Blogs • January 31, 2025 • 17 Min

Upcoming Schengen Countries List: New Member States

Travel in Europe has long captured the attention of visitors who value open borders and common visa policies. Since its inception, the Schengen zone has expanded several times, welcoming new members as they align their policies and meet the strict requirements for membership. In 2025, Romania and Bulgaria became the latest new Schengen members, further extending Europe's largest border-free zone and bringing additional benefits to travelers, businesses, and entire national economies. In this article, we will explore the Schengen countries list, upcoming members, new visa requirements, and how these developments will affect future candidates. Understanding the Schengen Area in 2025 Many people hear about the Schengen zone and wonder what it actually entails. It’s a group of European nations that abolished border checks at their internal borders while adhering to uniform policies on immigration, security, and visa issuance. The year 2025 presents some new changes, especially the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria. Schengen Area Country List The table below presents the Schengen area country list as of January 2025. It shows 29 members, including those that were part of the agreement previously and the most recent new members that joined. Note: The list covers countries that have fully adopted the Schengen rules. Cyprus remains a candidate, and Montenegro is also looking to join in the future. Ireland and the United Kingdom are not part of the Schengen arrangement, although Ireland has different agreements with the EU. The table highlights the status as of 2025, including the latest countries that have recently joined. Brief Overview of the Current Schengen Zone The Schengen Agreement is named after a small town in Luxembourg near where the initial signing took place. In 1985, five European nations (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) decided to remove internal border checks. The actual implementation began in 1995, after extensive discussions on security, judicial cooperation, and visa regulations. Differences Between the EU and Schengen The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 states that share many laws, trade rules, and legislative frameworks. The Schengen zone is a travel zone formed by 29 countries in 2025. Four countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are Schengen members but not part of the EU. Meanwhile, Ireland is an EU country but has not joined the Schengen zone. Tips for Smooth Stays in the Schengen Track the 90/180 Rule: If you plan multiple trips, maintain a calendar of days spent in Schengen countries to avoid overstays. Carry ID: Even if there are no internal border checks, be prepared to show identification if asked by local authorities. Stay Informed: Rules may change, so keep track of updates, especially for any digital entry/exit systems or temporary measures. Traveling Outside Mainland Europe with a Schengen Visa The Schengen zone includes some territories that are geographically separate. Examples are the Azores (Portugal), the Canary Islands (Spain), and Madeira (Portugal). All these follow Schengen rules for entry, so a valid visa or residence permit generally allows access without further paperwork. However, there are territories belonging to Schengen nations that do not follow Schengen rules, such as Greenland or the Faroe Islands (under Denmark). A standard Schengen visa might not cover these areas, so travelers must double-check local entry requirements. Ensuring Compliant Visa Applications When working on Schengen visa applications, plan ahead. Most consulates advise applying at least 15 days, but preferably several weeks, before your intended trip. In certain cases, the process can take longer, up to 45 days if additional documents or verifications are required. Key Documentation: Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and remain valid for three months beyond the intended stay. Application Form: Carefully completed and signed, detailing the purpose and duration of your visit. Photographs: Typically 35x45mm, with a neutral facial expression and a uniform light background. Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or other financial evidence indicating you can cover expenses while traveling. Travel Insurance: Must meet Schengen standards, typically including coverage of at least 30,000 EUR for medical expenses. Accommodation Confirmation: Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host. Return Ticket or Equivalent: Proof that you intend to leave the Schengen zone after your permitted stay. Make sure these documents are up-to-date and accurate. Errors in forms or missing evidence can delay or jeopardize your approval. Requirements for Schengen Membership For a country to join the Schengen Area, it must meet a series of stringent criteria aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and uniformity of the zone. These criteria include: Secure External Borders The candidate country must demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and secure its borders. This entails strong surveillance systems, modern infrastructure, and robust cooperation with neighboring states. Data Protection and Information Sharing The country must connect to and effectively use shared databases such as the Schengen Information System (SIS), Visa Information System (VIS), and other relevant security and law enforcement databases. Unified Visa and Border Policy Schengen membership mandates adoption of the Schengen acquis, which includes synchronized border control regulations, visa issuance procedures, and law enforcement practices. Legal and Administrative Preparedness Countries must pass extensive legal, political, and administrative checks. This includes aligning domestic laws with EU and Schengen norms in areas such as justice, anti-corruption, and law enforcement cooperation. Political Consensus Because Schengen expansions require unanimous approval from existing member states, the political dimension is crucial. Even if all technical requirements are met, any single member can theoretically block or delay a country’s admission. These requirements help sustain the policy of free movement that is so central to the Schengen zone’s philosophy. New Countries Joining Schengen Area in 2025 The year 2025 marks the official entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone. This marks a significant moment for travelers, investors, and residents who are keen to explore these Balkan states with fewer restrictions. Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Bulgaria: Discussion about Bulgaria’s accession spanned many years. The nation met technical and legislative benchmarks but encountered various political delays in the EU. By early 2025, approval was finally granted. Romania: Similar to Bulgaria, Romania had fulfilled the main conditions but awaited green lights within the European Council. The confirmation process concluded at the end of 2024, making January 2025 its formal joining date. Both countries joined the European Union in 2007 and have since demonstrated a consistent drive to meet Schengen criteria. Both countries have: Implemented advanced biometric passport systems. Integrated national security and law enforcement databases with EU-wide systems. Upgraded border facilities to reduce illegal cross-border activities. Undertaken legal reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and combatting corruption. These two countries now fully participate in the Schengen zone, meaning visitors can include them in multi-country trips without facing internal borders. This change also aligns them with common visa and security regulations. Timeline and Implementation Phases Pre-2025 Evaluation: EU committees assessed border readiness, infrastructure, and alignment with Schengen regulations. Approval Late 2024: The European Parliament and the Council evaluated final reports. Formal Accession in January 2025: Internal border checks between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries ceased. Post-Accession Monitoring: Ongoing oversight to ensure full compliance with shared rules. This phased approach aimed to guarantee that both Romania and Bulgaria demonstrated preparedness for Schengen membership without compromising security or travel efficiency. Schengen Visa Requirements 2025 As of 2025, the structure of Schengen visa requirements remains primarily the same, although certain policies are updated. With 29 countries in this zone (counting Bulgaria and Romania), travelers must understand new guidelines before entering the Schengen area. Updated Visa Policies The Schengen visa requirements 2025 are set to evolve as the zone expands and incorporates new digital tools. Key updates expected include: Digital Visa Systems: The EU has been rolling out e-visa and digital application processes to modernize and streamline the Schengen visa application procedure. By 2025, many consulates and embassies will shift away from paper-based applications. Enhanced Security Checks: As technology advances, so do security screenings. Biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition) and electronic travel authorizations will become standard for most travelers. Unified Rules for New Members: Romania and Bulgaria, once fully integrated, will adopt these same Schengen visa regulations. Non-EU citizens who require a visa to travel to other Schengen countries will also need one for Romania and Bulgaria, and vice versa. Changes in Travel Regulations By 2025, there could be additional regulatory changes affecting both EU citizens and non-EU nationals: ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is being implemented for visa-exempt travelers from non-EU countries. Visitors who do not need a traditional Schengen visa will still need an ETIAS authorization. This system adds a layer of security checks before arrival. Short-Stay Limits: Travelers on a Schengen visa are typically limited to a 90-day stay within a 180-day period. These rules apply uniformly across all Schengen states, including new entrants. If Romania and Bulgaria join, time spent in these countries would count toward this limit. Residency and Work Permits: Individuals holding residence permits from Schengen countries typically enjoy enhanced mobility across the zone. By 2025, Romanian and Bulgarian residence permits will also grant visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area. Border Control Technology: Upgraded Entry/Exit Systems (EES) will collect data on non-EU travelers, logging their entries and exits electronically. This aims to reduce overstays and improve migration management, especially crucial as new countries join. In essence, the Schengen zone expansion will come with an updated, more digital, and more secure approach to European travel regulations. For tourists and business travelers, these changes mean quicker processing but also increased vigilance in data protection and compliance. Schengen Visa Validity and Application Details Schengen visa validity may cover just the duration of a trip or extend for several years. Applicants need to check the number of days permitted in the zone, since overstays can lead to fines or bans. When applying, people are advised to: Submit a complete application at the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to visit first or spend the most time in. Provide evidence of adequate funds, travel insurance valid in all Schengen countries, a confirmed itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Schengen zone. Benefits of Schengen Area Expansion Every addition to the Schengen zone carries effects on business, tourism, and even day-to-day life. Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion is no exception. Economic, political, and cultural dimensions all play a role in defining these advantages. Economic Advantages When countries remove internal borders, commerce tends to flow more freely. Companies can move goods faster across previously guarded frontiers, cutting logistical hurdles. This can reduce costs for importers and exporters, leading to new openings for growth. Broader markets for products and services become available, and cross-border cooperation can intensify. Travel Flexibility For travelers used to crossing borders within the existing zone, the 2025 expansion means they can add Bulgaria and Romania to their journeys without extra checkpoints. The same Schengen visa provides passage, simplifying itineraries and creating a broader range of destinations with minimal bureaucratic procedures. Business Opportunities Firms with plans to expand operations across Europe benefit from a coherent set of rules and regulations. Investing in Bulgarian or Romanian ventures can become more appealing. Plus, professionals needing short-term stays in the Schengen zone can move in or out of those countries without extra paperwork. How to Travel in the Extended Schengen Zone Traveling within the Schengen zone has always been associated with no internal border stops. That remains consistent for 2025, though now with additional countries. Visa-Free Travel Rules Individuals from visa-exempt countries can still visit the Schengen zone (including new members) for up to 90 days within a 180-day window. For nationalities not on the visa-exempt list, a Schengen visa remains mandatory prior to arrival. Once inside, cross-border movement happens freely. Duration of Stays in the Schengen The common rule remains the same: up to 90 days in any 180-day period for short-term visas or visa-exempt visitors. People holding multiple-entry visas need to track their days accurately to avoid exceeding that limit. Overstay penalties could range from fines to temporary entry bans. Border Crossing Procedures Although internal border checks between Schengen states are gone, travelers should carry valid identification. Spot checks can happen if authorities need to verify a traveler’s identity. That means a passport or national ID (for EU citizens) is essential. Non-EU citizens should have visa and travel documents handy until reaching their final destination. Impact on Global Mobility and Investment Many international visitors see Europe as a prime region for travel and business. The broader Schengen zone can shape decisions on where to invest, settle, or spend time. Residence by Investment Options Prospective investors sometimes weigh the benefits of different European residency programs. Below is a broad comparison of popular choices: Malta The minimum real estate investment requirement is €455,000 Applicants can rent a property (with a minimum annual rent requirement) or purchase real estate. Residency can be approved in 3-4 months Malta also offers a path toward citizenship by special investment, though this involves a higher financial commitment. Portugal Investors focus on business ventures, heritage projects, research, and job creation. Minimum business investment requirement is € 500,000 in an investment fund Residence is often granted in about six to twelve months after application. Citizenship can be applied for after five years of holding a residence permit, provided applicants meet conditions such as language knowledge. Read more about Living in Portugal, and associated costs for better planning. Greece The Golden visa program is popular for a competitive real estate minimum. The residence permit can be ready in about three months. Investment requirements range from € 800,000 to €250,000. Once approved, the holder can move freely across Schengen countries for short visits. Latvia  Minimum investments: €250,000 for real estate, and €50,000 for business The residence permit can be ready in about four to six months Progressive personal income tax rates, flat rate for corporate income, VAT and social contributions These programs can become pathways to citizenship over time, although each country has different timelines and language or integration requirements. Residency Programs Overview Below is a table summarizing core details for each country’s residency program, focusing on minimum requirements and expected timelines. Some of these programs are in the list of the most transformative in the world, and more information can be found in this blog post. Investment Prospects Various European countries offer paths to residence permits through financial commitments, sometimes called “residence by investment” programs. Though exact details vary, the principle is similar: an individual invests in real estate, bonds, or business ventures and, in return, can obtain a residence permit. With that permit, a person may travel throughout the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Residence Permits and Global Mobility A residence permit in any Schengen state allows movement across all Schengen countries without additional visas. This boosts mobility for those who frequently travel for business or personal reasons. Each nation enforces its own conditions, so prospective applicants compare timelines, total costs, and associated benefits. Regardless, once a residence permit is issued by a Schengen country, short stays in all other member states require no additional visa. Business Implications Enterprises with cross-border interests sometimes establish branches or partnerships in one state while serving the entire Schengen zone from that base. With Romania and Bulgaria added to the map, the combined market potential looks even larger. There may be simpler expansion routes across Southeastern Europe with fewer administrative steps for goods, people, and services. Future Schengen Area Candidates Though the Schengen zone reached 29 countries in 2025, efforts to widen its scope continue. There are discussions about including a few more applicants who either belong to the EU or have signed treaties aligning them with European standards. Potential Member States Cyprus: Officially part of the European Union but still under evaluation regarding border control and certain territorial concerns. There are big perspectives for Cyprus to join the Schengen zone very soon. Montenegro: A candidate for EU membership, it hopes to join Schengen after meeting essential criteria. Application Status Cyprus has faced some delays because of ongoing complexities surrounding its division. Meanwhile, Montenegro is working step-by-step on EU alignment, anticipating future Schengen negotiations once it addresses political and technical benchmarks. Both countries allow entry for travelers with a valid multi-entry Schengen visa, even if they are not fully integrated into the zone. Timeline Predictions Exact dates are not set. Observers initially predicted that Cyprus would join earlier, but developments have been slower than expected. Montenegro’s progress depends on its EU accession path. As both nations fulfill the necessary requirements, membership might advance in the next few years. Schengen’s Impact: Beyond Borders and Regulations From the outside, the Schengen zone might look like a technical set of regulations on border control. In reality, it has a profound impact on everyday life in Europe. The Schengen Agreement remains a hallmark of European integration, and with two more countries on board, that vision of borderless movement has grown once again. It’s a sign that, despite global challenges, cooperation and shared values in European travel policy persist. From enhanced visa-free travel options to investment opportunities, the Schengen zone expansion broadens horizons for travelers, businesses, and communities alike. Whether you’re interested in a short trip or a longer stay, trusting experts and preparing your paperwork is always the best plan. And if your plans are to relocate and settle in a Schengen country, contact Savory and Partners today, and let's create the perfect strategy matching with your ambitions and long-term perspectives. FAQs About Schengen Area Changes 2025 Are the borders of the Schengen Area and the European Union the same? They do not match exactly. While most EU members participate in the Schengen zone, some EU countries (such as Ireland) maintain separate border policies. Non-EU nations like Switzerland and Norway are in the Schengen zone. That leads to a Schengen zone that slightly differs from the official EU boundary. How to travel visa-free in the Schengen zone? Certain nationalities benefit from visa-exempt travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Another option is obtaining a residence permit from a Schengen nation, which also grants short-term visa-free mobility within the zone. Keep in mind that a residence permit from a non-Schengen EU country would not allow free movement across the Schengen zone. Which residence permit by investment is more advantageous? It depends on personal goals, budgets, and timelines. Malta may offer permanent residence for lower property rental costs, while Greece often has one of the most competitive real estate thresholds. Spain has an option for property and financial investments, while Portugal stands out for flexible real estate or business-related paths. Check the full terms in each country to see what best matches your situation. What is the Schengen Area? It’s a geographic zone in Europe where internal borders are removed among member nations. People holding passports from member states can move across these nations without passport checks, while visitors from outside must follow shared visa requirements. The original agreement was signed in 1985 by five countries and became operational a decade later. Why is the UK not in Schengen? The United Kingdom chose to maintain its own border controls, even when it was an EU member. It never signed onto the Schengen Agreement. Following its complete withdrawal from the EU, the UK remains outside all Schengen policies. Citizens of which countries don’t need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area? Individuals from nations like the United States, Australia, Japan, and several others have visa-exempt status. The list evolves over time, so travelers must verify whether their country is exempt before they plan any trip. Can I go to the UK with a Schengen visa? A Schengen visa does not grant entry to the United Kingdom. The UK enforces its own visa system. Visitors need to check the UK’s rules or secure a separate UK visa if required. References  European Commission. (n.d.). Schengen Area. Migration and Home Affairs. https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-area_en European Commission. (2022, December 8). Commission welcomes the Council’s decision on Croatia joining the Schengen area but regrets that not all Member States have been able to take a decision on Romania and Bulgaria.https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_7618 Council of the European Union. (2022, December 8). Enlargement of the Schengen area: Council adopts decision on Croatia.https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/08/enlargement-of-the-schengen-area-council-adopts-decision-on-croatia/ SchengenVisaInfo. (n.d.). What is the Schengen Area?https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ European Commission. (n.d.). Schengen Visa. Migration and Home Affairs. https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-visa_en