Short answer: the Schengen 90/180-day rule means you may spend at most 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen Area (or in Schengen countries other than your country of residence). Holders of residence in Portugal, Greece or Malta can live in that country long term, but trips to other Schengen countries follow this rule.
The two groups
| Residence holders in a Schengen country | Visa-free passport holders | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of residence | Live long term | Not applicable |
| Other Schengen countries | Up to 90 days in any 180 | Up to 90 days in any 180 across the area |
| Examples | Portugal, Greece, Malta residence | Caribbean CBI passports |
How to count
Count back 180 days from the day of entry and add up days in the relevant Schengen countries — the total must not exceed 90.
- Example one: a Greek residence holder spends 60 days in France and 30 in Italy — 90 days used in that 180-day window.
- Example two: a Caribbean passport holder spends 45 days in Europe in January and 45 in March — 90 days, so they must wait until earlier days "roll out" of the window.
Common misunderstandings
- "A golden visa lets me live anywhere in Europe": only in the issuing country.
- "Cyprus PR allows Schengen travel": Cyprus isn’t in the Schengen Area.
- "The count resets each time I leave": no — it’s a rolling 180 days.
Points to note
The EU is introducing new entry and exit systems and a travel authorisation, so check the latest arrangements before travelling.