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UK citizens in Spain: the 90-day rule explained

Since Brexit, UK citizens count the days they spend in the Schengen area. What applies to you depending on whether you live in Spain, what your passport has to meet, and what to do if you want to stay longer.

General information, not legal advice. What you’re entitled to depends on your trip, the country, the carrier and the rules in force. If your case is complicated, check with the relevant authority or a professional. More in the terms of use.

Does it apply to you? It depends on whether you live here

  • You live in Spain with Withdrawal Agreement residence

    If you were living in Spain before January 2021 and you have residence under the Withdrawal Agreement, the 90-day limit doesn't apply in Spain. Always carry your residence document —the Commission recommends the biometric card, or the certificate of application if you don't have it yet— and show it when crossing an external Schengen border: even if your passport gets stamped, that's what proves your days aren't counted.

    Travelling to another Schengen country, the rule does apply: 90 days at most in a 180-day period, with your passport and your residence document.

  • You visit, or spend part of the year here

    Without that status, you don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It's for leisure visits. At the border your passport is stamped on entry and exit, and those dates are how the limit is checked.

All of Schengen adds up to the same count

The same rules apply in the 29 countries of the Schengen area: days you spend in France or Portugal count towards the same 90 as your days in Spain. There's no separate count per country.

Count your days with the Schengen calculator

Your passport has to meet two dates

It must still be valid at least three months after the day you plan to leave the EU, and it must have been issued within the last 10 years on the day you enter. A passport that's in date may still not be accepted if it's old.

If you want to stay longer or work

After 90 days you need a visa to stay longer, work or study. Each country has its own, with different conditions: check with the Spanish authorities. And working during your stay usually needs a work permit.

What to do, step by step

  1. Check whether you have residence under the Withdrawal Agreement: it changes everything else.
  2. Check both dates on your passport before you book.
  3. Note down your entries into and exits from the Schengen area and work out how many days you have left.
  4. If you live here, carry your residence document with your passport on every trip and show it at the border.
More traveller rights and rules

Official sources

Last reviewed: 8 October 2026