Schengen Area Expands to Include Bulgaria and Romania: What It Means for Residency and Citizenship Clients

Updated as of June 11, 2026

The European Commission (EC) has announced that Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen Area on Sunday, March 31, 2024. But what does that all mean? Find out in this Latitude news story that covers the background and the ramifications.

The Schengen Area has expanded to include Bulgaria and Romania, bringing the total number of Schengen countries to 29 and further strengthening one of the world’s largest border-free travel zones.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile families, the development represents more than a technical regulatory change. It broadens access across Europe and increases the value of residency and citizenship solutions that provide Schengen travel rights.

What Is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing people to travel freely between member states without routine passport checks.

The concept originated in 1985, when several European countries signed the Schengen Agreement in the Luxembourg village of Schengen. Over time, the arrangement expanded into what is now one of the world’s most significant free movement zones.

Today, the Schengen Area enables seamless travel across much of Europe for EU citizens, residents, and holders of valid Schengen visas.

Bulgaria and Romania Are Now Part of the Schengen Area

Following years of preparation and negotiation, Bulgaria and Romania have now joined the Schengen Area.

Their accession increases the number of Schengen countries from 27 to 29, creating an even larger zone of border-free travel across Europe.

For travellers, this means fewer administrative barriers and easier movement between participating countries. For residency and citizenship investors, it expands the practical benefits associated with holding residence rights or citizenship within Europe.

The Latitude Take on Bulgaria and Romania’s Accession

Our European Residency and Citizenship by Investment specialist Ilana van Huyssteen-Meyer points out the extra benefits to existing and potential investors. “The Greece Golden Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa, along with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, will carry more value,” she reveals.

“Why? Instead of 27 countries, Golden Visa holders and their families can access without the need for a visa, there will be 29. This broadens their business and leisure travel opportunities.”

Why Schengen Expansion Matters for Residency Investors

One of the key attractions of many European residency and citizenship programs is access to the Schengen Area.

As the zone grows, so too does the practical value of these solutions.

For many investors, Schengen access supports:

• Business travel across multiple European markets
• Family travel and lifestyle flexibility
• Educational opportunities across Europe
• Greater mobility without repeated visa applications
• Long-term international planning and diversification

The addition of Bulgaria and Romania further strengthens these benefits by extending access across two strategically important European destinations.

What Does This Mean for Golden Visa Holders?

For holders of qualifying European residency programs, Schengen membership remains one of the most valuable aspects of their status.

Programs such as the Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa, Italy Investor Visa, and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme provide eligible applicants with residence rights that facilitate travel throughout the Schengen Area.

With Bulgaria and Romania now included, residents can enjoy access across an even larger network of European countries.

For many internationally mobile families, this broader access forms part of a wider strategy focused on flexibility, lifestyle planning, education, business expansion, and future optionality.

Schengen Area FAQ

What is the Schengen Area?

According to the EC, “the border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens” as well as residents of the European Union. If you’re either or hold a Schengen Visa, you won’t be subject to border checks when crossing the internal borders of Schengen countries.

Is Romania in the Schengen Area?

Yes. Romania is now a member of the Schengen Area.

Is Bulgaria in the Schengen Area?

Yes. Bulgaria is now a member of the Schengen Area.

Can I travel to Romania with a Schengen visa?

Yes. Romania is part of the Schengen Area, meaning valid Schengen visa holders can travel to Romania under standard Schengen rules.

Can I travel to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa?

Yes. Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area and accepts valid Schengen visas.

Is Switzerland in the Schengen Area?

Yes. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it participates in the Schengen Area.

Is Ireland part of the Schengen Area?

No. Ireland remains outside the Schengen Area and maintains its own border arrangements through the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.

Is the United Kingdom part of the Schengen Area?

No. Contrary to popular belief, the country did not leave the Schengen Zone because of Brexit. When Britain was a EU state, it was not a Schengen member although its citizens did enjoy the right of freedom of movement within the Union.

How many countries are in the Schengen Area?

There are currently 29 Schengen countries.

Which countries are in the Schengen Zone?

Here’s a list of countries in the Schengen Area from March 31, 2024:

• 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
• Switzerland

Explore Your European Residency Options

For many clients and their families, access to the Schengen Area is one of the most compelling benefits of European residency and citizenship planning.

Latitude advises clients on leading European residence and citizenship solutions, including the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa, and other strategic pathways.

To learn more, download our complimentary guides via the links above, or schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our advisors here.