Stay in Spain Over 90 Days: Prórroga de Estancia
Expat Tips
Published: 21 December 2023 16:41 CET
Updated: 30 July 2025 16:43 CET
As of 2025, UK citizens and other third-country nationals who want to extend their stay in Spain beyond the 90-day Schengen limit can apply for a Prórroga de Estancia (Stay Extension). This process allows temporary extensions under exceptional circumstances and helps travellers stay legally compliant.
Who Needs a Prórroga de Estancia?
Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU (third-country) nationals. This means:
You may only stay in Spain for 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.
If you need to extend your stay in Spain or avoid unintentionally overstaying the 90/180 rule, you must apply before the deadline to avoid fines or entry problems in future.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
General Requirements
- Be a non-EU national exempt from short-stay visa requirements.
- Have no entry bans or legal restrictions in Spain.
- Show sufficient financial means to support the extended stay.
- Hold valid medical insurance that meets Spanish standards (travel insurance is not enough).
- Provide proof of intent to return home (e.g., return flight).
Exceptional Circumstances
- Humanitarian reasons
- Medical reasons
- Family-related reasons
Required Documents
Mandatory Documentation
- EX-00 application form (not EX-01 or EX-17, which are for residency procedures)
- Valid passport (expiry must extend beyond your requested extension)
- Proof of financial means (recent bank statements)
- Full medical insurance — no copayments and no exclusions
- Confirmed return ticket
- Documents proving the exceptional circumstance
Application Process
Where to Apply
- Online: Through Spain’s official Mercurio system (link)
- In person: At designated immigration offices or police stations
When to Apply
You must submit the request before the initial 90-day period expires.
Cost of Prórroga de Estancia in 2025
The fee is currently €10.72 (Form 790, code 012). Payment must be completed prior to submitting supporting documents.
What Happens After Applying?
Immigration authorities will review your case. Processing times vary, but expect **2–6 weeks** depending on region.
- If approved: Your extension is stamped into your passport.
- If denied: You must leave Spain before your original 90-day limit ends.
Appeals: You may file a recurso de reposición (administrative appeal) within 30 days of a denial.
Alternative Residency Options
If you need to stay in Spain longer than a short-term extension, consider one of these residency options:
Official Government Resources
Need Health Insurance for a Stay Extension?
Immigration offices require full medical coverage with no copayments for prórroga de estancia requests. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Sanitas no-copayment health insurance meets all legal requirements and is widely accepted by Spanish authorities.
Fast approval • Fully compliant • English-speaking support
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