The initiative to launch this Ad-Hoc Query was taken by the Czech Republic National Contact Point (NCP) of the European Migration Network (EMN). This publication offers an overview of the time and spacial validity of the long-term visa (D visa).

-The long-term visa has a certain time validity (e.g. from 1.1. 2011 to 30.6. 2011) with a determined number of days to stay (e.g. 120 days). But the application of Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Convention Implementing Schengen Agreement (CISA) sensibly differs depending on the Member State.

- For what concerns the question if the long-term visa could be allowed to stay in an other member state after the visa has expired, there are differences between the different member states. Some are more restrictives, concidering that the visa isn't valid anymore as soon as the validity of the visa has expired. Other countries, however can concider that the D visa holder could split his staying-time up to the period of one year.

-In the case the D visa holder would spend a part of his duration stay in another member state or outside the Shengen area, the situation also differs from member state to member state. In most  countries, the D visa holder can travel in other member states but not outside the Shengen area. Belgium has put restrictions to stay in an other state, by replacing the D visa in a residence permit. This residence permit is linked to the place of stay since this permit expires if the person would decide to live out of Belgium during that period.

This text is only available in English.