EU Plans to Extend 90-Day Rule for Non-EU Remote Workers
The EU is considering extending the 90-day visa-free stay for certain non-EU remote workers, potentially easing digital nomad movement across Schengen.
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The European Union has announced a plan to extend the 90-day rule for certain non-EU remote workers, signaling a shift in how the bloc handles digital nomads and location-independent professionals.
Currently, non-EU citizens can stay visa-free in the Schengen area for 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies regardless of employment status, but it forces many remote workers to leave and re-enter or apply for formal visas. The proposed extension would create a carve-out for remote workers meeting specific criteria—likely proof of income, health insurance, and clean background.
The EU is considering a carve-out for remote workers to extend stays beyond the standard 90-day Schengen rule.
If you're a digital nomad from outside the EU, this change could mean longer uninterrupted stays without triggering the 90/180 clock or needing a digital nomad visa. However, the proposal is still in discussion; implementation timelines and exact eligibility criteria remain unclear. In the meantime, track your 90-day window carefully using the Schengen calculator, and consider formal digital nomad visas in countries like Portugal, Spain, or Estonia if you plan to stay longer.
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