How can an American stay in Europe for 6 months?

You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, which people consider a “six-month” period, but your visa is still valid for only 90 days. However, if you plan to stay in Europe for 6 months or longer, you would generally need to obtain a long-stay visa or a residence permit from a specific Schengen country.



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A U.S. citizen may remain in any Schengen country (or travel between various Schengen countries) as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.

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The following list of documents are required for any short-term Schengen visa application:
  1. Visa application form. ...
  2. Two recently taken photos must be attached. ...
  3. A valid passport. ...
  4. Round trip reservation or itinerary. ...
  5. Travel insurance policy. ...
  6. Proof of accommodation. ...
  7. Proof of financial means. ...
  8. Proof of paid visa fee.


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The 90-day limit refers to the maximum cumulative duration of your stay within any 180-day period. It does not require you to stay continuously for the full 90 days. This means that you can stay for a few days, then leave the Schengen area and enter again, as long as you don't overstay 90 days within a 180-day period.

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Using the Schengen Area
As many countries are in the EU, there is freedom of movement rules for their residents. This gets carried over temporarily for visitors. So, you can stay 90 days within a 180-day period, which means you can live in Europe for three months without having to get a visa.

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A Visa C permits you to enter all Schengen countries and to stay in those countries for a total period of 90 days within 180 days provided that you fulfil the general entry conditions. A Visa D entitles you to enter and stay in Austria. It can be granted for a duration of 91 days up to 6 months.

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This is fine if your trips will be no longer than three months at a time, no more than twice a year. If you want to spend more than six months a year in Spain, you can't do so on a Schengen Visa, and will have to secure a long-stay visa before visiting the country.

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