EU Visa 2026: New Rules for Schengen Professionals

The European Commission is drafting what could be a historic change: relaxing the famous "90-day rule" for certain professionals. This is the first official European Union Visa Strategy and it promises to make life much easier for artists, athletes, and drivers who currently find themselves constantly counting days to avoid exceeding the stay limit in the bloc.

What Is the 90-Day Rule and Why Is It a Problem?

If you have ever traveled to Europe, you have likely heard of the 90-day rule in the Schengen Area. In practice, it works like a stopwatch: Brazilians can stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day window.

This means that after spending 90 days in Europe, the traveler must leave the Schengen territory and wait another 90 days before being able to return. For tourists, this rule is rarely an issue. But for professionals who depend on international mobility, it represents a significant barrier.

Who Suffers From the Current Limit?

The big problem is that this calculation doesn't add up for those traveling for work. Imagine a musician on tour or a freight driver: 90 days fly by. Here are the professionals who suffer most from this limit today:

• Touring artists: Musicians, dancers, and performers who give shows in various countries over several months
• Professional athletes: Sportspeople participating in competitions, training, and camps across different nations
• Truck drivers: International road transport professionals who cross borders constantly
• Project specialists: Consultants, engineers, and technicians working on cross-border projects
• Researchers and academics: Professionals collaborating with institutions in multiple countries

For these people, the 90-day limit is a logistical nightmare that can cancel tours or stall entire projects. Often, the professional ends up having to pursue complex residence visas that they wouldn't even need if the rule were a bit more flexible.

The New European Union Visa Strategy

The European Commission presented in Brussels a new comprehensive strategy for its visa policy – the first of its kind in the bloc's history. The document, released in early 2026, signals a significant shift in how the EU intends to attract talent and skilled workers.

Main Objectives

According to the official document, the strategy has three fundamental pillars:

What Is Being Proposed?

The Commission has requested Member States to work together to identify solutions that allow for extended short stays – meaning stays beyond the traditional 90 days, but without the need for long-term residence visas.

According to the Italian economic newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, the body asked member countries to make visa access simpler and faster, especially for categories that bring economic benefits to the region.

Which Categories Will Benefit?

The European Commission's plan specifically mentions some categories of professionals who could benefit from the new rules. Let's analyze each of them:

1. Artists and Performers

Musicians, actors, dancers, and other artists who perform international tours frequently face difficulties with the 90-day rule. A successful European tour can last several months, crossing dozens of countries – something incompatible with the current limit.

The relaxation would allow artists to perform their shows without forced interruptions, benefiting both the professionals themselves and the European cultural and entertainment industry.

2. Professional Athletes

Sportspeople participating in competitions, training, and seasons in different European countries would also be covered. This includes athletes who train in centers of excellence located in countries other than where they compete.

3. International Transport Drivers

Truck drivers performing international road transport are essential to the European economy. These professionals frequently cross multiple borders in a single trip, and the 90-day limit can create significant logistical complications.

4. Cross-border Project Specialists

Consultants, engineers, technicians, and other specialists working on infrastructure, technology, or industrial projects involving multiple European countries would have greater flexibility to complete their work.

5. Researchers and Students (Post-Completion)

Under Directive (EU) 2016/801, researchers and students already have the right to stay in the territory of a Member State for at least nine months after completing their research or studies to seek employment or start a business. The new strategy may expand and further facilitate this mobility.

What Does NOT Change (For Now)

But beware: the gates haven't opened for everyone. It's worth looking at what does not change with this new strategy:

• Tourists: The 90/180-day rule remains in effect as usual for regular visitors
• Property owners: Foreigners who own property in Europe but do not have European citizenship are not mentioned in the plan
• Digital nomads: Remote workers are not specifically cited in this strategy
• Retirees: People wishing to spend long periods in Europe during retirement

The strategy focuses exclusively on economic competitiveness and attracting specialized labor that directly benefits European countries.

Modernization and Digitization of Processes

In addition to relaxing the length of stay, the European Commission also recommended the complete digitization of visa application processes. The goals include:

• Reduction of bureaucracy: Less paperwork and more simplified processes
• Faster response times: Quicker decisions on visa applications
• Priority for strategic groups: Students, researchers, and innovative entrepreneurs would have accelerated processes

The Vice-President of the Commission, Henna Virkkunen, stated that visa policy is a fundamental "strategic tool." According to her, an efficient system attracts investment and qualified professionals, keeping Europe competitive on the global stage.

"Visa policy is not just a matter of security and border control. It is also a tool to attract talent, boost innovation, and strengthen the European economy." — Henna Virkkunen, Vice-President of the European Commission

ETIAS: Another Important Change for Brazilians

Parallel to the discussions on flexibility for professionals, another significant change is on the way for Brazilians and other citizens of visa-exempt countries: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system that will come into effect in late 2026. It will function similarly to the American ESTA and will be mandatory for citizens of visa-exempt countries wishing to enter the Schengen Area.

Main Characteristics

It is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa – it is a travel authorization. It does not replace the need for a visa for those working or studying in Europe, but it adds a layer of security for short-term travelers.

Security and Control: The Other Side of the Coin

While relaxing rules for some categories, the European Union is also strengthening migration controls on other fronts. The bloc plans to review the criteria for countries that have visa exemptions, including Brazil.

Visa Suspension Mechanism

In October 2025, the European Parliament approved legislation that makes it easier to suspend the right to travel without a visa to the EU. Citizens of countries that present security risks or violate human rights could lose their visa exemption.

The legislation was approved by 518 votes in favor, 96 against, and 24 abstentions, demonstrating broad support in parliament.

Criteria for Maintaining Exemption

Maintaining the benefit of free entry for Brazilians and other nationalities will depend on:

• Visa refusal rates: Countries with high refusal rates may be reviewed
• Security cooperation: Collaboration on security issues and fighting crime
• Respect for human rights: Countries that violate fundamental rights may lose the exemption
• Reciprocity: Treatment given to European citizens must be equivalent

What Does This Mean for Brazilians?

For Brazilians, the new European Union policies bring both opportunities and points of attention:

Opportunities

• Qualified professionals: Brazilian artists, athletes, and specialists can benefit from the relaxation of the 90-day rule
• Researchers: Greater ease for international academic collaborations
• Entrepreneurs: Faster processes for those wishing to do business in Europe
• Students: More time to seek employment after completing studies

Points of Attention

• Mandatory ETIAS: From late 2026, it will be necessary to request authorization before traveling
• Stricter controls: The EU is tightening entry and exit monitoring
• Regular tourists: The 90/180-day rule remains in effect as usual for leisure travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Timeline: What to Expect in the Coming Years

Conclusion: A More Open Europe for Talent

The new European Union Visa Strategy represents a significant paradigm shift. For the first time, the bloc officially recognizes that its visa policy is not just a security matter, but also a strategic tool to compete for global talent.

For Brazilian professionals – especially artists, athletes, researchers, and specialists – the prospects are promising. The possibility of working in Europe for extended periods, without the constraints of the 90-day rule, could open doors to previously inaccessible opportunities.

However, it is important to keep feet on the ground: the proposals are still in the discussion and implementation phase. Until the new rules effectively come into force, current limits remain valid.

In the meantime, Brazilians planning trips to Europe should prepare for ETIAS, which will become mandatory starting in late 2026. And those wishing to work legally for longer periods should continue to seek the appropriate visas for their activities.