The European Commission is considering allowing certain non-EU professionals to stay longer than the current 90-day limit in the Schengen area. The plan targets workers whose jobs require frequent travel across EU member states. The proposal is not yet law, so the standard 90-day rule still applies.
The proposal is outlined in a strategy document released on January 29. It targets non-EU nationals who need to move regularly between EU countries for work and who currently face restrictions under the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
Under the plan, six categories of professionals could become eligible for longer stays without applying for a long-stay visa or residence permit. These include touring artists, athletes attending competitions, experts working on cross-border projects, the workforce supporting EU industries and services, and truck drivers servicing EU businesses.
The Commission said these professionals often need to travel across several member states as part of their work. The current 90-day rule makes it difficult for them to carry out their duties smoothly.
The move forms part of a broader effort to modernise the EU visa system. The Commission also urged member states to simplify and speed up visa procedures for skilled professionals. It aims to attract international talent, support key industries, and strengthen economic growth across the European Union.
The EU is also looking at digital visa solutions and targeted measures to make travel and work processes more efficient for eligible professionals.
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