How to Stay in Europe Longer Than 90 Days — Including the Schengen Countries: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

This is one of the most common questions that I get from readers, especially because I have been able to stay in the Schengen Area for more than the usual 90-day limit despite being a non-EU (non-European Union) national with a third world country passport.

I understand that a lot of people want to have the right to stay for more than 90 days or 3 months, especially since going on a complete Eurotrip can’t be done in such a short span of time. So, with this post on how to stay in Europe longer, I will be giving you different ideas and options on how you can legally extend your European vacation!

NOTE: Europe is a large continent with a number of countries and one of the biggest zones that they have is the Schengen area. For the purpose of this article, I will be focussing on this region to help you make the most of your stay.

Schengen Area

To date, the Schengen Area is a group of 29 countries and it comprises most of Europe. As part of a unified agreement, all of them have agreed to abolish passports and internal border controls.

This means that all the Schengen countries act as if they are only ‘one country’ — so every citizen of each member state is free to go anywhere they want. Meanwhile, outsiders who want to enter the Schengen Area would experience border control once at the first country that they enter, but after that, entering other member countries would no longer require further immigration control.

These 29 countries are:

[1] Excluding Greenland and the Faroe islands
[2] Excluding overseas departments and territories
[3] Excluding Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands
[4] Excluding Svalbard
[5] With special provisions for Ceuta and Melilla

From the above list, 4 of these are non-EU (or EFTA member states that may have border control) — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland — whereas 22 are part of the EU.

However, to date, there are a total of 28 members of the EU; so what happened to the other 4? Well, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania — are just NOT part of the Schengen Area.

TRIVIA: There are 3 additional European microstates — Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican — that can be considered as de facto within the Schengen Countries given how they don’t have border controls with the countries that surround them. However, it’s important to note that they are not official Schengen member states since they have not signed documents for it. (But of course, it’s fine to visit with a Schengen visa).

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Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa serves as the basic short-term visa that you will need to be able to stay in all of the 29 countries. However, non-Schengen citizens are allowed to enter the area without this said visa (their passport will only get stamped upon arrival and departure) as long as they are residents of:

[*] Visa waiver applies only to holders of biometric passports
[1] The passport must include an identity number
NOTE: This list is as of 2020. Ireland, UK, and their territories are allowed limitless entry to the Schengen Area.

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If you are NOT a resident of any of the countries above (which mostly comprises citizens of Africa and Asia) you would need to apply at an embassy to obtain a tourist/short-term Schengen Visa.

Alternatively, check out my comprehensive visa guides per country.

NOTE: It helps to mention that there are non-Schengen members in Europe that allow entry to their country if you have a Schengen Visa, namely: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey, and the Vatican City.

HOWEVER, you must check these details beforehand since their rules might have changed. Plus, customarily, only multiple-entry Schengen visas are allowed. For starters, you can check this list for a list of countries you can visit with a Schengen visa.

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The 90-Day Limit

Once you are allowed to enter the Schengen Area — with just your passport or with a short-term visa — you are ONLY permitted to stay for 3 months (90 days) in ANY 6-month period (180 days). The 90-day span doesn’t need to be consecutive; it’s treated as cumulative (especially if you have a multiple-entry visa), but the fact remains that after you have stayed in Schengen for a total of 90 days, you have to leave. You are NOT allowed to come back again until the 181st day from the first time you stepped in.

IMPORTANT UPDATE (March 2015): As of 18 October 2013, the Schengen member states changed the calculation of the 180-day period. To know more about this and avoid fines, deportations, and bans in Schengen, please check this article.

If you don’t leave by the time you hit 90 days, you are subject to a fine or deportation — worst-case scenario, you will be banned from the Schengen Area for a period of time (1-3 years) or indefinitely. It is sometimes considered ‘okay‘ if you stay for a couple more days and even up to a week, but I advise that you don’t try and push your luck, especially if you’re on a visa. And if you stay longer than a week, you should know that you’re going to be in big trouble.

Nevertheless, it’s said by most travelers (who are free to enter Schengen countries with just a passport) that southern countries like Greece, France, Spain, and Italy are not so strict on checks. While western countries like Belgium, Germany,the Netherlands, and EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) are very firm with entry and exits (primarily at the airports or train stations, more so if you’re going to an isolated island).

Still and the same, as I’ve mentioned, you shouldn’t ‘push it‘. Follow the rules, and if you really want to know how to stay in Europe longer than the 90-day limit, below are the different ways you can stay longer, legally!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT an embassy officer nor a migration agent. I am only here to provide you with ideas on how you can stay in Schengen countries longer. If you ever need any help with visas or procedures, please check these visa guides or the related links I have provided in this article (as well as contact the appropriate departments). It also helps to note that I do not guarantee the timeliness of the information below, so please make it your responsibility to recheck the facts since there could be more recent updates/changes. Thank you!

» Get a European Student Visa

Naturally, this is one of the legal ways to stay longer in the Schengen zone. Student visas in all Schengen countries are not hard to obtain as long as you are accepted, enrolled, or invited by a university or school — which, of course, you should apply for before entering a Schengen country. Of course, you would have to pay for these courses, but you can always work part-time while studying since most student visa-holders are allowed to do so. Otherwise, you could try to get a scholarship, apply to an exchange program (if you’re still studying), or simply enroll in FREE universities.

Yes, you read that right… FREE!

There are actually several countries in Europe that have chosen to eradicate tuition fees for both local and international would-be students, and they are listed below (along with other countries that have the cheapest tuition). So if you’re looking for ways on how to stay in Europe longer, below are your top options!

Finland

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: FREE (for EU/EEA), €4,000–€18,000 for non-EU students
Since 2017, Finland has charged tuition fees to non-EU/EEA students. However, PhD programs remain free regardless of nationality. Many universities also offer generous scholarships.
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €560+ (~$630 / ₱32,000+)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Finland‘
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Norway

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: FREE and €9,000–€15,000 per year (non-EU)
As of 2023, Norway introduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students. PhDs are still FREE, but bachelor’s and master’s programs now have fees. Cost of living is still high.
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: NOK 13,000 (~$1,200 / ₱65,000+)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Norway‘
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Austria

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: €726 ($780 / ₱44,000) per semester for non-EU students. Some developing-country students may get exemptions or pay only €363 ($390).
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €1,110 (~$1,200 / ₱66,000)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Austria‘
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Germany

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: FREE (for most undergraduate programs at public universities).
Some federal states (like Baden-Württemberg) reintroduced fees (~€1,500 per semester) for non-EU students. Master’s degrees may have fees unless consecutive to a German bachelor’s. Just make sure to check that the course you’re applying for is in English; however, if you’re fluent in German, that’s better.
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €934 (~$1,000 / ₱55,000), usually shown via a blocked account.
For more information: See ‘DAAD‘, ‘List of Free German Universities‘ and ‘Studying in Germany‘
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Hungary

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: €1,000–€3,000 (~$1,100+ / ₱66,000+)
The good thing about Hungary is that, unlike the Scandinavian countries, it is one of the European countries that has a more affordable cost of living, thus, proving your ‘solvency’ would be easier than in the others.
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €600 (~$650 / ₱37,000)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Hungary‘
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France

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: €2,770 ($3,000 / ₱170,000) for bachelor’s, €3,770 ($4,000 / ₱220,000) for master’s. (Much cheaper compared to Anglophone countries.)
You’re lucky if you can find a cheap university in Paris because the cheapest ones are actually found outside of the capital (Lyon is one example).
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €615 (~$660 / ₱37,000)
For more information: See ‘Studying in France‘
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Belgium

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: €1,000+ (~$1,100 / ₱66,000). Tuition varies by university and program.
I have tried this option before through the University of Antwerp for one of their 1-year Master Programs, and the process of obtaining a student visa was fairly easy given how I was backed up by the university that had accepted my application. The tuition was worth $2,000+ (Php 88,500+) which is almost double the lowest yearly tuition possible; so if you want to get the cheapest, try the University of Leuven, Hasselt University, or the University of Ghent (I didn’t manage to apply for these three since I was late for their deadlines, that’s why I resorted to saving up $2K to pursue the University of Antwerp).
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €789 (~$850 / ₱48,000)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Belgium‘
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Italy

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: €1,000–€2,500 (~$1,100–$2,700 / ₱66,000–₱150,000)
Italy also offers regional scholarships that can cover tuition and living costs, especially in universities like Bologna, Sapienza (Rome), and Florence.
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €467 (~$500 / ₱30,000)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Italy‘
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Spain

Lowest yearly tuition fee possible: €750–€2,500 (~$800–$2,700 / ₱45,000–₱150,000). Fees vary by region—Catalonia and Madrid often cost more, while Andalusia is cheaper.
Affordable compared to many Western European countries, diverse culture, warm climate, and Spanish language programs.
Proof of ‘means of support’ per month: €600 (~$650 / ₱37,000)
For more information: See ‘Studying in Spain‘
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» READ: How to Save Money for Travel

Should undergraduate or master programs remain to be too costly for you, if not the scholarships or shorter courses, consider the language programs since these studies are often cheaper! (Italy is one example of this, as well as Spain).

TIP: For ‘means of support’, it’s always best to add more to the minimum requirement. It also helps to add a sponsor (even if it’s just on paper) even if you already can support yourself — this is what I’ve done when I applied for a university in Belgium, after all, it’s always best to ‘overdeliver’.

Moreover, if you’re from the Philippines or Asia like me, before you can study overseas for a business or graduate school, check if you need to have a GMAT or GRE certification since most Asian universities are not ‘recognized’ abroad. (GRE is said to be the easiest, which I have done. Others reviewed for months on this, but I only reviewed for a day since I was in a rush; and yet I was fine! But surely, I don’t advise that you do the same).

Also, if your studies were not conducted in English, a majority of the European schools would need a TOEFL or IELTS from you.

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» Find Work or Stay as a Freelancer

There are different ways to do ‘work’, some are conventional but some are unique. Check out the list below to see what best fits you in order to know how to stay in Europe longer!

Apply for Normal Work

This is where you go through the usual process of finding a company (in the form of a transfer, internship, part-time, or full-time work) and then apply for a work visa.
» For more information: See EuroJobs or Europa
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Teach English Abroad

This is not the same as those ‘jobs on the road’ where you hold private English classes for people who don’t have it as a first language. Why? Because doing so is a risk. A short-term tourist Schengen Visa is NOT a work permit. Sure, working can still be done in secret (with Spain & Italy as the most tolerant) but if you somehow attract the attention of authorities, it can get nasty. So if you really want to teach legally, secure a work visa or working holiday visa first (that will make you stay longer too) by searching for opportunities in recognized schools or institutions. Teaching English while under a student visa is possible as well. Countries that are typically open to English-teaching jobs are the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Germany, Spain, and Italy. For these jobs, a TEFL certificate is a usual requirement.
» For more information: See TEFL or ESLCafe
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Join a Language Assistant Program

Often run by governments, it gives non-EU citizens a chance to stay in the Schengen countries or area longer in exchange for offering aid in teaching the English language — they even pay you for the service you’re doing. There are only a few European countries that offer this kind of program and below are their basic requirements:

• France: must come from one of their 60 partner countries, age 20-30, have a basic level of French, completed at least 2 years of university (https://www.ciep.fr/en)
• Italy: must be a resident of the USA, have Italian proficiency, a university graduate or undergraduate, 3.25 GPA (https://www.indire.it/en/progetto/language-assistants/)
• Spain: must be a resident of USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, China, or EU, have a basic level of Spanish, a university graduate, or in their last year of university (https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/)
• Switzerland: must be a resident of USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Austria, France, Italy, or Spain, age 21-30, have sound language knowledge of the region (can be German/French/Italian), a university student or graduate (source)
• For openings in other countries, check here.
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Be an Au Pair

Usually done for at least 6 months or more, working as an au pair is like being a domestic assistant as you live with a host family that provides free accommodation and food. Other than providing childcare, you are also typically asked to do light housework as you receive a salary for it.
» For more information: See IAPA, Great Au Pair, or Europa Au Pair
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Do a Working Holiday

If you’re young and want to extend your stay in Europe, one option is to apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). These visas allow you to live in a country for 6–12 months (sometimes up to 24 months), with the ability to work part-time to support your travels.

However, keep in mind that:

• There is no EU- or Schengen-wide working holiday program. You must apply country by country.
• A WHV only lets you work and live in the country that issued it. You can still travel around the Schengen Zone as a tourist, but legally, your right to work is limited to your host country.
• Most WHV programs are open to applicants aged 18–30 (some extend to 35 for Canadians, Argentinians, or under special agreements).

Below are the countries that have WHV agreements:

• Austria
  • Offers WHV to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea.
  • Duration: Up to 12 months.
  • Quota: 100 visas per year per country.
  • Requirement: Must apply within 12 months of graduation (for some nationalities).
• Czech Republic
  • Agreements with New Zealand, Canada, and Chile.
  • Duration: Up to 12 months.
• France
  • WHV available for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Argentina, and more.
  • Duration: 12 months (can be extended to 36 months for Canadians under a youth mobility program).
• Germany
  • Offers WHV to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Hong Kong.
  • Duration: 12 months.
• Hungary
  • WHV agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Chile.
• Netherlands
  • WHV available to Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, South Koreans, Argentinians, and Hongkongers.
  • Duration: 1 year.
• Poland
  • Agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Chile.
• Portugal
  • WHV available for Americans, Canadians and Australians.
  • Duration: 12 months.
• Spain
  • WHV open to Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, and South Koreans.

» For more information: See Work Holiday Visas for how to stay in Europe longer
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Apply for a Freelancer/Digital Nomad/Self-Employment Visa

The rise of remote work has transformed the way people live and travel — and governments have noticed. To attract talent, boost local economies, and revitalize tourism in the wake of the pandemic, many European countries have introduced special Digital Nomad, Freelancer, or Self-Employment Visas.

These visas are designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who work remotely for clients or employers abroad. In most cases, you’ll need to prove a steady income, hold valid health insurance, and sometimes meet extra requirements like local accommodation or clean police records. They typically grant stays from 6 months to 2 years, with options to renew, and some even count toward permanent residency.

To date, below are the Schengen countries that implement a digital nomad visa for foreigners:

• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Estonia
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malta
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• Spain

To see a complete list of countries that offer visas for remote workers along with the releveant details, read below:

UPDATES: Countries That Offer a Digital Nomad Visa

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Be a Volunteer

Much like English-teaching jobs, there are volunteer jobs as well that are ‘under-the-table’ — but apart from being risky, it’s not a legal way for how to stay in Europe longer. Examples are fruit-picking jobs, hostel work, etc. (this is why most of the time their websites advise that you don’t mention to immigration officers that you are going to work on a farm, for example). Therefore, to be able to remain or to be able to become a volunteer for a longer period of time, you would have to either get a work visa/permit or sign up for accredited volunteer programs that could whip out a work visa for you. These often come with a fee, but some can be very affordable.
» For more information: See Europa or Voluntary Service for how to stay in Europe longer
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Do a Cultural Homestay

This is not like the informal homestay set-ups that I have discussed in this article: [click]. Instead, this is a more formal arrangement between a non-profit organization and a foreign country wherein they partner with wannabe travelers like you and send you to a host family elsewhere. For instance, the organization Cultural Homestay International has a ‘World Explorers’ program wherein in exchange for your 3-months worth of accommodation abroad, all you have to do is share your native language with your hosts for 15 hours per week. (These casual English conversation lessons usually run 5 days a week, 3 hours a day). If you want to travel for a year, it’s possible for them to combine multiple programs in different destinations to make it all sum up to 12 months!
» For more information: See (CHI) World Explorers Program for how to stay in Europe longer

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» Do a Union or Reunion in Europe

The items below are common solutions on how to stay in Europe longer. They have no ‘special’ tricks or tips but they remain to be conventional ways of obtaining a longer visa in the Schengen Area:

Family reunion

If you have close relatives who are EU or Schengen citizens (or permanent residents), you may qualify for a family reunion visa. This pathway is one of the most common ways to extend your stay in Europe since many countries allow spouses, dependent children, or even parents to join their resident family member. For example, Germany’s Familiennachzug program grants residence to spouses and children of German citizens or legal residents, provided that housing, health insurance, and financial stability are in place. France, Spain, and Italy also have well-established family reunification policies, though exact rules differ by country. In most cases, the process requires proof of the relationship, stable income, and sometimes language or integration requirements.
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Marriage or Fiance Visa

Marrying a European citizen opens the door to residence rights and, in many cases, work authorization within that country. If you marry a French, German, or Spanish national, for instance, you can apply for a residence card as the spouse of an EU citizen, allowing you to legally stay beyond a tourist visa. Some countries, such as France and Germany, also offer fiancé(e) visas that let you enter specifically to get married within their territory. However, regulations can be stricter in places like Denmark, which has tough requirements designed to prevent “marriages of convenience.” Once married, you’ll typically gain the right to live, work, and travel more freely within the Schengen Area after a certain amount of time.
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Cohabitation

Not everyone chooses marriage, and in many parts of Europe, that’s not a problem. Several countries offer visas for long-term partners under what’s often called a “cohabitation” or “durable relationship” visa. Belgium, for instance, is popular for its accessible cohabitation visa program, which even allows you to apply while already in the country. The Netherlands and Sweden also recognize long-term partnerships, provided you can prove the relationship’s authenticity—often by showing evidence of living together for at least one to two years, joint financial commitments, or communication records. These visas give similar rights to marriage visas, though the process can be more document-heavy to prove the relationship is genuine.
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Home Stays

While not permanent solutions, homestays and cultural exchange programs are another way to stay in Europe longer, especially for younger travelers. Au pair visas are a prime example: France, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands allow foreigners (typically under 30) to live with a host family, help with childcare or light household tasks, and in return receive accommodation, meals, and a small stipend. This type of visa usually lasts up to one year and can sometimes be extended. Students can also find homestay options tied to cultural or language immersion programs, where families host participants for a semester or longer. While these opportunities don’t usually lead to permanent residency, they do provide a legal and immersive way to spend extended time in Europe.

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» Apply for Citizenship

This (citizenship) is more of an option for those who are really focused on staying in the Schengen Area indefinitely. Obtaining this can be done through different ways:

Through Marriage

Marriage to a European does not automatically grant citizenship; it typically gives you a right to residency first, and then—after a set period and language/integration tests—you can apply for citizenship and the timelines vary: Spain (1 year), France (4 years), Italy (2–3 years), Portugal (3 years with “effective link”); meanwhile Germany doesn’t shorten its clock for marriage, it’s still set to 5 years.
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Through Purchase or Investments

As of 2025, the EU has effectively ended “citizenship by investment.” Malta—the last EU state offering a direct investor-citizenship route—was ordered to shut its program by the EU Court of Justice in April 2025. Today, no EU country legally sells citizenship for a fee. What does still exist are residency-by-investment (“golden visa”) programs in some countries. These can put you on a residency track (and later, possibly citizenship via standard naturalization timelines), but they are not passports-for-sale:

• Portugal: Real estate is no longer eligible. Remaining routes include investment funds (~€500k), R&D, culture (€250k/€200k in low-density areas), or job creation. Residence can lead to citizenship in 5 years.
• Greece: Thresholds were raised in 2024/2025 (in many areas now €400k–€800k); program grants residency, not citizenship.
• Spain: On April 3, 2025, Spain ended the real-estate golden visa route; earlier rules also covered other financial assets, and the government’s move effectively dismantled the scheme going forward (existing holders keep their status).
• France (Talent-Passport “Business Investor”): A 4-year renewable residence card for those committing €300,000+ in direct investment and job creation/protection. This is residency, not citizenship.
• Hungary: “Guest Investor Residence Permit” (golden visa) relaunched in 2024–2025 with options like €250k in a real-estate fund or a €1M public-interest donation; this grants long-term residency, not citizenship.
• Austria: Not a golden visa—citizenship is possible only discretionarily for exceptional services in Austria’s interests (merit-based), not via a set price tag.

Through Ancestry or Naturalization

Most Schengen countries grant citizenship after 5–10 years of legal residence, plus language/integration tests. Nearly all countries require language at A2–B1 level and basic knowledge of history/civics before approving naturalization (and you must have lived legally—overstays don’t count). Some also have notable shortcuts or ancestry rules:

• Portugal: Standard naturalization at 5 years of legal residence. A 2024 amendment lets you start counting from the date you submit your first residence application (very helpful if processing is slow)
• Spain: The general route is 10 years of residence. It’s reduced to 2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, the Philippines, and for people of Sephardic origin. Spouses of Spaniards can apply after 1 year (see Marriage above).
• France: Typical residency naturalization is 5 years (with exceptions).
• Germany: Since June 27, 2024, most applicants can naturalize after 5 years (down from 8), with some as fast as 3 years for exceptional integration; dual citizenship is now broadly allowed.
• Italy (by descent & marriage): Jure sanguinis (by descent) historically allowed recognition for many descendants; in 2025, Italy tightened rules, generally requiring a closer generational link and an “effective bond” (details still being implemented; check current consular guidance). For marriage, see the timelines in the section above.
• Ireland (EU but not Schengen): If you have an Irish parent, you’re automatically Irish; with an Irish grandparent, you can register in the Foreign Births Register to obtain citizenship. Irish citizenship gives full EU free-movement rights across Schengen. (Handy if your ancestry points to Ireland.)
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*As with most cases of naturalization, countries would commonly require that you have basic knowledge of their language, history, and geography before fully processing your citizenship. Also, you must stay there legally; for example, staying for 2 years in Spain without legal papers does not qualify you for naturalization.

UPDATE: Try to look into Portugal as well. Any individual who has lived in Portugal as a legal resident for a minimum of five years (by studying, working, self-employment, marriage, or reunification) can apply for citizenship, provided that they can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and have active ties to the national community.

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» Hold a Long-Term Tourist Visa (Type D long-stay, no work)

Most Schengen states don’t issue a true “long-term tourist” visa. What exists is the Type D national long-stay visa—usually 3 to 12 months—granted for specific non-work purposes (visitor, elective residence, etc.). These visas let you live in the issuing country and still visit other Schengen countries up to 90 days in any 180 days during the visa’s validity. They do not allow you to work locally, though so take note!

France

France offers a Visitor long-stay visa that is explicitly for private stays (séjour à titre privé) over 90 days without work, typically meant for retirees, people on sabbatical, or anyone with the financial means to live in France without working (about €20,000–€30,000/year in savings or income). If your intended stay is ≤12 months, you’re typically issued a VLS-TS (long-stay visa that doubles as a residence permit), and you must validate it online within 3 months of arrival. You can travel elsewhere in Schengen for short trips (90/180) while holding it. Nevertheless, France does not publish a fixed monthly amount for this category; instead, consulates assess “sufficient means” (bank statements, accommodation, private health insurance). There’s also a VLS-T (temporary long-stay, often up to 6 months), which is not renewable and doesn’t convert to a residence permit.
» For more information: See France Consulate or ask your local French embassy for more details on how to stay in Europe longer
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Sweden

If you want to stay 90+ days in Sweden as a visitor and that you will not work, apply for a visitor’s residence permit. You may apply from outside Sweden or, in some cases, while already in Sweden (before your current stay ends). Total time as a visitor is generally capped at 1 year; you’ll need comprehensive insurance and proof of means to do this though and this route is commonly used for extended family visits, but it’s available more broadly case-by-case.
» For more information: See Swedish Migration or consult your local Swedish embassy for more details on how to stay in Europe longer
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Spain

Spain’s well-known “non-lucrative” is not a tourist visa; it’s a non-work residence for those with sufficient independent income/savings. Initial validity is typically 1 year, renewable if you continue to qualify. The financial threshold is set at 400% of IPREM for the main applicant (€28,800/year based on the 2025 IPREM), plus 100% of IPREM (€7,200/year) per dependent. Private full-coverage health insurance is required and the permit forbids employment or professional activity in Spain (for this, reconfirm any remote-work scenario with your consulate before proceeding).
» For more information: See Spain Embassy or consult your local Swedish embassy for more details on how to stay in Europe longer
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Italy

Italy’s Elective Residence Visa is designed for people who can support themselves without working (pensions, rentals, investments). Consulates publish minimums; as an example, the Italian Consulate in New York lists ~€31,000/year for a single applicant and ~€38,000/year for a married couple (amounts vary by post and can change). Private health insurance and proof of accommodation are required and this is a residence-without-work path often used by retirees or financially independent applicants.
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Greece

Greece offers a Financially Independent Person permit for those with passive income/savings and no local work. Consulate practice commonly requires ~€3,500/month for the main applicant, plus +20% for a spouse and +15% per child (some sources note lower figures in specific cases; please reconfirm with your Greek consulate). Health insurance and proof of accommodation are also standard, and this is a solid long-stay, no-work option in the Schengen zone..

RELATED READ: Countries That Offer Long Term and Digital Nomad Visas

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» In & Out Hop

As of 2025, the Schengen Area has 29 countries (Bulgaria and Romania became full members on 1 January 2025). Short stays are governed by the 90-days-in-any-180-day period rule. That means you can spend up to 90 cumulative days inside Schengen during a rolling 180-day window—then you must be outside Schengen until you have days available again. Use the EU’s official short-stay calculator to plan this precisely or check this guide.

How the hop works: travel around Schengen (e.g., France, Spain, Germany), and when you’re near your 90-day limit, exit to a non-Schengen country for a while. After enough days outside, your rolling 180-day window frees up more Schengen days, and you can re-enter (visa-free nationals) or re-enter on a multiple-entry (MULT) Schengen visa, if you need a visa.

RELATED READ: Schengen Short Stay Calculator

As I mentioned, this in-and-out hop setup works best for those who:

• Hold a passport that grants visa-free entry to non-Schengen countries
• Hold a visa OR visas that allow visa-free entry to non-Schengen countries
• Hold a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa

RELATED READ:
Countries You Can Visit Visa-FREE with a UK Visa
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Countries You Can Visit Visa-FREE with a Schengen Visa

Below are popular non-Schengen “reset” options (typical allowances):

• United Kingdom: Standard Visitor stay up to 6 months for many nationalities (others need a UK visa).
• Türkiye (Turkey): Most nationalities are limited to 90 days in any 180 (visa-free or e-visa depending on passport).
• Georgia: Many nationalities can stay up to 1 year visa-free; others qualify if they hold certain visas/residence permits. Always verify by nationality.
• Serbia: Many can stay up to 90 days (others need a visa). Serbia also accepts certain third-country visas/residence permits in some cases—check specifics.
• Albania: Visa-free for many; holders of a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa are exempt from an Albanian visa for up to 90 days in 180.
• North Macedonia: Holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen C visa may enter visa-free for up to 15 days per entry (rules vary by nationality).
• Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina: Many passports get up to 90 days visa-free; others may rely on substitute-visa rules (Montenegro accepts certain Schengen/US/UK/CA visas for up to 30 days). Check your nationality as always before you go.

Key reminder: Leaving Schengen for “one weekend” does not reset your clock. The 180-day window is rolling—you regain days only as earlier Schengen days fall outside that window.

Other things you should take note of are as follows:

• Track your days with the EU’s calculator (bookmark it). Border systems are tightening with the Entry/Exit System (EES) rolling out from 12 Oct 2025, which will automatically count entries/exits.
• Have the right Schengen visa type. If you need a visa, ask for MULT (multiple-entry); in general, the Visa Code allows MEVs up to 5 years for frequent, reliable travellers. Stays are still capped at 90/180.
• Carry proof at borders. Even if you’re visa-exempt, border guards can refuse entry if you can’t justify your purpose, funds, accommodation, or onward plans.
• Mind each non-Schengen country’s rules. Some require that your Schengen visa be multiple-entry and already used; others have shorter caps (e.g., 15 days in North Macedonia). Always check the official page for your nationality.
• You generally can’t hold two overlapping Schengen C-visas. Consulates typically cancel a current short-stay visa when issuing a new one; you can’t “stockpile” future Schengen visas.
• Applying for a Schengen visa outside your country of residence is tough. The general rule is to apply where you legally reside, but consulates may accept applications from non-residents who are legally present and can justify why they can’t apply at home (e.g., long, continuous travel). I know of some travelers who have used the reason of “I’m traveling long term” and have ended up as successful in their appeal. However, it’s still important for you to know that it’s customarily a tough case; but then again… there’s no harm in trying, right?

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» Schengen Visa Extensions & Bilateral Agreements

This is a delicate subject because almost all Schengen countries do NOT tolerate extensions once you get into the area with a short-stay (Type C) tourist visa. Be that as it may, the good news is that it’s still and always possible if you’re resourceful and creative enough. (Extensions for long-term visas for studies, work, etc. are a different matter altogether).

If you’re rather one of the nationals who are allowed to come into Schengen countries with just a passport, be mindful that it can prove to be more difficult because you technically don’t have a visa on hand to apply for an extension for — sure, there are chances that you can apply and obtain a visa without a need to go back to your home country; however, as I’ve mentioned previously, I seldom hear of situations that are successful in doing this. (You can try and do your research since some embassies might be able to accommodate such requests depending on your nationality and situation).

Nevertheless, Article 33 of the Schengen Visa Code says that short-stay visas can be extended if:

• Force Majeure – unforeseen circumstances that are not under your control (i.e. bad weather conditions, airline strikes, etc.); this is the only situation that does not require fees for extension.
• Humanitarian reasons – if you have fallen ill, or a close family member has fallen ill or died. Often no fee as well.
• Serious personal reasons – case-by-case, e.g., unfinished treatment, unexpected obligations, usually a fee applies
• Late entry – if you entered Schengen much later than the visa’s validity start date, sometimes an extension is possible up to the full 90 days
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Extensions can give you more days only in the issuing country or in the country where you applied—not necessarily the whole Schengen Area. Approvals are ALWAYS discretionary.

Now, if your nationality is visa-exempt (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, Japan), technically, you don’t hold a visa to extend. Authorities may allow a “visa waiver extension” in extraordinary cases, but it is rare. Most travelers in this category must leave and re-enter after their 90/180 allowance resets.

Luckily, there seem to be some Schengen countries that are quite lenient with extensions, and the ones that I know of are:

1. PORTUGAL
   Anecdotally, Portugal is among the more flexible countries. Local immigration offices (SEF, now AIMA) may grant up to two extensions if you can show proof of funds, accommodation, and insurance. Travelers often report better chances in Lisbon.
   » For more information: See Immigration or ask the embassy about how to stay in Europe longer
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2. SWEDEN
   The Migration Agency accepts extension applications on humanitarian or personal grounds. Travelers with Swedish family, partners, or strong ties often have higher success rates.
   » For more information: See Migrationsverket or ask the embassy on how to stay in Europe longer
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Note: Extensions are not a strategy for staying longer in Europe—they’re safety nets for exceptional cases. You shouldn’t plan your trip expecting an extension, unless you meet one of the strict grounds above!

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Bilateral Agreements

Some countries have old bilateral visa waiver agreements with individual Schengen states, signed before the Schengen Agreement was in force. In certain cases, these allow citizens of specific non-EU countries to stay longer than 90 days in that specific Schengen country—even after using up their 90/180 allowance in the Schengen Area as a whole.

Take note that these agreements only apply within the country that signed them. If you overstay your 90/180 Schengen limit but remain legally under a bilateral exemption in one country, you may still be considered overstaying in the rest of Schengen. Border crossings can therefore be risky. Always verify rules directly with consulates before relying on this method!

US Citizens

• Poland: There are reports of US citizens being allowed to stay 90 days under Schengen and then an additional 90 days under a US–Poland bilateral agreement (essentially 180 days total in Poland). This arrangement appears to be recognized in practice by Polish border officials, but official documentation is scarce. I advise that you confirm with the Polish consulate before attempting to do this.
• Netherlands: Under the Dutch–American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), US entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals can obtain a Dutch residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. This isn’t a tourist stay—it’s a residence pathway if you register a business or freelance with Dutch clients.

UPDATE: According to the Dutch American Friendship Treaty and Dutch Japanese Trade Treaty, American and Japanese entrepreneurs or self-employed citizens can apply for a Dutch residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. It’s pretty straightforward if you plan to build a business or are already doing business in Netherlands, but if you’re a freelancer, you need to have one or more commissions in the Netherlands to carry out.

Australian Citizens

• Germany & Denmark: Australia has bilateral agreements with both countries, allowing Australians to stay 90 days in Germany and 90 days in Denmark, separately from the Schengen-wide allowance. In theory, an Australian could rotate between the two for an extended stay. However, outside Germany/Denmark, the 90/180 Schengen cap applies.
• France: France also has a bilateral agreement with Australia, allowing an extra 90 days in France beyond the Schengen limit. Australians can therefore spend 90 days in Schengen + 90 days in France, if managed correctly. These agreements mean Australians potentially have more flexibility than most nationalities, but it requires careful planning and proof of entry/exit stamps.

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Several other Schengen states have similar deals with countries like Canada, New Zealand, and the US. Examples are:

• France has bilateral deals with the US, Canada, and New Zealand. For instance, US citizens can theoretically stay an additional 90 days in France after their Schengen allowance, but this is inconsistently enforced and must be confirmed with French authorities. Most of the time, border guards don’t know about this so you must be willing to put up a ‘fight’.
• Switzerland (not an EU member but in Schengen) has special arrangements with New Zealand, allowing longer stays for Kiwi citizens.

Now, if I may add, I have also discovered several ‘success extension stories’ in other Schengen countries using the methods below, which are both worth a shot. But again, be aware that some countries may accept this while some others may not:

• Register as legal partners – if you have a significant other who is a national of one of the Schengen countries, it’s possible to come into the country with a tourist visa and then immediately jumpstart a live-in or cohabitation agreement (NOT marriage) to be able to remain in the country longer, even after the expiry of your tourist visa. Customarily, applications like this only become successful if you can prove that you’re in a relationship for at least 2 years or have lived together for at least 1 year. (Countries that I know of that can take on these kinds of applications are Belgium and the Netherlands.)
• Partner with an NGO or Tourism Board – if you can find an NGO, tourism board, or organization that can vouch for you, it’s possible to gain an easy extension. Some travel bloggers have been able to use this method as they offer their skills of writing or blog ‘reach’ to the appropriate institutions. This is definitely worth your while, especially if a certain migration office is open to other types of visa applications (i.e., I’ve read an account of someone who’s able to do this in Romania).

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