EURO VISA'S how can i stay for as long as possible
 

hey hey, i urgently need some help. i am going to europe very soon and i was always under the assumption that by getting a UK 2 yr working holiday visa i would be able to go where ever i wanted in europe for as long as i wanted within that 2 yrs (only work in the uk but). well i think that was really stupid of me ahaha, im looking into it more now that its getting close and im realising i can only spend time in the uk and if i am to travel outside of the uk i can only visit the other countries for a maximum of 90 days then i have to leave and spend an equal amount of time back in the uk before i can venture out again.....long story short - that isnt what i want. i am planning on spending 3-4 months in italy alone, 1 month in spain, and 1-2 months to see france,germany, uk, sweeden etc. so all up ill be travelling for atleast a good 6 -9 months. im freaking out, iv contacted all these embassies and they are all sending me in circles im so confused. the only solution consulates are giving me is to contact each countries consulate individually and apply for individual visa's. is this true? (how expensive and confusing) i just want to be able to see europe for longer how do i do it. what visa do i get that allows me to spend that amount of time there in different countries. are there loop holes.

thanks guys (sorry for the freak out) lol

Dont worry i figured it out. im going to get a one yr working holiday visa in italy and just hack that i can only spend 3 months out side of it in a siw month period. lol

Glad you worked it out. Its unfortunate that longer term visas are so difficult in europe now considering its such a traditional destination for budget/backpacker travel. Maybe someday the Schengen countries will add some longer visas.

I didn't think there was a work visa available for the schengen countries unless you had an employer apply for it?

You say you're going to visit family in Italy. Have you ever looked into see if you're elligible to claim Italian citizenship? It takes like 2 years to get it methinks because of the beauracracy, but while you are in Italy you can get a special visa that lasts 3 months I think that allows you time to apply so that there buys you time. Also if you're staying with family Italy might grant you a visa if you can prove you and/or your family is supporting your stay and you won't be working illegally.

the working visa was exactly what i was going to suggest, i got a 1 year working holiday visa for germany and it cost me $5 and was ready within 48 hours! how's that for german efficiency! granted, i was living in canberra at the time so i was able to do it all in person which was extremely handy.