Are you planning to spend an extended period in Spain? Whether it’s for work, leisure, or any other reason, understanding Spain’s 90-day rule is essential.
Many non-EU citizens, including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and more, can visit Spain and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This rule is crucial to grasp to avoid any immigration issues during your stay. Even if you own property in Spain, you can only stay for 90 days out of every 180 days. To stay longer, you can apply for a work visa, non-lucrative visa, or golden visa.
What is the 90 Day Rule?
The 90-day rule, officially known as the Schengen Area’s Short-Stay Visa Waiver, allows travellers from visa-exempt countries to spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes 23 of the 27 EU member states and all members of the European Free Trade Association: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
How does it work?
To calculate your days in the Schengen Area, use the Schengen calculator on the Ninety180 website. This tool simplifies the complex task of tracking your stay. Here’s how it works:
- Input your travel dates: Enter your entry and exit dates for each trip to the Schengen Area.
- Get instant results: The calculator instantly shows you the number of days you’ve spent in the Schengen Area and how many days you have left within the 180-day period.
- Plan your stay: With this information, you can plan your visits to ensure you don’t exceed the 90-day limit.
Why is it important to comply with the rule?
Failing to adhere to the 90-day rule can have serious consequences. Because overstaying your allowed period is seen as a criminal event, it can result in fines, deportation, entry bans, and future visa denials. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep accurate records and plan your trips accordingly.
Also read: Spain hints at scrapping the 90-Day Rule
