Schengen visa fees: how much does a Schengen visa really cost in 2025 ?
Applying for a Schengen visa may seem straightforward, but visa fees are one of the most misunderstood parts of the process for applicants worldwide. Many travellers expect to pay a single, fixed amount, only to discover that the official Schengen visa fee is just one part of the total cost. Service fees charged by visa application centres (VFS, TLS, BLS), administrative extras, and mandatory documents can significantly increase the final bill — with the added frustration that most fees are non-refundable if the visa is refused.
Understanding how Schengen visa fees work is also crucial beyond a first application. Each new application or renewal involves paying the fees again, and small mistakes — applying at the wrong consulate, misunderstanding service charges, or submitting incomplete documents — can lead to unnecessary costs. A well-prepared application, including compliant Schengen travel insurance, helps reduce the risk of refusals and supports smoother renewals and longer visa validity over time.
- 💶 The official Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11
- 🧾 Visa centre service fees (VFS, TLS, BLS) are separate from the official fee and usually mandatory
- 🛡️ Travel insurance is mandatory and must meet Schengen requirements; it is not included in the visa fee and typically costs between €10 and €40 for a standard short stay
- 📊 The real Schengen visa cost often ranges between €140 and €200 once all fees are included
- ❌ Schengen visa fees are not refunded if the application is refused
- 👶 Some applicants benefit from fee exemptions or reductions, but service fees may still apply
What is the official Schengen visa fee in 2025 ?
The official Schengen visa fee is set at European Union level and applies uniformly across all Schengen countries. It is charged for short-stay visas (Type C), whether the trip is for tourism, family visits, business, events or short-term studies. This fee covers the administrative processing of the application by the consular authorities and is independent of the country where you apply.
It is important to note that this amount represents only the consular visa fee. It does not include any service fees charged by visa application centres (VFS, TLS, BLS) or additional administrative costs, which are addressed separately later on this page.
How much is the Schengen visa fee for adults and children?
Applicant category | Official visa fee 💳 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Adults (12+) | €90 💶 | Fixed EU-wide fee |
Children (6–11) | €45 👶 | Reduced fee |
Children under 6 | €0 🆓 | Fee exemption |
The official fee is the same for all short-stay Schengen visas, regardless of whether you apply for a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa. Paying more does not grant additional entries, longer validity or preferential treatment. For reference, other Schengen-related visas follow different pricing rules. An airport transit Schengen visa (Type A) is charged at €90, while long-stay national visas (Type D) usually cost around €99, with the exact amount set by each country. These visas are not covered by the short-stay Schengen fee structure and come with different rights and conditions.
Likewise, the length of visa validity (for example a few weeks, several months or one year) does not affect the price. A visa valid for a longer period costs exactly the same as one issued for a shorter duration, as the fee is linked to the application process itself, not to the duration or number of trips authorised.
What is the difference between the Schengen visa fee and service fees?
One of the most common sources of confusion for applicants is the difference between the official Schengen visa fee and the service fees charged by visa application centres. Although both amounts are paid as part of the same process, they serve very different purposes and are governed by different rules.
Why do VFS, TLS and BLS charge additional fees?
Visa application centres such as VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS International are private service providers appointed by Schengen states to handle the administrative side of visa applications. Their role includes collecting applications, verifying documents, taking biometric data and forwarding files to the competent consulate.
At European level, the use of external service providers is regulated by the EU Visa Code, which authorises consulates to outsource these tasks and allows centres to charge a separate service fee. This fee is capped and strictly framed by EU rules, but it is not part of the official visa fee.
The distinction is therefore clear:
- the consulate examines the application and makes the visa decision
- the visa application centre provides logistical and administrative services only
Paying a service fee does not influence the outcome of the application, as the consulate remains the sole decision-maker.
How much are Schengen visa service fees?
Fee type | Typical amount 💰 | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
Official visa fee | €90 / €45 | Yes |
Visa centre service fee | €40–55 🧾 | Usually |
Optional services | €5–100+ ✨ | No |
In practice, most applicants must pay both the official visa fee and the visa centre service fee when applying through an external provider. Optional services — such as premium lounges, prime-time appointments, document scanning or SMS notifications — are not required and do not increase approval chances, even though they can significantly raise the total cost of a Schengen visa application.
What is the total cost of a Schengen visa application?
The official Schengen visa fee alone does not reflect the real cost of applying for a visa. Once mandatory service fees and practical administrative expenses are added, the total amount paid by applicants is often significantly higher than expected. These additional costs vary depending on the country of application, the visa centre used and the applicant’s situation.
Which additional costs should applicants expect?
Beyond the visa fee and service fee, applicants should budget for several ancillary but common expenses:
- Passport photos 📸: must meet strict biometric standards and are often taken on-site or by approved providers. Read more about the Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Travel insurance 🛡️: mandatory for all Schengen visa applications and charged separately from visa fees
- Translations and copies 📄: required when documents are not in an accepted language
- Courier return service 📨: often used for passport delivery after processing
- Travel to the visa centre 🚆: transport, accommodation or time off work for in-person appointments
Individually, these costs may seem minor, but combined they can noticeably increase the overall visa budget.
Realistic total Schengen visa cost examples
Applicant profile | Estimated total cost 💶 |
|---|---|
Adult tourist | €140–200 |
Family (2 adults, 1 child) | €300–420 |
Business traveller | €180–300 |
These estimates reflect typical scenarios observed internationally, including the official visa fee, standard service fees and basic administrative expenses. Applicants opting for premium services or facing additional document requirements may incur higher costs, while well-prepared applications can help avoid unnecessary extras.
Are Schengen visa fees refunded if the visa is refused?
In most cases, Schengen visa fees are not refunded, even if the application is refused. This applies both to the official visa fee and, in the majority of situations, to the service fees charged by visa application centres. For many applicants, this is one of the most frustrating aspects of the Schengen visa process.
From an administrative perspective, the logic is straightforward: the visa fee covers the processing and examination of the application, not the outcome. Once the file has been assessed by the consular authorities, the service has been rendered, regardless of whether a visa is granted or denied.
Exceptions to this rule are very limited. One of the rare situations where a refund may apply is when the application was lodged at a consulate that is not competent to process it. In such cases, the consulate may return the visa fee and redirect the applicant to the correct authority. Outside of these specific circumstances, refusals do not give rise to reimbursement.
Minimising refusal risk remains the only effective way to avoid paying Schengen visa fees twice.
If you want to limit potential losses, one practical option is to choose a Schengen travel insurance policy that can be refunded if your visa is officially refused (with the refusal letter as proof, subject to the insurer’s terms). On HelloSafe, you can compare and buy Schengen-compliant insurance online and pick an option that matches this refund feature.
Choose insurance with a refund if your visa is refusedWho is exempt from paying Schengen visa fees?
While the Schengen visa fee applies to most applicants, European regulations provide several exemptions and reductions for specific categories. These exemptions are defined at EU level and aim to facilitate mobility for certain profiles, particularly children, families of EU citizens and academic travellers.
Category | Visa fee |
|---|---|
Children under 6 | €0 🆓 |
Family members of EU/EEA citizens | €0 👨👩👧 |
Students and researchers (eligible cases) | €0 🎓 |
Diplomatic passport holders | €0 🛂 |
It is essential to understand that these exemptions apply only to the official Schengen visa fee charged by the consulate. In many countries, applicants who are exempt from the visa fee may still be required to pay visa application centre service fees when submitting their application through VFS, TLS or BLS.
Eligibility for exemptions often depends on supporting documents (proof of relationship, enrolment, research purpose, or official status). As requirements may be interpreted strictly, providing clear and complete documentation remains crucial to avoid delays or unexpected costs.
Does a multiple-entry Schengen visa cost more?
No. A multiple-entry Schengen visa does not cost more than a single-entry visa. The official Schengen visa fee remains exactly the same, regardless of the number of entries granted.
This is a common misconception among applicants, often fuelled by the belief that paying more could lead to a more flexible visa. In reality, the consular fee is linked solely to the processing of the application, not to the type of visa issued, the number of trips allowed or the length of validity.
The decision to grant a single-entry or multiple-entry visa is based entirely on the applicant’s profile and travel history. Factors such as previous Schengen visas, compliance with past stays, frequency of travel, purpose of visits and overall credibility of the application are assessed by the consulate. Paying higher service fees or optional extras does not influence this decision.
Can paying for premium services increase approval chances?
No. Paying for premium services has no impact on Schengen visa approval decisions. There is a strict separation between the services offered by visa application centres and the decision-making power of consulates.
Options such as premium lounges, prime-time appointments, document scanning, SMS notifications or form assistance are provided by visa centres for convenience and comfort only. They can make the appointment process faster or more comfortable, but they do not improve the quality of the application and are not taken into account by consular officers.
Applicants should therefore be cautious about unnecessary spending, especially when premium services are presented as shortcuts or implied advantages. A visa decision is based exclusively on the strength and consistency of the application file, including purpose of travel, financial means, travel history and compliant supporting documents, not on the amount paid for optional services.
How do Schengen visa fees affect future applications and renewals?
Each Schengen visa application involves paying the fees again, regardless of previous approvals. There is no discount, credit or rollover of fees from one application to the next, even for frequent travellers or applicants seeking a renewal. This makes cost control and preparation especially important over time.
Submitting a coherent and compliant application helps reduce the risk of refusals and repeated payments. Consulates pay close attention to consistency across applications, including travel purpose, supporting documents and respect of previous visas. Avoiding administrative errors and incomplete files is often the most effective way to limit unnecessary costs in the long run.
A compliant Schengen travel insurance remains a key document at every stage, including renewals. Insurance that meets all Schengen requirements — in terms of coverage, duration and validity — supports smoother processing and helps prevent delays or refusals that could otherwise lead to paying the full set of fees again.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificateHow can applicants avoid unnecessary Schengen visa costs?
While some Schengen visa costs are unavoidable, many extra expenses can be reduced or avoided with the right preparation. A clear understanding of the process helps applicants stay in control of their budget and avoid paying for services that bring no real value.
Actionable checklist to limit Schengen visa costs:
- Check official fees in advance 📋: verify the current Schengen visa fee and the applicable service fee on the official consulate or visa centre website before your appointment
- Avoid unofficial intermediaries 🚫: third-party agents offering appointments or “guaranteed visas” often charge high fees without providing any legitimate advantage
- Decline non-essential options ✨: premium lounges, prime-time slots, scanning or SMS services are optional and do not influence visa approval
- Choose compliant Schengen travel insurance from the start 🛡️: insurance that fully meets Schengen requirements helps avoid delays, resubmissions and additional costs
By focusing on compliance rather than add-ons, applicants can significantly reduce the risk of paying Schengen visa fees more than once.
FAQ
The total Schengen visa cost is usually higher than the official fee alone. While the visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11, most applicants also pay a visa centre service fee (around €40–55). Additional expenses such as travel insurance, photos, document copies or courier delivery often bring the real total cost to €140–200 for a standard adult application.
Yes. The official Schengen visa fee is set at EU level and is the same regardless of the country where you apply. However, service fees charged by visa application centres and practical expenses can vary depending on the country, city and provider (VFS, TLS, BLS). This explains why the total price may differ from one location to another.
Children under the age of 6 are fully exempt from the Schengen visa fee. Children aged 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fee of €45. However, in some countries, visa application centres may still charge service fees, even when the official visa fee is waived. Parents should always check the full cost structure before booking an appointment.
No. In almost all cases, Schengen visa fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. The fee covers the processing of the application, not the outcome. Only very rare situations — such as applying at an incompetent consulate — may lead to a refund. For most applicants, avoiding refusal is the only way to avoid paying the fees again.
No. A multiple-entry Schengen visa costs exactly the same as a single-entry visa. The visa fee does not depend on the number of entries or the length of validity. Whether a multiple-entry visa is granted depends entirely on the applicant’s profile, travel history and compliance with previous visas — not on how much is paid.
In most cases, yes. When applications are submitted through a visa application centre, the service fee is usually mandatory and charged in addition to the official visa fee. These fees pay for administrative services such as document collection and biometrics. Optional services may be offered, but they are not required and do not affect the visa decision.
No. Travel insurance does not replace the Schengen visa fee. It is a separate and mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa. Insurance must meet strict Schengen criteria and is checked by consulates as part of the application. While it adds to the overall cost, compliant insurance helps avoid delays or refusals that could result in paying the visa fees again.
Yes. Each Schengen visa application is treated as a new request, and all applicable fees must be paid again, even after a recent approval or refusal. There is no credit or carry-over of fees. Submitting a complete, consistent application — including valid insurance and supporting documents — helps reduce the risk of repeated costs over time.
