What is Schengen Area? Definition & Guide
A zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders, allowing free movement between them.
The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have eliminated passport and border controls at their mutual borders. A person who enters one Schengen country can travel to any other Schengen country without additional border checks.
As of 2025, the Schengen Area includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
For Golden Visa holders from EU Schengen countries (Portugal, Greece, Italy, Hungary), the residence permit grants the right to travel within the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means a Portugal Golden Visa holder can spend up to 90 days in France, Germany, Italy or any other Schengen country without an additional visa.
The Schengen travel right does not include the right to work or reside in another Schengen country. It is limited to short stays. To live or work in another EU country, a separate residence permit or citizenship in that country is required.
Schengen membership differs from EU membership. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are in the Schengen Area but are not EU members. Ireland is an EU member but is not in the Schengen Area.
Why It Matters for Golden Visa Applicants
Schengen travel rights are one of the most immediate benefits of a European Golden Visa. From the day the residence permit is issued, the holder can travel to all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without additional visas. This is particularly useful for business travelers who need regular access to multiple European markets. However, the 90/180-day rule applies strictly: overstaying in another Schengen country can result in fines, entry bans and complications with the Golden Visa renewal. Applicants should track their days carefully using the Schengen calculator if they travel frequently across member states.
Example
"With his Greece Golden Visa, he traveled to Germany, France and the Netherlands for business meetings without applying for separate visas, using his Schengen travel rights."