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As a UK tourist, Spain is an excellent destination to visit without the hassle of obtaining a short-stay visa. With over 80 million visitors per year and a thriving expat community, Spain has something to offer for everyone. However, it’s essential to understand the rules regarding how long you can stay in the country with a tourist visa or a residence permit.
What is the 90/180-Day Rule in Spain?
The 90/180-day rule is a guideline established by the Schengen Member States, including Spain, to set a maximum number of days foreigners can stay in any Schengen country. This rule applies to all European countries that signed the Schengen agreement.
How Does the 90-Day Rule Work in Spain for UK Tourists?
As a UK tourist, you can visit Spain without a visa. However, you must abide by the 90/180-day rule, which means that you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It’s important to keep track of your days accurately so you don’t overstay your welcome.
To calculate your days correctly, you need to count back 180 days to see how many days you spent in Spain or any other Schengen country during that timeframe.
If you’re having trouble counting the days, use the Schengen calculator to make it easier.
Who Needs to Follow the 90/180 Day Rule in Spain?
If you’re a UK citizen planning a trip to Spain, you need to follow the 90/180-day rule. This rule also applies to UK residents who have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, regardless of which Schengen country issued the visa, and nationals of countries with visa agreements with Spain or the Schengen Area, such as the US.
How Long Can I Stay in Spain as a Tourist?
As a UK tourist visiting Spain for tourism purposes, you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This requirement also applies to visitors who need a Schengen Spain visa to enter the country and nationals from countries that have visa liberalisation agreements with the Schengen Area.
How Long Can I Stay in Spain Without Becoming a Resident?
Without becoming a legal resident in Spain, the 90-day rule is applicable, and you cannot extend your stay. So, for periods longer than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa and a residence permit, which means you need to become a resident if you want to stay long-term in Spain.
Staying in Spain for Longer than 90 Days
If you want to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days for a 180-day period, you need to look into other migration pathways:
- Work visa.Non- EU citizens who want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days may apply for a work visa if they have found employment there. A work visa will lead to a temporary residence permit, eventually permitting them to apply for permanent residence if the eligibility criteria are met.
- Non-lucrative visa.This is a visa you can obtain in Spain without employment. To qualify for the visa, you need proof that you have enough financial resources— an annual income of at least€27,792.
- Golden visa.A Golden visa is an investment visa that allows you to move to Spain if you have enough money to invest in one of the approved programs— either real estate or government funds. Eventually, you can even apply for citizenship if you meet the residence eligibility criteria.
- Digital nomad visa.Spain will be launching a digital nomad visa later this year, allowing you to work remotely as long as you can prove that you’re capable of meeting the income requirements.
What Happens if You Spend More Than 90 Days in Spain?
If you stay in Spain for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will violate the 90/180-day rule and face penalties. These penalties can include paying a fine, leaving the country, and being banned from entering the Schengen Area for a specified period.
Can a UK Tourist Work Remotely in Spain for 90 Days?
UK tourists who want to work remotely in Spain will need to apply for a work permit, even if the work is for a company outside Spain. However, Spain has recently announced a digital nomad visa allowing visitors to do remote work while enjoying their stay in the country.
Can British Citizens Stay in Spain for Longer Than 90 Days?
British citizens can stay without a residence permit in Spainonly for 90 days within 180 days. After that, they must register for a new residence permit in Spain if they want to stay longer.
What If I’m a Dual Citizen?
If you are a dual citizen, i.e., you have British and other EU citizenship, then after 90 days are over, you simply have to register your new address in Spain— provided you want to stay there long-term.
How Long Can I Stay in Spain if I Own a Property?
Even if you own a property in Spain, you’re still entitled to stay for only 90 days in a 180-day period without applying for a residence permit or a visa. You can still buy or rent your property as you wish, but you must be careful not to overstay the 90/180-day rule. For example, if you were to spend a total of 90 days within one 180-day period, you could not re-enter Spain again until another 90 days have passed.
Can British Citizens Retire in Spain and Stay for More Than 90 Days?
Yes, British citizens can move to Spain, retire, and stay for more than 90 days. First, however, they must ensure they have a valid residence permit to move there and provide proof they have enough money to support themselves during their retirement.
Summary
Spain is a popular destination for UK tourists, offering a warm climate, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. As a UK tourist, you don’t need a visa to visit Spain, but you must adhere to the 90/180-day rule. By understanding the rules, you can enjoy your stay in Spain without any issues and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
More Information for UK Citizens Travelling to the Rest of Europe
- UK Citizens Travelling to the EU/Schengen Zone
- UK Foreign Office Advises Brits to Get Health Travel Insurance When Travelling to the EU
- Travel Insurance for UK Citizens: A Must-Have for European Trips
- Spain Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
- Applying for a Schengen Visa in the United Kingdom
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