Schengen visa resources
The 90/180-day rule explained
The Schengen 90/180-day rule explained — up to 90 days in any 180-day period for short stays — and why long-stay and residence-permit holders are not subject to it.
Important
Short stays in the Schengen Area are governed by the "90/180-day rule". This page explains it in plain language, drawing on the European Commission guidance; always confirm your own dates with the official short-stay calculator before you travel.
What the rule means
According to the European Commission, short-stay visitors may stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The 180-day period is a rolling window — each day you look back over the previous 180 days to count how many days you have already used.
Who is not subject to it
The European Commission notes that long stays are different: people holding a national long-stay visa (Type D) or a residence permit for a Schengen country are NOT subject to the 90/180-day short-stay limit. Their right to stay comes from that national permit instead.
Check your own dates
Because the 180-day window rolls, counting by hand is easy to get wrong. The European Commission provides an official short-stay calculator to help you work out how many days you have left — use it before you book.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.