Schengen visas are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can stay in the Schengen area for a total of 90 days with a Schengen visa. However, validity is different from duration of stay. Schengen visas are generally valid for a period longer than duration of stay (i.e. 90; the number of days you are legally allowed to stay in the Schengen area). For example, say you receive a visa that is valid from January 1st 2021 until December 31st, 2021. This means that your Schengen visa is valid for entry to the Schengen area any time throughout that almost 1-year period. However, once you enter the Schengen area, your stay is limited to 90 days.