Cost of Applying for a Schengen Visa from India

August 21, 2025 Admin

Cost of Applying for a Schengen Visa from India in 2025: Full Breakdown

If you’re planning to travel to Europe from India, obtaining a Schengen visa is a crucial step. Understanding the complete cost breakdown of applying for a Schengen visa from India in 2025 is essential for budgeting and ensuring a smooth application process. This guide provides detailed insights into the various fees involved, including visa application fees, service charges, biometric fees, insurance costs, and more.

🧾 1. Schengen Visa Application Fee

As of 2025, the standard Schengen visa fee for adults is €90 (₹9,000). For children aged 6 to 12 years, the fee is €45 (₹4,500). Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the visa fee (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu).

Breakdown:

Adults (12 years and above): €90 (₹9,000)
Children (6–12 years): €45 (₹4,500)
Children under 6 years: Free

Note: Visa fees are subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate.

🏢 2. Service Charges

In addition to the visa application fee, applicants are required to pay service charges for processing their visa applications. These charges are typically paid to Visa Application Centers (VACs) like VFS Global.

Service Charge: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (approximately €15 – €30)

Service charges may vary based on the VAC and the specific embassy’s requirements.

📸 3. Biometric Fee

All Schengen visa applicants are required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. This biometric information is collected during the visa application process.

Biometric Fee: Included in the visa application fee

Note: If you have provided biometric data within the last 59 months, you may not need to provide it again.

🛡️ 4. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. The insurance must cover medical expenses up to €30,000 and be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

Insurance Cost: Starting from €30 (₹3,000)

It’s advisable to choose insurance providers recognized by the embassy of the country you’re applying to.

📅 5. Appointment Booking Fee

Booking an appointment at a VAC is often required to submit your visa application. Some VACs charge a fee for this service.

Appointment Booking Fee: ₹500 – ₹1,000 (approximately €5 – €10)

Check with the specific VAC for their appointment booking procedures and fees.

🧾 6. Document Translation and Notarization Costs

Certain documents, such as bank statements, birth certificates, or marriage certificates, may need to be translated into English or the official language of the country you’re applying to. Additionally, some documents may require notarization.

Translation Costs: ₹500 – ₹2,000 per document
Notarization Fees: ₹100 – ₹500 per document

Costs vary depending on the service provider and the number of documents.

🏨 7. Accommodation and Travel Booking Costs

While not part of the visa application fee, it’s essential to budget for accommodation and travel bookings, as these are required documents for your visa application.

Accommodation Booking: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per night (depending on location and type)
Flight Reservation: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 (for a round-trip booking)

These bookings should be refundable or cancelable to avoid unnecessary expenses.

🧳 8. Miscellaneous Costs

Other potential costs include:

Courier Charges: ₹200 – ₹500 (for passport delivery)
Photocopying and Printing: ₹100 – ₹300
Miscellaneous Expenses: ₹500 – ₹1,000

These costs can add up, so it’s advisable to account for them in your budget.

📝 9. Tips to Reduce Costs

Use Refundable Bookings: Opt for refundable flight and hotel bookings to save money if your visa is denied.
Compare Insurance Providers: Shop around for travel insurance to find the best rates.
Prepare Documents in Advance: Ensure all documents are ready and meet the specific requirements to avoid additional costs.
Check for Fee Waivers: Some categories of applicants may be eligible for fee waivers or reductions. Check with the embassy for details.

Choose the country where visa is easy to get – here is list of easy visa countries

🔗 10. Useful Resources

For more detailed information and updates on Schengen visa fees and application processes, refer to the following official sources: