Worried about friend moving abroad

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In a nutshell, a friend of mine moved to Spain last month. She's renting a villa.

I recently found out she has a 90-day visa sticker/stamp in her passport, not a resident visa. I asked her what she's doing and she got very frosty with me, saying the process is to get the proper visa once you're there.

AIBU to think that's not how it works and she knows it? I've read you can go to prison for overstaying, I'm worried.

You sound a bit overbearing. Your friend is an adult and, presumably, is capable of making her own decisions.
I would be frosty too. If I am in a different country trying to set up my life, the last thing I need is to manage someone else's emotions.

This is assuming a lot of incorrect things but thank you for your reply.

So what is the process then?

Sorry OP but I ‘assumed’ the same at Catza, and it’s based on the info you’ve shared. So is there more to it, is there good reason you should be worried about her?

Based purely on what you’ve said in your post theres nothing more for you to do, it’s your friends choice.

Is she not a capable adult then? What are we assuming that is not true?

How do you know that is not the process? Have you read the guidance on gov.Uk? You can indeed stay in Spain for 90 days

AIBU to think that's not how it works and she knows it?

How do you think it works OP?

The long term residency is open to those who have lived in Spain for a specific length of time, have a steady income and resources to support themselves. Not sure you can apply during the 90 day stay to just extend it!
But as for the consequences of overstaying her visa, she will be questioned, possibly fined, deported and may even be barred from returning. She won't be put in jail.

I've lived in Spain and I think that is how it works.

She'll be fine. Yes you can apply and start the process of obtaining permission to stay in a lot of European countries once you are there. The police/airports don't mind if you haven't got it yet, if you're able to provide postal receipts to prove you have started the processes. Don't specially know about Spain but I'd just trust that she knows what she's doing and not worry. She's not your responsibility.

I've lived in Spain. She is right, the proper process is to get the visa once you're there.

I got mine in month three which was cutting it fine but through no fault of my own. It was difficult to obtain and better to start sooner rather than later.

I think it’s a matter for her. If she knowingly breaks the law, she’ll have to face the consequences. How do you know it’s not the proper process?