Schengen Visa Fees 2025 | Full Cost Breakdown by Country
Schengen Visa Fees 2025: Complete Cost Breakdown for Every Country
🌍 What Is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is one of the world’s most powerful short-term visas. It allows non-EU nationals to travel freely across 29 European countries with just one visa.
Whether you want to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, explore Rome’s Colosseum, attend Oktoberfest in Munich, or enjoy the canals of Amsterdam — one Schengen Visa covers it all.
👉 That’s why understanding Schengen Visa Fees in 2025 is so important before applying.
💶 Standard Schengen Visa Fees (2025 Update)
The European Commission last updated Schengen Visa fees in June 2024, which remain valid in 2025.
|
Category |
Fee (in Euros) |
Approx. Fee in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|
|
Adults (12+ years) |
€90 |
₹9,000 |
|
Children (6–12 years) |
€45 |
₹4,500 |
|
Children under 6 |
Free |
Free |
|
Long-stay visa (National D Visa) |
€120 |
₹12,000 |
|
Visa appeal/reconsideration |
€80–€120 |
₹8,000–₹12,000 |
👉 Note: Additional service charges (like VFS Global fees) vary by country and city.
📌 Why Schengen Visa Fees Increased in 2024
-
Rising administrative costs
-
Inflation adjustment
-
Modernization of border control systems (e.g., Entry/Exit System – EES)
-
Enhanced security measures
While the increase is small (€10 more than 2023), travelers must plan their budget accordingly.
📊 Country-Wise Schengen Visa Fees 2025
Even though the base fee is standard across Europe, each Schengen country has its own service charges, courier options, and extra fees.
Let’s break down top Schengen destinations one by one:
🇫🇷 France Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children (6–12 years): €45
-
Children under 6: Free
-
VFS Global Service Fee: ~€20–€25
-
Optional SMS Alerts: €2–€3
-
Courier Return: €10–€15
📍 Where to Apply:
Applicants in India must apply via VFS France Visa Application Centres.
💡 Tip: France is one of the most popular entry points for Indians, so appointments may fill fast. Apply at least 2–3 months before travel.
🇩🇪 Germany Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Children under 6: Free
-
Biometric + Service Charges: €20–€30
📍 Where to Apply:
Through VFS Global Germany Visa.
💡 Tip: Germany offers student fee exemptions for exchange programs, researchers, and cultural visits. Always check before paying.
🇮🇹 Italy Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Service Fee (VFS): €25 approx.
-
Courier Fee: €10–€15
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: Italy often requires proof of accommodation (paid booking, not just dummy). Factor this cost when budgeting.
🇪🇸 Spain Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Service Fee: €20–€25
-
SMS Updates (Optional): €2–€3
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: Spain requires travel insurance covering €30,000 minimum — don’t forget to include this extra expense.
🇨🇭 Switzerland Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Children under 6: Free
-
VFS Fee: €25–€30
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: Switzerland is among the most expensive destinations in Europe, so while visa fees are standard, expect higher living and travel costs.
🇳🇱 Netherlands Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Service Fee (VFS): €20–€25
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: Netherlands is known for fast processing times (sometimes under 15 days).
🇬🇷 Greece Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Service Fee: ~€25
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: For island travel (Santorini, Mykonos), book flights & hotels in advance — embassy sometimes verifies reservations.
🇵🇹 Portugal Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Service Charges: €20–€25
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: Portugal is becoming a rising favorite for Indian travelers due to lower costs compared to Spain/France.
🇧🇪 Belgium Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
VFS Fee: €25 approx.
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: Belgium is popular for business travelers. If invited by a company, your host may cover some expenses.
🇦🇹 Austria Schengen Visa Fees 2025
-
Adults: €90
-
Children: €45
-
Service Fee: €20–€25
📍 Where to Apply:
💡 Tip: If traveling for ski holidays, book insurance that covers winter sports (standard insurance may not).
✅ The same fee applies to all other Schengen countries (Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Republic, etc.) with minor differences in VFS service fees.
🎓 Student & Researcher Schengen Visa Fees
Students and researchers often enjoy reduced or waived fees. For example:
-
Germany: Free for researchers under EU-funded projects.
-
France: Discounts for students attending academic programs.
-
EU exchange programs (Erasmus): No visa fee.
Always provide official documents (admission letters, invitations) to claim the exemption.
👶 Exemptions from Schengen Visa Fees
✅ No fees for:
-
Children under 6 years
-
School students on study trips
-
Researchers invited by EU institutions
-
Family members of EU/EEA nationals
-
Humanitarian visa applicants
🏦 How to Pay Schengen Visa Fees
-
Payment is accepted in local currency, converted from Euro.
-
In India: Paid in INR at the embassy/VFS exchange rate.
-
Methods: Cash, Debit/Credit Card, UPI (some centres).
-
Non-refundable: Visa fees are not returned if your visa is rejected.
⚖️ Schengen Visa vs. Other Visa Fees
|
Visa Type |
Fee (Approx.) |
Validity |
|---|---|---|
|
Schengen Visa (Europe) |
€90 |
90 days (short stay) |
|
UK Standard Visitor Visa |
€120 |
6 months |
|
US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) |
€160 |
10 years (multiple entry) |
|
Canada Visitor Visa |
€70 (CAD 100) |
6 months |
👉 While US/UK visas are longer valid, the Schengen Visa covers 29 countries, making it cost-effective.
✅ Tips to Save Money on Schengen Visa
-
Apply early → avoid premium/express fees.
-
Use free hotel/flight reservation websites instead of agents.
-
Check for student/research exemptions.
-
Choose your application centre wisely (some charge higher service fees).
-
Apply via the country you’ll stay the longest in — avoid multiple applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Schengen Visa Fees 2025
- What is the Schengen Visa fee in 2025?
The standard Schengen Visa fee in 2025 is €90 for adults and €45 for children (6–12 years). Children under 6 are exempt.
- Why did Schengen Visa fees increase in 2024?
Fees were revised in June 2024 due to inflation, higher administrative costs, and the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for security.
- Are Schengen Visa fees the same for all countries?
Yes, the base fee is standard across all Schengen countries. However, service charges (like VFS Global fees) differ by embassy and location.
- Can I pay Schengen Visa fees in Indian Rupees (INR)?
Yes ✅. Applicants in India pay the visa fee in INR, based on the Euro exchange rate decided by VFS/embassy on the application date.
- Are Schengen Visa fees refundable if my visa is rejected?
❌ No. Schengen Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.
- Do students get discounts on Schengen Visa fees?
Yes. Students, researchers, and participants in EU exchange programs (like Erasmus) often receive reduced or waived visa fees.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Schengen Visa Fee in 2025 is €90 for adults and €45 for children, with additional service fees depending on the country and VFS centre.
While costs have risen slightly, the value is unmatched — one visa opens the door to 29 European countries.
Before applying, always:
-
Check official embassy/VFS websites for updated fees
-
Budget for insurance, courier, and service charges
-
Prepare documents carefully to avoid rejection
✈️ With the right planning, your Schengen journey in 2025 can be smooth, affordable, and unforgettable.
