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For many travellers from Pakistan, Europe is not just a one-week holiday dream. You may want to spend several months studying, visiting family, exploring multiple countries, or even planning a long sabbatical. That is when the famous “90 days in Europe” rule becomes confusing and frustrating.
The good news is that there are legal ways to stay in Europe for more than 90 days. The important part is to understand the rules clearly and choose the correct visa or strategy for your situation, instead of risking an overstay and a potential ban.
This guide explains, in simple language:
This article provides general information only and does not replace official advice from embassies or immigration authorities. Always double-check the latest rules before you apply.
When people say “Europe”, they often mix three different concepts:
The Schengen Area is what really matters for the 90-day rule. It currently covers 29 countries, including popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland and more.
Non-EU nationals on a short-stay (tourist or business) basis are usually allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Remember:
The 90/180 rule means you can spend up to 90 days in the Schengen Area during any rolling 180-day period.
A simple way to think about it:
To avoid mistakes, the European Commission even provides an official short-stay calculator that helps you check whether your planned trip respects the rule.
For Pakistani passport holders, a Schengen visa is required for short stays. The 90/180 rule still controls how long you can remain, even if your visa sticker shows a longer validity period.
Overstaying your authorised period, even by a few days, can have consequences such as:
As of October 2025, the EU is rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will digitally record your entry and exit, including facial image and fingerprints, instead of only relying on passport stamps. This makes tracking the 90-day limit more precise and automatic.
The safest strategy is simple: stay strictly within the rules and choose a legal option if you need more time.
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you almost always need a long-stay visa or residence permit, not just a tourist visa. For most non-EU citizens, including Pakistanis, this means applying for a national long-stay visa (Type D) from the specific country where you want to stay.
A Type D visa is issued by individual countries (for example, Italy, Germany, France, Spain) for stays of more than 90 days. It is usually the first step before obtaining a residence permit after arrival.
Common purposes include:
Each country has its own rules, documentation list and fees, but the overall logic is the same: you must prove a clear purpose, sufficient funds, accommodation and sometimes language ability.
Once issued, many Type D visas also allow limited movement across other Schengen countries (typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as long as your visa is valid).
If your goal is to study, the student visa route is often the most straightforward. Almost all EU/Schengen countries have special long-stay visas for international students, including:
Some countries allow limited work hours for students (for example, up to 20 hours per week), but conditions vary by destination.
Many European countries offer long-stay visas linked to employment, such as:
For Pakistani professionals, these routes can lead not only to a longer stay but also to long-term residence if you qualify. Requirements are strict and change regularly, so checking the official embassy or consulate website is essential.
If your spouse, parent or child is legally residing in a European country as a citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for family reunification. This is usually a long-stay visa followed by a residence permit.
Typical conditions include:
Several European countries have introduced or are piloting digital nomad or remote work visas that allow foreign nationals to live in the country while working online for an employer or business outside that country.
These often require:
Eligibility depends heavily on nationality and specific programme rules, and not every digital nomad visa is open to all non-EU citizens. Always check directly with the official immigration website of the country offering the scheme.
In general, a standard short-stay Schengen visa is not meant to be extended just because you want to travel longer. However, under EU rules, it may be extended in limited situations such as:
Even then:
A visa extension is a safety net for emergencies, not a tool to add extra tourism days. For planned longer stays, a Type D long-stay visa is the correct route.
If your aim is to stay in “Europe” as a region for several months without breaking any rules, one strategy is to combine time inside and outside Schengen.
For example, you could:
Travel writers often describe this as “Schengen and non-Schengen hopping,” but it is not a loophole; it simply respects the fact that the 90/180 rule applies only to Schengen days.
You still need to follow the separate visa requirements for each non-Schengen country, and you must track your calendar carefully.
Two major EU systems are changing how non-EU travellers are processed at borders:
If you are dreaming of spending more time in Europe, these practical steps can help:
For many travellers, the challenge is not just understanding the rules but applying them to their personal situation. This is where Malik Express Travel & Tours, based in Pakistan with over 35 years of experience, can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Malik Express Travel & Tours can:
Malik Express is not an embassy or legal authority and cannot guarantee a visa decision, but its experienced team can help you avoid common mistakes, prepare better files and design realistic travel plans that fit within European regulations.
Staying in Europe for more than 90 days is possible, but only if you do it on the right basis. The key is to:
If you are in Pakistan and dreaming of a longer European journey, talk to Malik Express Travel & Tours about your plans. With the right information and support, you can enjoy Europe’s cities, culture and lifestyle while staying completely legal and stress-free.