Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Anyone have any info on the rumours circulating about the freedom of movement for UK residents to Spain? (90/180 Day Rule phase out)
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“Rumours and wishful thinking. Not a chance. Brexit killed it. Maybe a chance in years to come, but for now, it’s over. I will always hate stupid, pointless Brexit.”
“How come Europeans are allowed to be in the UK for six months?”
“That’s because both the UK and the EU are applying their existing immigration rules. Brexit changed nothing in that respect. The UK chose to make itself a Third Country Nation, along with the Schengen rules that apply to TCNs. The EU changed nothing.”
“A Spanish immigration lawyer told a friend that Spain and France are again looking at trying to get rid of the 90/180 rule. Apparently, Spain wants a minimum of 120/180 and has suggested they might defy the EU if declined, as the economy is suffering. This has been discussed before but wasn’t pursued. This is reportedly a new campaign they’re exploring.”
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Explore Cities →“Spain’s economy isn’t suffering; it’s booming. And Spain can’t just change the rule without breaking Schengen protocol, which they are legally bound to enforce. If they wanted to give Brits visas to stay longer, they would have done so by now.”
“There are no official changes. What you’ve heard sounds like rumors. Spain has not made any announcements about revising the 90/180 rule.”
“Spain could introduce a long-term visitor visa similar to France’s, allowing visitors to stay for up to 12 months. However, such visas wouldn’t alter the Schengen 90/180 rule. For instance, while in France on a long-term visa, the clock stops for Schengen stays.”
“Freedom of movement is for EU citizens only. If they changed it for Brits, they’d have to offer it to Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and others, which is unrealistic.”
“Germany’s economy may be facing challenges, but the EU isn’t collapsing, and Schengen rules aren’t going anywhere. If anything, Spain benefits from these rules.”
“It’s just as difficult, if not harder, for an EU citizen to move to the UK as it is for a Brit to move to Spain. Immigration rules are strict across the board.”
Conclusion
The discussions surrounding changes to the 90/180 day rule for UK residents in Spain remain speculative. Some individuals claim that Spain and France are revisiting the possibility of extending stay periods, but no concrete steps have been taken.
Spain, like other Schengen countries, adheres to EU-wide protocols, making significant unilateral changes unlikely.
Rumors about potential reforms often stem from wishful thinking or minor political discussions, but there’s no evidence that Spain is poised to alter the rules. For now, UK nationals must follow the 90/180 day limitation or explore visas such as long-term visitor or residency permits for longer stays.
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