StaymarkWhat changed at Brexit
Before 2021, British citizens could live and stay in EU countries without a limit under freedom of movement. Now a UK passport gives visa-free short stays only: up to 90 days in any 180-day period for the Schengen area as a whole.
Second homes and long winters
Owning property in a Schengen country does not extend the 90 days. People who want to spend longer, for example a whole winter in Spain, need a national long-stay visa from that country. Each country sets its own visa rules.
Ireland is different
Ireland is not in the Schengen area. Under the Common Travel Area, British and Irish citizens can live and work in each other's countries without these limits.
Residence permits and the Withdrawal Agreement
UK nationals who were legally living in an EU country before the end of 2020 may hold residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. Their days in that country are not limited by the 90/180 rule, but time in other Schengen countries is. Check GOV.UK's living-in guidance for your country.
Questions
Can a UK citizen stay in Spain for six months?
Not on a visitor basis. Six months would need a Spanish long-stay visa or residence permit.
Does my EU-registered car or home change the limit?
No. Only a visa or residence permit changes it.
Sources
- European Commission: Schengen short-stay rules and calculator
- GOV.UK: Travelling to the EU and Schengen area
- GOV.UK: Living in the EU
- EU official site for EES and ETIAS
Staymark counts days against published rules. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice; rules change, so check the official sources above before you travel.