Days Allowed

By country

The 90-day rule in Spain

Spain has no 90-day limit of its own. Days in Spain count toward the shared Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180-day period, so time in France, Portugal or any other member uses up the same days.

Last checked 3 Nov 2026 against the official sources below.

How the 90 days work in Spain

  • Shared with 28 other countries. If you visit other Schengen countries as well, your whole visit must fit in the 90 days, and visits in the 180 days before count too.
  • Entry and exit days both count.
  • Residence permit or long-stay visa days don’t count toward the 90.
  • Overstaying can lead to a ban: UK travel advice says up to 3 years from Schengen countries.

At the Spanish border

UK travel advice says you may need to show:

  • a return or onward ticket
  • proof of travel insurance
  • enough money for your stay; the amount depends on your accommodation
  • a hotel booking, or proof of address if you stay in your own property
  • an invitation or proof of address if you stay with friends or family, such as a carta de invitación from your hosts

Extending a stay

If you need to stay longer for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, UK travel advice says to apply to the immigration authorities (Extranjería). The Policía Nacional has a page on extending a short stay.

Staying longer than 90 days

For a planned longer stay, you need to meet Spain’s requirements for a visa or residence permit. Start with the Spanish government’s migration portal, and see staying longer than 90 days.

Gibraltar

Since 15 July 2026 there are no entry and exit check booths at the land border between Spain and Gibraltar. UK travel advice for British nationals says time in Gibraltar now counts alongside time in the Schengen area. See Gibraltar.

Tax is a separate count

Tax residence is a different test with its own day count, unrelated to the 90/180 rule. To count days in Spain for it, use the 183-day calculator.

Questions

Can I spend 90 days in Spain and then 90 days in Portugal?

No. Portugal is also in the Schengen area, so days in both countries add up to the same 90 days in any 180-day period.

Do days on a Spanish residence permit count?

No. UK travel advice for Spain says time in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa does not count toward your 90-day visa-free limit.

Can I extend my stay in Spain?

Only for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency. UK travel advice says to apply to the immigration authorities (Extranjería). For a planned longer stay you need a Spanish visa or permit.

Do days in Gibraltar count?

From 15 July 2026, UK travel advice for British nationals says time in Gibraltar counts alongside time in the Schengen area.

More guides

Sources

Last checked 3 Nov 2026.

A planning tool. Border officials decide.