EU Proposes Extended 90-Day Rule for Non-EU Remote Workers
The EU is considering allowing certain non-EU workers to stay longer than the standard 90 days in a 180-day period, a potential shift for digital nomads and remote employees.
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The European Union has announced a plan to extend the 90-day visa-free period for certain non-EU workers, moving away from the strict Schengen 90/180 rule that currently limits most third-country nationals to 90 days within any 180-day window.
The proposal targets remote workers and digital nomads specifically, recognizing that traditional tourism rules don't fit people working while traveling. If approved, this could allow eligible workers to stay in the Schengen area for longer periods without needing a formal residence permit.
The EU is considering longer stays for non-EU remote workers, potentially breaking the 90/180 rule.
If you're a remote worker or digital nomad from outside the EU, this is worth monitoring. The details—which nationalities qualify, the exact duration, and how it interacts with existing digital nomad visas in individual EU countries—remain unclear. Until the rule is finalized, stick to the 90/180 rule: you can spend 90 days in the Schengen zone within any 180-day period. Check your country's specific digital nomad visa options (Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain, etc.) for longer stays.
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