Second Home Owners in Spain - Extending the 90 Day Stay Rule

Possible changes to the 90 day stay restriction in France and Spain for UK citizens

The 90-day travel restriction for UK citizens to France and Spain is a consequence of the UK's departure from the European Union. As a non-EU citizen, UK citizens are subject to the Schengen Area's 90/180-day rule, which limits their stay in any Schengen country to 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, there are some possible changes to this rule that could make it easier for UK citizens to stay in France and Spain for longer periods.

France

In October 2023, the French Senate voted in favor of a bill that would allow British citizens to stay in France for up to 180 days per year without a visa. The bill is still making its way through the French parliament, but if it is passed, it would be a significant change for UK citizens who want to spend more time in France.

Spain

Spain has also indicated that it is open to making changes to the 90-day rule for UK citizens. In November 2023, the Spanish government said that it was "studying" the possibility of allowing British citizens to stay in Spain for longer periods.

There are a few reasons why France and Spain are considering making changes to the 90-day rule.

• Tourism: Both France and Spain are popular tourist destinations for UK citizens. The 90-day rule has made it difficult for some UK citizens to visit these countries, and this has had a negative impact on the tourism industry in both countries.
• Property ownership: The current 90-day stay rule in Spain for non-EU citizens, including those who own a second home, is under consideration for potential changes. One possible modification is to grant second-home owners an automatic right to stay for longer periods without requiring a visa. This would allow them to spend more time in their Spanish property without having to worry about the 90-day limit. Another option is to introduce a simplified visa process for second-home owners, making it easier for them to extend their stays beyond 90 days. These changes could benefit both second-home owners and the Spanish economy by increasing tourism and property investment.
• It is important to note that these are just possible changes, and there is no guarantee that they will be implemented. However, the fact that both France and Spain are considering making changes suggests that there is growing recognition of the negative impact that the 90-day rule is having on UK citizens.

Further developments

In addition to the potential changes to the 90-day rule, there are a few other developments that could affect UK citizens' ability to stay in France and Spain for longer periods.

• Negotiations between the UK and EU: The UK and EU are currently negotiating a new trade deal that could include provisions on mobility. If a deal is reached that includes provisions on mobility, it could make it easier for UK citizens to stay in France and Spain for longer periods.
• Reciprocal arrangements: France and Spain could also agree to reciprocal arrangements that would allow UK citizens to stay in their countries for longer periods. This would be similar to the arrangements that are in place between some other Schengen countries.

It is still too early to say what the long-term impact of these developments will be. However, it is clear that there is growing momentum for changes to the 90-day rule, and this could make it easier for UK citizens to stay in France and Spain for longer periods in the future.

Villasol Real Estate

If you are thinking of relocating to Spain, the vibrant yet still traditional coastal town of Nerja, is a perfect choice. The wonderful beaches and promenade of Torrox Costa are a delight, the picturesque cobbled streets of Frigiliana are full of character and charm.

If you are searching for a long term rental, a winter rental, making an investment in a holiday home, or exploring the area and renting before buying, our dedicated team will ensure a safe easy property purchase, sale or Long term rental. You can count on our communication at every stage of the transaction, we provide introductions to independent lawyers, ensuring all legal and contractual paper work is available in Spanish, English along with many other languages.

The legal process and considerations for purchasing a residential property in the Nerja area of Andalucia, Spain, involve several steps and requirements. It's essential to understand the process to ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction. Please note that property laws and regulations can change over time, so it's crucial to consult with a qualified legal professional or an experienced real estate agent such as Villasol Real Estate for the most up-to-date information for Andalucia.

For further information on the various legal aspects of property purchases in Spain, please click here…