British nationals with holiday homes in Spain are being warned that violating the EU’s 90/180-day rule could lead to a multi-year ban from entering the country.
As EU member states, including Spain, begin tightening enforcement, second-home owners and frequent UK visitors who overstay their allowed period in the Schengen zone could find themselves facing serious consequences, including fines, deportation and long-term entry bans.
While many reports have claimed such bans could last for up to 10 years, in reality this would only be in the most extreme cases.
What is the 90/180 rule?
Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals when entering the Schengen area.
This means they are only allowed to stay in the Schengen zone – including Spain – for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
That total includes all Schengen countries, not just Spain. So time spent in France, Portugal, or Italy also counts toward the 90-day limit.
Failing to comply is not just a minor bureaucratic issue, as it’s now being taken far more seriously by immigration authorities.
How overstaying could get you banned for years
According to updated guidance from several EU states – and confirmed by legal experts – overstaying can result in:
- Immediate deportation
- Entry bans ranging from six months to 10 years, depending on the severity
- A formal record in the Schengen Information System (SIS), which is visible to all EU border forces
- Fines ranging up to €10,000
Why this affects second-home owners
Many British homeowners in Spain – specifically those without residency – have historically relied on long, seasonal stays.
Some travel back and forth, assuming multiple short trips are fine. But the rolling nature of the rule means it’s easy to miscalculate.
The key risk is for repeat overstayers or individuals flagged during random checks. With more digital tracking and automated border control systems, it’s increasingly difficult to go unnoticed.
What British citizens can do to stay legal
If you want to spend more than 90 days in Spain, you must apply for a visa.
The most common options include:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: For retirees or those with passive income
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers meeting income criteria
You can also track your Schengen days using free online calculators or mobile apps designed to avoid accidental overstays.
Read more Spain travel news at the Spanish Eye.
