The European Commission has opened discussions on limited changes to short-stay rules that could let some non-EU professionals remain in the Schengen Area for longer than the current 90 days. The move appears in the Commission’s EU Visa Strategy published on 29 January 2026 and is still at the policy stage.
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Key points from the EU Visa Strategy
The EU Visa Strategy sets out policy priorities for short-stay visas and talent mobility. It asks member states to explore legal options that would allow extended short stays for defined professional categories, while keeping security and legal checks intact. No implementation timetable has been given.
Current legal framework
Non-EU nationals may stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Exceeding that requires a national long-stay visa or residence permit from an individual country. The EU’s short-stay rules and the official short-stay calculator remain the reference for travellers.
Professions being discussed
EU briefings and media reports name job groups that may be considered for limited exemptions. They include:
- Touring artists and performers.
- Professional athletes and team staff.
- Technical experts on short assignments.
- Service providers linked to EU contracts.
- Transport and logistics personnel on cross-border work.
- These categories reflect roles that need repeated or sustained presence across multiple states.
Scope and safeguards
Any extended-stay mechanism would be narrow and conditional. It would not replace national work permits or long-term residence visas. Member states would keep enforcement powers, labour checks and compliance controls. The Commission stresses that tourist and standard business travel rules will stay unchanged.
Legislative path
Policy work now rests with EU institutions. Formal legal change would need backing from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, and agreement among member states. Until then, the 90/180 rule stays in force.
