4 month stay for "sport competition"

I am planning a 4 month trip to belgium during which I will be competing in cyclocross. I will also need to travel to Holland / Italy / Spain / Switzerland during this time. I have a wife and 2 children who will be travelling with me. I am confused as to which type of visa is appropriate for me. It seems that I need a type D visa, as my stay will exceed 90 days. My question is, what reasoning would be appropriate for that visa? I have seen "sports competition" and "self employment" as possibilities, though it does not seem that I qualify for "self employment", as I will not be opening a business. If I am issued a type D visa for one of those reasons, will my wife and children be eligable for the same type D visa?

Thanks

Hello,

You indeed require a D visa if you intend to stay more than 90 days in one of the Schengen country.

It is unlikely to obtain such visa for the purpose indicated in your mail.

Regards.

The MediaVisa.net team
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Do you have any suggestions as to what a valid reason for a type D visa would be? The only ones I have seen involve student visas for language study.

Hello,

Long-stay D visas are generally issued for study, work, family reunion or to conduct businness.

Please note that our forum (and expertise) is about Schengen visas, type C (short-stay) and B (transit).

Regards.

The MediaVisa.net team
MediaVisa.net
Schengen travel insurance accepted by all Consulates from €1/day - Subscribe with or without credit card