90 day+ visits

[giacomo]

We are new to cruising and will be setting off on our boat down to the Med next year. One question that doesn't seem to be answered by the books is what are the practical ways of dealing with stays longer than 90 days in EU countries? We are both UK nationals and the books/embassies state that stays longer than 90 days require application for temporary residence permits.

Do cruising liveaboards do this? Do they leave and return within the 90 days (overnight in the next country etc) or what? Do they simply rely on not being noticed by the authorities? Are they 'mobile' and therefore exempt?

 

[ccscott49]

I'm cruising the med now and have never heard of anything like this before, I believe in Spain a stay of over six months, means something, but not sure what.

 

[Paulka]

Right, to stay longer than 180 days a year in Spain, you should apply for "residency". That's the Spanish law!
I know of peoples being here in the Balearics since 10 years, never having thought of applying for anything.
Just keep low profile!

Some other provinces may be more strict on enforcing this rule.

Paul

 

[hylas]

I don't believe this is a question of "low profile" as, when you enter the country, there is no stamp on your passport.. how would it be possible to prove that you've been more thant 6 months in the country??

I have spent about 10 years all around the Med and never have any problem except the 3 month "transit log" in Turkey (non EEC country..)

 

[MedMan]

Provided you keep moving, which is the essence of cruising of course, there is no practical way anyone could know. We have been in the Med for 5 years and have never encountered so much as a question on the subject, let alone a problem. However, come to think about it, we have rarely been in the same country for more than 90 days anyway! Our boat has, of course, but that is a different question

 

[mikewilkes]

Like the rest of the people who replied, it is probably the law but grotty yatchies seem to be ignored, especially ones from Europe.
There is a big liveaboard community from across the pond in Barcelona, and they seem to return every winter!!!
Keep your head down and enjoy it when you get here,
Mike

 

[Guest]

My boyfriend who is a UK Citizen has been in Horta (Azores, Portugal) for close to 3yrs on his sailboat (replacing his teak rudder which was lost after lvg Bermuda) and doesn't need any stamps etc on his passport as it is part of the EEC. Flying in n out he didnt get his passport stamped As long as the country is part of the EEC I believe there is no problem (cept for me being American or for non EEC people )

 

[colvic]

Our boat has been in Spain for over two years with us onboard for upto seven months at a time with no problems. HOWEVER, if you are ever asked if the boat is your HOME just say no, as then you can be liable for tax. This has and is happening in Almerimar and Aguadulce..we encountered some very unhappy people there.


Phil