🇪🇸 Spain
How the 90/180 rule applies to Spain, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
1995
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Madrid
Calling code
+34
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Spain counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Spain are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Spain national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Spain itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Spain, specifically
US, UK, and EU citizens walk into Spain visa-free for up to 90 days. Everyone else needs to check the list.
Who Gets Stamp-Happy at the Border
Most passport holders from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen allowance. Citizens of countries like India, China, or Russia will need to secure a Schengen visa before arriving. Spain's border officials are generally efficient, but delays can happen. Keep your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation handy. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need a specific long-stay visa or residency permit, not just a tourist stamp. ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be required for visa-exempt travellers from 2025, but it's an authorisation, not a visa. It won't change the 90-day limit for short stays.
The 90/180 Rule and Spanish Nuances
The 90/180 rule is straightforward: you can spend a maximum of 90 days in Spain (and the wider Schengen Area) within any rolling 180-day period. Overstaying this limit carries penalties, including fines and bans from re-entering the Schengen zone. Spain doesn't always diligently stamp passports on exit, especially for intra-Schengen travel, so you are responsible for tracking your days. Don't assume the border guard's count is gospel. If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residency permit or a specific long-stay visa (like the Digital Nomad Visa) from your home country before coming to Spain. This process is separate from the short-stay Schengen rules and requires substantial documentation.
Where Nomads Settle and What it Costs
Madrid is the obvious magnet, offering buzzing co-working spaces and a fast-paced city life. Barcelona is another popular choice, though it can feel more tourist-heavy. Valencia is gaining traction for its slightly more relaxed vibe and beautiful coastline. Expect to budget between €1,500 to €2,500 per month for a comfortable solo stay, covering rent, food, co-working, and some leisure. Internet speeds are generally excellent in major cities, often exceeding 100 Mbps download, especially in newer apartment buildings and dedicated co-working hubs. Paying for things is easy; most places accept credit cards, though having some cash for smaller local markets or tapas bars is always wise. Spanish banks are also quite foreigner-friendly if you decide to open an account.