- The 90/180-day rule defines the maximum permissible length of stay with a Schengen visa for short-term stays and visitors from countries who can enter visa-free.
- Therefore, their visits in the Schengen area are limited to 90 days in 180 days.
- The calculation is made on a daily rolling basis, including the days of entry and departure.
- With a few exceptions, the length of stay is calculated retrospectively based on the 90/180-day rule. Therefore, the past 180 days are considered.
- Re-entry with a Schengen visa is only possible after the current 180-day period has expired.
Schengen area & Schengen visa
The Schengen area includes 29 European countries, most of which are EU members, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. There are normally no border controls between Schengen countries. Third-country nationals also enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen area. A visa may only be required for entry into the Schengen zone.
The EU countries Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen agreement. The same applies to all other European states except the 4 countries mentioned. The United Kingdom is also not part of the Schengen zone. For travel to all non-Schengen countries, only their national visa regulations apply.
Schengen visa
There are 2 different types of visa for Germany and the other Schengen countries:
- C visas are the classic Schengen visas. They are issued for tourist, private, and business trips and cannot be extended. Staying illegally in the Schengen Area beyond the permitted 90-day limit with a Schengen visa may result in penalties and future travel restrictions.
- D visas are national visas issued by individual Schengen countries for stays of more than 90 days.
Visa requirements for the Schengen area
Most non-EU citizens require a visa to visit countries in the Schengen area. Citizens of 60 countries are exempt from the visa requirement for trips of up to 90 days.
Germany offers nationals of 14 countries – including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom – the option of entering without a visa, even for a planned extended stay. However, after the 90-day period has expired, they will need a residence permit for Germany.
Citizens of the EU and other Schengen countries enjoy visa-free and largely unrestricted travel throughout the entire Schengen area. Due to the EU freedom of movement, this also applies to citizens of Ireland and Cyprus, whose countries are not members of the Schengen agreement.
The 90/180-day rule
The 90/180-day rule, a key provision of the Schengen agreement, is crucial for third-country nationals with a Schengen visa. It mandates a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days in one or more Schengen countries. It’s vital to adhere to this rule, as exceeding the 90-day limit or violating the 90/180-day rule can have serious legal implications.
Travelers affected by the 90/180-day rule
The following travelers are affected by the 90/180-day rule:
- Holders of multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visas
- Citizens of countries eligible to enter Germany and other Schengen states without a visa for a maximum of 90 days
Travelers with a short-term visa for less than 90 days do not fall under the 90/180-day rule. Your visa expires at the end of its validity. To re-enter, you need a new Schengen visa.
If you belong to the 2 groups to which the 90/180-day rule applies, you are responsible for complying with it when planning your trip. After the 90 days have expired, you are obliged to leave Germany and the Schengen zone. Re-entry is only possible after the end of the current 180-day period.
The 90/180-day rule applies to your stay in Germany and the entire Schengen area. 2 examples:
- With your Schengen visa, you plan to stay in Germany, France, and Italy for 30 days each. The permissible travel period is 90 days, and you must leave the Schengen zone.
- You have a multiple entry visa for Germany, have already been in the Schengen area for 60 days within the current 180-day period, and are planning another trip for 35 days. If it still falls within the 180 days, you can only travel to Germany or other Schengen countries for 30 days. Subsequently, re-entry is only possible when the 180-day period begins again.
Multiple entry visas are a type of C visa to which the 90/180-day rule is applied. They are usually issued for 1, 3, or — in exceptional cases — 5 years. The requirements include proof of regular private or business travel reasons and a good visa history without violating Schengen visa rules.
How the 90/180-day rule works
The 90/180-day rule allows for any stay within 180 days as long as the general requirement of a maximum 90-day stay in this timeframe is not violated.
The 180-day period, a rolling period that is typically counted backward, is a key aspect of the 90/180-day rule. This period includes both arrival and departure days.
However, there are exceptions for countries like Brazil, for which a forward calculation (stay of 90 days within 180 days, calculated from the day of entry) applies under agreements with the EU.
Backward calculation of the 90/180-day period
The following example illustrates the backward calculation of the 180-day period:
- You have a one-year visa for the Schengen area for 2025.
- You are planning a trip in October 2025 and will be in Germany on 18.10.2025.
- The 180-day period begins on 22.04.2022 and ends on 18.10.2025. To assess the legality of your stay, all days during this period on which you have been in the Schengen countries are counted.
- The calculation is rolling because the residence status is re-evaluated the next day – now for the period from 23.04. to 19.10.
The European Commission offers a Schengen calculator for short-term stays based on the 90/180-day rule on its website. This link will take you to the calculator, where you can calculate your permissible periods of stay for a C visa to the day.
Conclusion
The 90/180-day rule is a fundamental regulation for managing short-term stays in Germany and the Schengen Area. It ensures compliance with the permissible travel duration for visa holders and travelers from visa-exempt countries. Adhering to this rule is essential to avoid penalties or future entry bans. Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips carefully, utilize tools like the EU Schengen calculator, and stay informed about visa regulations to ensure a seamless travel experience within the Schengen zone.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
No, the 90/180-day rule is part of the Schengen agreement and applies regardless of which Schengen state issues your visa. It applies to multiple entry visas and travelers who can enter the Schengen zone without a visa.
In this case, you require a national visa for Germany and, after the first 90 days, a German residence permit. National visas are issued for training or studying in Germany, language courses, study preparation, a work visa or job hunting, and family reunification.
When you leave the country, border officials will carefully check your entry and exit dates in the Schengen area. Exceeding the 90/180-day period by just 1 day is already illegal. Travelers then face penalties and, in serious cases, a temporary ban on entry to the Schengen area.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System ETIAS is expected to be introduced in May 2022. However, this will not change the application of the 90/180-day rule. The digital system will make it even easier for border officials to track the travel data of visitors to the Schengen zone.
Yes. Since the United Kingdom is neither a member of the EU nor a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, this rule also applies to British citizens.