Schengen Visa Fees 2025: Country-Specific Costs & Updates

In 2025, the Schengen visa system has undergone significant updates, affecting travelers worldwide. The standard fees have increased, and new digital systems like ETIAS are being introduced. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of the Schengen visa fees by country, highlighting specific charges, exemptions, and additional costs.

Adult Applicants: €90
Children Aged 6–12: €45
Children Under 6: Exempt from visa fees

These fees apply to short-stay Type C visas, allowing stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's important to note that these are base fees; additional charges may apply depending on the country and application method.

France

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: Approximately €30–€40 when applying through visa application centers
• Urgent Processing: An additional €100 for expedited processing within 2–3 days

Germany

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: Around €30–€40 via application centers
• Processing Time: Standard processing takes up to 15 days; expedited options may be available at additional costs

Italy

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: Approximately €30–€40 through visa centers
• Additional Costs: Travel insurance and proof of accommodation may incur extra expenses

Spain

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: €30–€40 when applying via external service providers
• Note: Ensure all documents are translated into Spanish or English to avoid delays

Netherlands

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: €30–€40 through application centers
• Additional Requirements: Proof of sufficient funds and travel insurance are mandatory

Sweden

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: Approximately €30–€40 via visa centers
• Processing Time: Up to 15 days; applicants are advised to apply well in advance

Norway

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: €30–€40 when applying through service providers
• Note: Biometric data collection is mandatory for all applicants

Switzerland

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: Approximately €30–€40 via application centers
• Additional Costs: Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 is required

Austria

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: €30–€40 through visa centers
• Processing Time: Standard processing within 15 days; delays may occur during peak seasons

Belgium

• Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6–12
• Service Fee: Approximately €30–€40 via application centers
• Note: Applicants must provide proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means

• Service Fees: When applying through external service providers like VFS Global, an additional service fee of €30–€40 is typically charged.
• Travel Insurance: Applicants are required to have travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
• Biometric Data Collection: First-time applicants must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• Expedited Processing: Some countries offer expedited processing for an additional fee, ranging from €70 to €100, depending on the country and urgency.

Certain applicants are exempt from paying the Schengen visa fee:

• Children under 6 years of age
• Students and teachers traveling for educational purposes
• Researchers traveling for scientific research
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 or below participating in seminars, conferences, or sports events
• Family members of EU/EEA citizens

It's essential to check with the specific embassy or consulate for detailed information on exemptions and required documentation.

Visa fees can be paid through various methods, depending on the country and application center:

• Credit or Debit Card: Many embassies and consulates accept card payments.
• Cash: Some application centers accept cash payments in local currency.
• Bank Transfer: Certain embassies may require payment through bank transfers; ensure to keep the payment receipt for submission.

Always confirm the accepted payment methods with the respective embassy or application center before proceeding.

Conclusion

Navigating the Schengen visa application process in 2025 requires awareness of the updated fees and country-specific requirements. While the standard visa fee stands at €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12, additional charges may apply based on the country and application method. Applicants should also consider service fees, travel insurance costs, and potential expedited processing charges. Being informed and prepared ensures a smoother application experience and a successful journey to the Schengen Area.