Schengen Visa Fees and Costs in 2025: What You Should Know

Planning a trip to Europe’s Schengen Area? Whether it’s for leisure, business, or visiting family, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how much a Schengen Visa will cost in 2025. While the main visa fee is set by EU regulations, there are other expenses to consider—such as service charges, travel insurance, and document preparation. This guide breaks down the fees, additional costs, and ways to budget effectively for your trip. If you’re applying for the first time, Outbound Visa can guide you through the process so you don’t spend more than necessary. Official Schengen Visa Application Fee in 2025 As of 2025, the standard Schengen Visa fee for short-stay visas (up to 90 days) remains: • €80 for adults (aged 12 and above) • €40 for children aged 6 to 11 • Free for children under 6 Some applicants are exempt from paying the fee or qualify for reduced rates, such as certain students, researchers, and family members of EU citizens. Note: Fees must usually be paid in local currency at the embassy, consulate, or visa center. Exchange rates and payment methods vary by location. Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee Even though the official fee covers the visa application itself, other costs often come into play. 1. Visa Application Center Service Charges If you apply through a service provider like VFS Global or TLScontact, you’ll likely pay a separate service fee, usually between €20–€40, depending on the location. 2. Travel Insurance You must have travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergencies, valid throughout the Schengen Area. Prices vary based on your age, trip length, and provider. 3. Passport Photos Visa photos must meet strict biometric standards. Expect to pay around €5–€15 for professional photos. 4. Document Translation or Certification If your documents aren’t in English or the official language of the Schengen country, you may need certified translations, which can cost €10–€30 per page. 5. Courier or Mailing Fees Some embassies require you to cover delivery charges if your passport is returned by post. 6. Transportation for Appointments Don’t forget to budget for travel to and from the embassy or visa center. Every case is unique, and embassies may occasionally request documents not listed above. To avoid surprises, we recommend checking with our visa experts before you apply. Possible Extra Costs for First-Time Applicants First-time Schengen Visa applicants may face extra expenses, including: • Booking refundable flights or hotels for proof of travel • Additional financial documents, like notarized sponsorship letters • Multiple trips to the embassy if further documents are requested These costs can add up quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Spending • Apply early – last-minute applications often mean higher travel and courier costs. • Use refundable bookings – prevents losses if your visa is delayed or denied. • Check embassy-specific requirements – to avoid paying for unneeded services. • Work with professionals – Outbound Visa can help you streamline the process and avoid costly mistakes. Why Use Outbound Visa for Your Application At Outbound Visa, we help applicants: • Understand the exact fees for their specific case • Avoid paying for unnecessary or incorrect documentation • Prepare a complete, accurate application to prevent delays By ensuring your documents are correct the first time, you save both time and money. Final Thoughts While the official Schengen Visa fee is straightforward, the total cost of your application can vary depending on your situation, service choices, and preparation. Understanding the breakdown helps you budget accurately and avoid unnecessary expenses. Disclaimer: Embassy and visa rules can change quickly. Please always refer to the latest requirements on the official site. Outbound’s Friendly Reminder: Embassies often request more documents than officially listed, and every case is different. Student applicants, for example, may need proof of financial sponsorship. Speak with our team before submitting—these details are often unclear to first-time applicants.