We don't follow the 90/180 rule, here's WHY | EU SPOUSE RIGHTS | Ep. 81
We get asked this all the time: "How are you still in the EU?" "Isn't that overstaying?" And yes? even "Are you ruining it for everyone else?" (Spoiler: we're not.) We've been living aboard and cruising the Mediterranean for over two and a half years, legally - thanks to Directive 2004/38/EC. In this video, I break down exactly how EU family rights work when you're sailing full-time with an EU spouse (I'm Polish ??, my husband is British ??), and why our extended stay is 100% legal. In this video, you'll learn about: ? How non-EU spouses can stay longer than 90 days in the EU - legally ? The difference between Schengen-wide rules vs. Member State rules ? How and why we log everything with receipts, marina invoices & spreadsheets ? What happens when the non-EU spouse travels without their EU partner ? Why we avoid gaining formal residency - and the tax implications if you do ? The exact legal references and Schengen Handbook citations that back us up This video references the following: - Directive 2004/38/EC (Free movement directive) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32004L0038 - Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R0399 - Practical Handbook for Border Guards (2022 Edition) https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-10/Handbook_for_Border_Guards_Oct_2022_EN.pdf KEY TAKEAWAY: If you're an EU citizen living or traveling in another EU country, your non-EU spouse and dependents have rights - and those rights mean you can stay far longer than the 90/180 rule most people talk about. But, it comes with responsibilities (like recordkeeping!) and awareness of how to use those rights properly. ? Got questions? Drop them in the comments. And if you found this helpful, like & subscribe for more legal-life-at-sea info! Legal note: I have a legal background, but this video is not formal legal advice. Always check with local authorities or a qualified immigration advisor for your specific case - especially if planning long stays or residency. _____ The sea calls to those who listen. It speaks of freedom, adventure, and the unknown. We are Daria, Chris, and Jasper - we sail with two golden retrievers, Hachi and Luna. We recently lost our Bernese Mountain Dog, Mimsy. (RIP 09.02.2025). Our floating home, Ragdoll, has taken us on an incredible journey across the Atlantic coast, from the west coasts of Scotland to the sun-drenched waters of the Mediterranean. For two years, we lived aboard a 47ft monohull. Now, we've started on a new adventure aboard our 2008 Fountaine Pajot Orana 44, embracing the beauty, chaos, and unpredictability of life at sea. Full-time work, homeschooling, storms, sunsets-this is our reality. No script. No certainty. Just wind, waves, and the endless blue. Join us as we navigate life on the water, one adventure at a time. ? Enjoy our content? Don't be a stranger! Subscribe, hit that like button, and ring the bell so you never miss an episode. Your support means the world to us, and we love hearing from you in the comments! ? Who are we? We're a family of three with two adventure-loving dogs. Sailing with pets isn't always easy, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We started our journey exploring the remote and breathtaking Scottish isles before setting course for the Mediterranean in 2023. With no fixed route, we go where the wind and life take us. ? Ragdoll is now a 2008 Fountaine Pajot Orana 44, a catamaran that gives us more space, comfort, and stability as we continue our life at sea. From refits to ocean crossings, every day is an adventure. ? Connect with us! ? Instagram: @sailingragdoll ? Facebook: Sailing Ragdoll ?? Website: www.sailingragdoll.com ? Email: sailingragdoll@gmail.com ? Music credits - thanks Youtube ? #LiveaboardLife #SailingEurope #EUSpouseRights #SchengenRules #Directive200438EC #SailingFamily #FullTimeSailing #SailingWithKids #NonEUspouse #BrexitBoatLife #MediterraneanCruising #90dayRule #SchengenVisa #SailingSchengen #LiveaboardEurope #EUBoatLife
