Schengen Visa Fees And Costs: How Much You Really Need To Pay

The standard Schengen visa fee is currently €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are generally exempt from the visa fee. The European Commission also lists reduced fees for some nationalities, including applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Cabo Verde.

But the official visa fee is not always the full amount you will pay. If you apply through a visa application center such as VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International, you may also need to pay a separate service fee. You may also have extra costs for travel insurance, passport photos, document translation, courier return, printing, or transport to the appointment.

The safest way to budget is simple: separate the official embassy visa fee from visa center fees and optional services.

If you are preparing your first Schengen application, start with our Schengen Visa Requirements guide so your fee planning matches the full document checklist.

Quick Answer: How Much Is The Schengen Visa Fee?

The official visa fee is set in euros, but applicants often pay in local currency depending on the embassy, consulate, or visa application center. The European Commission notes that an additional fee may apply if you apply through visa service centers that collect applications on behalf of consulates.

Official Schengen Visa Fee

The official Schengen visa fee is the amount charged for processing a short-stay Schengen visa application.

For most applicants, the current fee is:

• €90 For Adults

• €45 For Children Aged 6 To 12

• Free For Children Under 6

This fee is paid for the examination of the visa application. It is not a guarantee of approval.

The official fee applies to short-stay Schengen visas, usually for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you are unsure whether your route fits the short-stay rules, check your itinerary and visa purpose before paying any appointment or service fees.

For applicants still planning their route, our Schengen Travel Itinerary guide can help align your dates, accommodation, and main destination.

Is The Visa Application Center Service Fee Separate?

Yes. The visa application center service fee is separate from the official Schengen visa fee.

These are two different payments:

The European Commission says an additional fee may apply when applications are submitted through visa service centers. The Visa Code also regulates service fees charged by external service providers.

Important: optional services are not the same as mandatory fees. Courier return, SMS updates, premium lounge, photocopying, photo booth, and form filling support may be useful for some applicants, but they are not always required.

What Extra Costs Should You Budget For?

The official visa fee is only one part of the total application cost.

Common extra costs include:

1. Visa Application Center Service Fee

If your embassy uses a visa application center, you may need to pay a separate service fee. The exact amount depends on the country, location, and provider.

2. Travel Medical Insurance

Schengen visa applicants usually need travel medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation. The European Commission lists medical insurance as one of the required documents for Schengen visa applications.

A Schengen common information sheet also states that the minimum insurance cover should be €30,000, valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the duration of stay.

3. Passport Or Visa Photos

Schengen visa photos must meet official standards. If your photo does not meet the requirement, you may need to retake it.

If you need to prepare a compliant photo before your appointment, use our Free Passport Photo Converter.

4. Document Translation Or Legalisation

Some applicants may need certified translations or legalised documents, especially for sponsorship letters, birth certificates, marriage certificates, or family relationship proof.

This is common when applying as:

• A Minor

• A Sponsored Applicant

• A Family Member Of An EU/EEA Citizen

• A Student

• A Family Visit Applicant

• An Applicant With Documents In A Non-Accepted Language

5. Courier Return Or Passport Delivery

Some visa centers offer courier return for your passport. This is usually optional, but many applicants choose it for convenience.

6. Printing, Photocopying, Or Scanning

If your file is incomplete at the appointment, you may need to pay for printing or photocopying at or near the visa center.

7. Transport To The Appointment

Do not forget the practical cost of getting to the embassy, consulate, or visa center. Some applicants need to travel to another city for biometrics or document submission.

Does The Schengen Visa Fee Differ Based On Age?

Yes. Age affects the official Schengen visa fee.

Children under 6 are listed among categories whose visa fee is waived. Children aged 6 to 12 pay the reduced fee listed by the European Commission.

However, the fee waiver only applies to the official visa fee. Visa center service fees may still apply, depending on where and how you apply.

If you are applying as a family, calculate the fee per applicant instead of assuming everyone pays the same amount.

Are There Fee Waivers Or Exemptions?

Yes. Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee.

The European Commission says the visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants. The Schengen common information sheet lists fee-waived categories such as children under 6, certain students and accompanying teachers undertaking study or educational training stays, certain researchers, and some representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 or younger participating in eligible events.

Possible fee waiver or reduced-fee categories may include:

• Children Under 6

• Certain Students Or Pupils On Educational Trips

• Certain Researchers

• Some Non-Profit Organisation Representatives

• Qualifying Family Members Of EU/EEA Or Swiss Nationals

• Applicants From Countries With Visa Facilitation Agreements

Always check the specific embassy or visa center checklist before assuming you qualify.

What Is The Cost For Family Members Of EU/EEA Citizens?

Qualifying family members of EU/EEA or Swiss citizens may benefit from a free and accelerated visa procedure if they meet the conditions under EU free movement rules. The European Commission states that family members falling under the Free Movement Directive may be eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure.

The Schengen common information sheet explains that this can apply to family members such as a spouse, registered partner, child under 21, or dependent family member, if the EU/EEA or Swiss citizen is living in or traveling to another Member State and the family member is accompanying or joining them.

Common proof may include:

• Marriage Certificate

• Birth Certificate

• Proof Of Dependency, If Relevant

• Passport Or ID Copy Of The EU/EEA Or Swiss Citizen

• Proof You Are Traveling Together Or Joining Them

• Translations Or Legalisation, If Required

This exemption is often misunderstood. If your documents do not clearly prove the relationship or free movement situation, the embassy may not treat the application under the simplified route.

If your case involves an EU/EEA family relationship, sponsorship, dependency, or previous refusal, Visa Concierge can help you review which documents are needed before submission. This does not guarantee approval, but it can reduce avoidable document mistakes.

Does The Visa Fee Change With The Exchange Rate?

Yes, the euro amount is fixed by the Schengen rule, but the amount you pay in local currency can change.

The Visa Code allows the visa fee to be charged in euros, in the national currency of the third country, or in the currency usually used where the application is submitted. Some local fee pages also note that payment currency and methods depend on the consulate or service provider.

For example, if you apply in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, or the UK, the visa fee may be converted into the local currency using the exchange rate applied by the embassy or visa center.

This means two applicants applying in different countries, or even in different months, may pay slightly different local amounts.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Payment methods depend on the embassy, consulate, country, and visa application center.

Common payment methods may include:

• Cash

• Credit Or Debit Card

• Bank Transfer

• Bank Draft

• Money Order

• Online Payment Through The Appointment System

• Payment At The Visa Center On Appointment Day

Do not assume every center accepts cards. Some locations require cash in local currency, while others allow card or online payment.

Before your appointment, check the specific VFS, TLScontact, BLS, embassy, or consulate page for your location. Service fees and official visa fees may also have different payment methods.

Are Schengen Visa Fees Refunded If The Visa Is Denied?

No. The Schengen visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused.

The European Commission FAQ says the visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused because the fee covers the cost of examining the application.

This is why it is important to review your file carefully before submission. If you reapply after a refusal, you normally need to pay the visa fee again, and you may also need to pay another service fee if you apply through a visa center.

A refusal does not mean you can never apply again. But before reapplying, read our Schengen Visa Refusal guide so you understand what needs to change in the new file.

Are Visa Center Service Fees Refunded?

Usually, service fees are also non-refundable once the service has been provided.

This is because the visa center fee covers operational services such as appointment handling, biometrics, document intake, and passport processing support. Optional services such as courier, SMS, premium lounge, printing, or form filling may also have their own refund rules.

Do not buy optional services unless they genuinely help your situation.

Do You Pay Again If You Reapply?

Yes. If your visa is refused and you decide to submit a new application, you usually need to pay the official visa fee again.

You may also need to pay:

• A New Visa Center Service Fee

• New Travel Insurance, If Dates Change

• New Photos, If Needed

• New Translation Or Legalisation Costs

• New Courier Or Optional Service Fees

• Transport Costs For Another Appointment

Before reapplying, it is better to understand the refusal reason and fix the weak parts of the file first.

First-Time Applicant Costs To Watch

First-time applicants often focus only on the official visa fee, then get surprised by the total cost.

Extra costs can come from:

• Refundable Flight Or Hotel Reservations

• Travel Insurance

• Passport Photos

• Printing And Photocopying

• Document Translation

• Legalisation Or Notarisation

• Transport To The Visa Center

• Courier Return

• Repeated Appointments If The File Is Incomplete

If your accommodation or itinerary is still not ready, check our Proof Of Accommodation For Schengen Visa guide before paying for unnecessary bookings.

How To Avoid Paying More Than Needed

1. Apply Early

The European Commission says you must submit your application at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months before the trip. Normal processing time is 15 days, but it can be extended up to 45 days in some cases.

Applying too late can lead to extra costs, such as urgent travel, courier upgrades, or last-minute document fixes.

2. Use Realistic Refundable Bookings

Refundable bookings can help reduce financial risk before the visa decision, but they must be genuine and consistent with your itinerary.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Optional Services

Optional services are convenient, but not always needed. Do not pay for premium lounge, SMS, courier, printing, or form filling unless it genuinely helps your case.

4. Check The Country-Specific Checklist

Different embassies and visa centers may ask for different supporting documents. Paying for the wrong translation, wrong photo size, or unnecessary notarisation can waste money.

5. Make Your Documents Consistent Before Submission

Many repeated costs happen because the file has mismatches.

Check that your:

• Application Form Matches Your Passport

• Travel Dates Match Your Insurance

• Accommodation Matches Your Itinerary

• Main Destination Matches The Embassy

• Financial Proof Supports The Trip Cost

• Cover Letter Explains The Same Route

For complex routes, use our guide on which Schengen embassy should handle your application.

Schengen Visa Cost Checklist Before Appointment

Before going to your visa appointment, check:

• Official Visa Fee For Your Age Category

• Service Fee Charged By The Visa Application Center

• Accepted Payment Method

• Local Currency Amount

• Whether Cash Or Card Is Required

• Whether You Qualify For A Fee Waiver

• Whether Optional Services Are Actually Needed

• Travel Insurance Cost

• Photo, Printing, Translation, Or Courier Costs

• Transport Cost To The Appointment

• Whether Fees Are Non-Refundable

• Whether Reapplication Would Require New Fees

If you want to prepare basic visa documents and photos before submission, use Outbound Visa’s free tools, including the Free Passport Photo Converter.

When You Should Get Extra Help

You may want a second review if:

• You Are Applying As A Family

• You Are Applying With Children

• You Think You Qualify For A Fee Waiver

• You Are A Family Member Of An EU/EEA Citizen

• Your Trip Is Sponsored

• You Were Previously Refused

• You Are Unsure Whether Optional Services Are Necessary

• Your Documents Need Translation Or Legalisation

• You Are Reapplying And Do Not Want To Pay Again For A Weak File

If your case is not straightforward, compare similar situations in the Outbound Visa Forum. If you want an expert to review your fee category, exemption eligibility, and supporting documents before submission, Visa Concierge or Smart VisaAssist can help check for avoidable mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is The Schengen Visa Fee?

The standard Schengen visa fee is currently €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are generally exempt from the official visa fee.

Is The VFS Or TLS Service Fee Included In The Schengen Visa Fee?

No. The visa application center service fee is separate from the official Schengen visa fee. If you apply through VFS, TLScontact, BLS, or another service provider, you may need to pay both.

Are Optional Services Required?

Not always. Courier return, SMS updates, premium lounge, printing, photocopying, photo booth, and form filling support are usually optional services. Only pay for them if they genuinely help your situation.

Do Children Pay The Same Schengen Visa Fee As Adults?

No. Children aged 6 to 12 usually pay the reduced fee of €45, while children under 6 are generally exempt from the official visa fee. Applicants aged 12 and above usually pay the adult fee.

Is A Schengen Visa Free For Family Members Of EU Citizens?

It can be free for qualifying family members of EU/EEA or Swiss citizens under EU free movement rules. You must provide documents proving the relationship and that you are accompanying or joining the EU/EEA or Swiss citizen in a qualifying situation.

Does The Visa Fee Change Based On Exchange Rate?

The official fee is set in euros, but the local currency amount can change depending on exchange rates and how the embassy or visa center converts the fee.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted For Schengen Visa Fees?

Payment methods vary by country and visa center. Common methods include cash, card, bank transfer, bank draft, or online payment. Always check your specific embassy or visa center page before your appointment.

Are Schengen Visa Fees Refunded If My Application Is Denied?

No. The visa fee is not refunded if your visa is refused because the fee covers the cost of examining the application.

Do I Need To Pay Again If I Reapply After Refusal?

Yes. A new application usually requires a new official visa fee and, if applicable, a new visa center service fee.

Does A Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa Cost More?

Usually, the official short-stay visa application fee is the same for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa application. The visa decision, validity, and number of entries are decided by the consulate based on the case.

Is Travel Insurance Included In The Visa Fee?

No. Travel medical insurance is a separate cost and is not included in the official Schengen visa fee.

Can Outbound Visa Help Me Calculate The Total Cost?

Yes. Outbound Visa can help you estimate the total cost based on your age, destination country, visa center, document needs, and whether your case may qualify for a fee waiver or simplified procedure.

Final Takeaway

The official Schengen visa fee is clear: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. But your total cost may be higher once you include visa center service fees, travel insurance, photos, courier, printing, translation, and appointment-related expenses.

The best way to avoid unnecessary spending is to check the latest official fee, confirm the local payment method, avoid optional services you do not need, and make sure your documents are complete before submission.

If you are reapplying after a refusal, applying as a family, or trying to claim a fee waiver, review the file carefully before paying again.

Sources

• European Commission — Applying For A Schengen Visa
  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en

• Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 — Community Code On Visas
  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32009R0810

• European External Action Service — Common Information Sheet For Schengen Visa Applicants
  https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2024/Schengen_Common%20Information%20Sheet%20April%202024_0.pdf

• European Commission — Schengen Visa FAQs
  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/dae5e071-1564-4a5d-9714-2147f7641781_en?filename=FAQs.pdf

• Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The Czech Republic — Visa Fees
  https://mzv.gov.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/visa_fee_schedule/index.html

• VFS Global — Schengen Visa Fee Update
  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/prt/news/schengen-visa-fee

• Outbound Visa — Schengen Visa Requirements
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/blog/schengen-visa-requirements

• Outbound Visa — Travel Itinerary For Schengen Visa
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/blog/travel-itinerary-schengen-visa-sample-template

• Outbound Visa — Proof Of Accommodation For Schengen Visa
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/blog/proof-of-accommodation-schengen-visa

• Outbound Visa — Schengen Visa Refusal
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/blog/schengen-visa-refusal

• Outbound Visa — Free Tools
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/free-tools

• Outbound Visa — Visa Concierge
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/visa-concierge