Schengen visa update: EU plans to extend 90-day rule for select jobs—who qualifies?

The European Commission has announced plans to explore allowing certain non-EU professionals to stay in the EU beyond the current 90-day Schengen limit within any 180-day period.

The proposal, outlined in a strategy document released on January 29, targets “select” non-EU nationals whose work requires frequent travel between Member States. It forms part of a broader overhaul of the EU visa system aimed at strengthening the economy.

Simplifying visa access for skilled workers

The Commission has also urged EU countries to make visa procedures simpler and faster for skilled professionals, aiming to attract international talent and support economic growth across the Union.

To facilitate smoother travel and further boost economic growth, six categories of professionals have been identified as potential beneficiaries of extended stays,

These include touring artists, athletes competing in sporting events, experts on cross-border projects, personnel supporting EU industries and services, and truck drivers servicing EU businesses.

Who could benefit

Six categories of professionals could be eligible for longer stays without needing a long-stay visa or residence permit:

• Touring artists

• Athletes attending competitions

• Experts on cross-border projects

• Workforce supporting EU industries and services

• Truck drivers servicing EU businesses

The Commission noted that frequent travel across member states is essential for these roles, making the current 90-day limit restrictive.

Making visas simpler and faster

As part of the strategy, the EU is urging member states to streamline visa procedures for skilled and highly qualified workers. Possible measures include:

• Digitised applications with fewer documents

• Shorter processing times

• Easier transition from study or research to work

• Improved mobility within the EU

Security and legal clarity

The Commission will coordinate with member states to ensure legal clarity for travellers while maintaining security. It also plans to review bilateral agreements that allow some third-country nationals to stay beyond 90 days in individual states, aiming for a more consistent application of Schengen rules.

Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said a modern visa system strengthens security while helping the EU attract talent and investment, supporting competitiveness and job creation.

Wider reforms

The EU visa strategy also addresses:

• New rules for students, researchers, and highly skilled workers

• A legal framework for start-up founders and innovative entrepreneurs

• Review of visa-free access for third countries based on security cooperation

EU visa strategy: Key takeaways

• Security first: New technologies and stronger monitoring of visa-free regimes aim to prevent illegal migration, terrorism, and document fraud. Targeted restrictions may apply for severe risks.

• Smarter visa management: Digital visas and secure online authorisations will replace stickers. EU IT systems like EES, ETIAS, Eurodac, and the Visa Information System will streamline checks.

• Driving economic growth: Simplified visas and longer multiple-entry permits will attract tourists, students, business travellers, and skilled professionals.

• Attracting innovation talent: Faster, coordinated procedures for students, researchers, and highly skilled workers, supported by initiatives like the European Talent Pool, will aid startups and innovation ecosystems.

• Supporting Member States: Frontex Visa Support Office, guidance, workshops, and external service provider reviews will improve visa management.

• International leverage: Visa-free travel will be linked to cooperation on migration, security, and rule of law, with targeted measures in response to geopolitical tensions.

The Commission emphasised that visa policy is a key tool for economic growth, security, and competitiveness in the EU.