Brussels: The European Union has extended the maximum stay under the Schengen short-stay visa from 90 to 180 days for selected categories of professionals, as part of a broader reform of the EU visa system aimed at supporting economic growth and attracting skilled talent.
Announcing the plan on January 29, the European Commission said the extended stay will apply to specific non-EU professionals who travel frequently between EU member states for work. The six categories identified are touring artists, professional athletes, experts involved in cross-border projects, EU officials, and truck drivers providing services to EU-based businesses.
Under the new approach, eligible professionals will be able to remain in the EU for longer periods without requiring a long-term visa or residence permit. The Commission noted that these groups often require continuous mobility across member states, and the reform is intended to better reflect modern working patterns.
The initiative forms part of a wider strategy to simplify and modernise EU visa rules. The Commission has called on member states to make visa procedures faster and less complex in order to attract international talent and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness.
Key elements of the reform include digitised visa applications, reduced documentation, shorter processing times, improved mobility within the EU, and easier transitions from study or research to employment. The Commission also stressed the importance of legal clarity and security, stating it will work closely with member states to ensure the new rules are applied consistently.
As part of the overhaul, the Commission will review existing bilateral agreements that allow certain third-country nationals to stay in individual EU countries for more than 90 days, with the aim of reinforcing the integrity of the Schengen system.
The strategy is also expected to be expanded to cover students, researchers, highly skilled workers, startup founders and innovative entrepreneurs, while visa-free travel arrangements with third countries will be reviewed in light of security considerations.
Security remains a central pillar of the reform. The new visa framework aims to combat irregular migration, terrorism and document fraud through the use of advanced technologies and stronger monitoring mechanisms. Digital visas and secure online approvals are set to replace physical stickers, supported by EU IT systems such as the Entry/Exit System (EES), ETIAS, Eurodac and the Visa Information System.
The Commission said the reforms are designed to balance stronger security with economic growth, improved visa management and enhanced cooperation with member states, while also using visa policy as a tool in broader international and geopolitical relations.
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