PART 132: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.
We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!
We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).
Step 1: As we explore areas in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing.
This week, let's explore the Schengen Shuffle
Step 2: Our story
When our dream of living in Italy began to take shape, we realized we needed to determine what would work best for us. Initially, we thought our only options were to either live there full-time or not at all.
We explored dual citizenship, residency requirements, and visa regulations. We learned that we could stay in Italy for only 90 days without a visa, and an elective visa was the best option for a more permanent stay.
However, our commitments in California would prevent us from living in Europe full-time.
We felt stuck and couldn't see beyond the constraints we had imposed on ourselves.
In a previous blog post, I reflected on how we moved past that "all-or-nothing" mindset and began to recognize that a life in Italy could fit within the realities of our situation.
Ultimately, we decided that our best solution would be to maintain our residency in the U.S. and live in Italy for 2-3 months at a time, twice a year, in compliance with Schengen Area regulations.
During our research, we encountered others who were already living in Italy. Some had found various solutions that suited their individual lifestyles. A few have become expats, living in Italy full-time; they obtained residency and sold their homes in the U.S. while maintaining American citizenship. Others chose arrangements similar to ours, spending part of the year in their home country and the other part in Italy, each lasting 90 days or less. Additionally, some found solutions that worked well for them, often called the "Schengen Shuffle."
Step 3: In a previous blog, I explained what the Schengen Area is, but to summarize:
The Schengen Area allows free movement for over 450 million EU citizens and non-EU nationals legally residing in the EU, including tourists and business travelers. It enables these individuals to travel, work, and live in EU countries without special permits, effectively eliminating border checks within the area.
Currently, the Schengen Area consists of 29 countries, including most EU nations except Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania became members on January 1, 2025, joining non-EU countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The agreement removes internal border checks while establishing regulations for entry at external borders, allowing individuals to stay for up to 90 days. If you plan to travel to Europe, it is essential to understand the Schengen Border Agreement to facilitate smooth movement among the participating countries.
Step 4: History: What is the Schengen Agreement?
The Schengen Area is one of the significant achievements of the European Union. Five countries—France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—initiated it in 1985. It has since grown to become the largest free travel area in the world.
Named after a village in Luxembourg where the original agreements were signed, the Schengen Area allows member countries to eliminate checks at internal borders, except during specific security threats. Instead, standardized controls are implemented at their external borders based on clear criteria.
Step 5: Passport requirements
To enter the Schengen area in Europe, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry. If your passport is set to expire within that six-month period, airlines may deny you boarding on your flight to Europe.
Step 6: Time limits: 90/180
For travelers from non-EU countries, such as the U.S., visiting Schengen countries without a visa is allowed for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you frequently travel to these countries, keeping track of your stays is essential to avoid exceeding this limit.
I recommend using the Schengen Visa Calculator, a useful tool for determining how long you can legally stay in the Schengen area without exceeding the 90-day allowance.
We like this calculator: https://www.visa-calculator.com/
Step 7: What is the Schengen Shuffle?
The Schengen shuffle is a strategy that travelers use to manage their time in and out of the Schengen Area, ensuring they do not exceed the 90-day limit. This often involves moving between Schengen and non-Schengen countries.
For example, as a traveler approaches their 90-day limit in the Schengen Area, they might take a 90-day trip to a non-Schengen country such as the UK, Ireland, or even Morocco. Since the rule allows individuals to stay in the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, this temporary exit effectively "resets" their stay duration in the Schengen Area. After spending time outside of it, they can return for another stay.
We know of a couple who lives in Italy for 90 days at a time. After that period, they move to Turkey, where they rent a house for another 90 days. They have been doing this for years, and it works well for them.
Step 8: Who would do the Schengen Shuffle and Why?
Maintaining residency in one's country of origin while living full-time in Europe by utilizing the Schengen Shuffle can be an effective strategy for those not seeking European residency. There could be various reasons for this choice, including:
Taking a sabbatical and wanting to live in Europe for a year
Needing to retain one's U.S. (or other country of origin) residency due to work or family obligations, financial or medical reasons, etc
Desiring to experience different cultures and countries throughout the year
I have heard accusations that people participating in the Schengen Shuffle do so to evade taxes. But this is simply judging others without knowing their story.
In the end, individuals who choose to engage in the Schengen Shuffle are making decisions that suit their unique circumstances.
Step 9: Schengen Countries
The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries with common entry and exit requirements, eliminating the need for internal borders. This agreement enables travelers to move freely between these countries without undergoing border checks or obtaining separate visas.
The countries in the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Step 10: Non Schengen European Countries
Several European countries are not part of the Schengen Area. These countries have their own border regulations: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Ireland, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
Step 11: How to do the Schengen Shuffle
Doing the "Schengen Shuffle" refers to living in non-Schengen countries between stays in Schengen countries. For instance, you can spend 90 days in Spain and then travel to Montenegro or Albania, which are outside the Schengen Area. After your stay in these non-Schengen countries, you can return to the Schengen Area and continue traveling without needing a visa.
Step 12: Tips on doing the Shuffle
Track Your Days
Use apps like Schengen Calculator to keep track of your time inside and outside the Schengen Area. Even one extra day can lead to fines or a travel ban.
Plan Ahead
Book your travel and places to stay for your off-period before you reach your Schengen limit. This helps you avoid last-minute stress.
Understand Visa Requirements
Some non-Schengen countries have specific visa rules. Check these and get any needed visas well in advance.
Mix Up Your Locations
Plan to visit popular tourist spots during your "on" days in the Schengen Area and explore quieter places on your "off" days.
Embrace Slow Travel
Staying 90 days in one or two Schengen countries helps you experience the local culture, and your off-period lets you discover new regions.
Step 13: Sources
More next time.
My new novel is on sale now for $2.99! "Onward: A Life on a Sailboat" is a tale that will draw the reader to the Amalfi coast, the deserts of Algeria, the south of France, and beyond. https://a.co/d/3hhJkxE
Amazon Italy- my book "Lei mi ha sedotto. Una storia d'amore con Roma": https://amzn.eu/d/13nuZCL.
コメント