European and worldwide destinations. Tell us your destination country and we will outline the relevant route and requirements.