How Many Days Can I Stay in Spain? The 90/180 Rule Explained

Written by Abogado · 2026-09-19 · Last updated: 2026-09-19

What is the 90/180 rule?

If you travel to Spain without a residence visa, you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. The count doesn't start from your first entry: the reference date shifts every day, always looking backward.

Why it's counted this way

Until 2013, the rule was counted differently: "three months within a six-month period from the first entry." This wording caused confusion, since it wasn't clear when the six-month period restarted if you had traveled several times. Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 replaced that count with a simpler one: exactly 90 days within a rolling 180-day window.

How the days are counted

- Both the day of entry and the day of exit count as full days.

- The 90 days apply to the Schengen area as a whole, not per country.

- If you hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa, those periods are not counted under this rule.

An example

If today is September 19 and you want to know how many days you have left, the previous 180 days are reviewed. All the days you've spent in the Schengen area within that range are added up. If the total is, for example, 65 days, you would have 25 days left before reaching the limit.

Common mistakes

- Thinking the 90 days reset by leaving and re-entering on the same day.

- Confusing the count by country: days are added up across the entire Schengen area, not just in Spain.

- Not accounting for previous trips to other Schengen countries within the last 180 days.

What to do before planning your trip

Before booking a flight or extending your stay, check your situation with our [Schengen days calculator](/calculadora-schengen). If your calculation shows you're close to the limit, or if you need to stay longer than the rule allows, there are ways to regularize your situation in Spain, such as arraigo (settlement-based residency) or a non-lucrative residence permit.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I overstay the 90 days?

Overstaying can have consequences for future entries into the Schengen area. Each case depends on the specific circumstances, so it's worth assessing with a professional before it happens or right after.

Do both the entry and exit days count?

Yes, both are considered full days of stay.

Is the rule the same across all Schengen countries?

Yes, the 90-day limit applies to the Schengen area as a whole, not separately in each country.

What if I hold a residence permit in another Schengen country?

Periods covered by a residence permit or a long-stay visa are not counted under the 90/180 rule.

Source and last review

Based on Regulation (EU) No 610/2013, which amended the Schengen Borders Code. Legally reviewed on September 19, 2026.

The information on this page is indicative and updated in line with current regulations. Timing largely depends on the competent authority.