Schengen Visa Support
💳 Schengen Visa Fees 2026 - Complete Cost Breakdown
Quick Answer: Standard Schengen visa costs €90 for adults and €45 for children (6-12 years). Children under 6 are FREE. But the total cost is higher due to VFS service charges (₹2,200-3,500 depending on country). Total typical cost: €90 + ₹2,500 = approx ₹10,500-11,000 for adults in India.
💶 Basic Visa Fees (All Schengen Countries)
| Applicant Type | Visa Fee (EUR) | Approx. in INR | Approx. in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | €90 | ₹8,100 | $97 |
| Child (6-12 years) | €45 | ₹4,050 | $48 |
| Infant (Under 6 years) | FREE | ₹0 | $0 |
Exchange rates as of February 2026: €1 = ₹90 = $1.08 (approx)
🏢 VFS Service Charges (Visa Application Centers)
Most Schengen countries outsource visa applications to VFS Global. You pay BOTH visa fee + VFS service charges:
| 🇫🇷 France | ₹2,500 | €90 + ₹2,500 = ₹10,600 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ₹2,200 | €90 + ₹2,200 = ₹10,300 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ₹2,800 | €90 + ₹2,800 = ₹10,900 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ₹2,650 | €90 + ₹2,650 = ₹10,750 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ₹2,200 | €90 + ₹2,200 = ₹10,300 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | ₹3,000 | €90 + ₹3,000 = ₹11,100 |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | ₹2,400 | €90 + ₹2,400 = ₹10,500 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | ₹2,300 | €90 + ₹2,300 = ₹10,400 |
VFS charges vary by country and may change. Check official VFS website for current rates.
➕ Additional Costs You Need to Budget
1. Mandatory Costs:
- Travel Insurance: €30-50 (₹2,700-4,500) - MANDATORY for all applicants
- Visa Fees: €90 (adults) + €45 (children 6-12)
- VFS Service Charges: ₹2,200-3,000
- Biometric Fee (if applicable): Usually included in VFS charges
2. Optional Services (VFS):
- SMS Alerts: ₹150-250
- Prime Time Appointment: ₹2,500-5,000 (skip queue)
- Lounge Access: ₹1,500-3,000
- Photo Service: ₹300-500 (if you don't bring photos)
- Photocopying: ₹50-100 per set
- Courier Return: ₹500-800 (passport delivered home)
3. Document Preparation Costs:
- Flight Reservation: ₹500-2,000 (dummy booking service)
- Hotel Bookings: Free (if refundable) or ₹500 (booking service)
- Passport Photos: ₹100-300
- Document Translation: ₹500-2,000 per document (if required)
- Notarization/Attestation: ₹200-1,000 per document
💰 Total Budget for Adult Schengen Visa (India):
- Visa Fee: €90 = ₹8,100
- VFS Charges: ₹2,500
- Travel Insurance: ₹3,000
- Flight Reservation: ₹1,000
- Photos & Misc: ₹500
Total: ₹15,100 - ₹16,000
💳 How to Pay Visa Fees
Payment Methods (Varies by Country):
At VFS Centers:
- Cash: Accepted at most VFS centers (bring exact amount)
- Card: Credit/Debit cards accepted (may have 2-3% surcharge)
- Online Payment: Some countries allow pre-payment during booking
At Embassy (Direct Application):
- Demand Draft: In favor of the embassy
- Card Payment: Some embassies accept (France, Germany)
- Bank Transfer: Pay before appointment, bring receipt
✅ Who Gets FREE Schengen Visa?
Fee Waiver Categories:
- Children Under 6: Always free
- Students: Going for study/research/training (need invitation)
- Researchers: Academic/scientific research (need invitation from research institute)
- EU Family Members: Spouse/children of EU citizens
- Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders
- Emergency Medical Treatment: If you're traveling for urgent medical care (need hospital letter)
- Funeral/Serious Illness: Close family member in Europe (need proof)
Reduced Fee (€45 instead of €90):
- Children aged 6-12 years
- Students under 25 on school trips
🔄 Are Visa Fees Refundable?
❌ NO Refund If:
- Your visa is rejected
- You withdraw your application after payment
- You don't show up for appointment
- Your documents are incomplete
- You change your travel plans
✅ Possible Refund If:
- You paid twice by mistake (with proof)
- Embassy made an error in processing
- Payment was debited but application not registered
Bottom line: Consider visa fees as non-refundable. Only apply when you're fully prepared!
👨👩👧👦 Family of 4 Cost Example
Sample: Family Trip to France (2 adults + 2 children aged 8 & 4)
Visa Fees:
- Adult 1: €90 = ₹8,100
- Adult 2: €90 = ₹8,100
- Child 1 (8 years): €45 = ₹4,050
- Child 2 (4 years): FREE = ₹0
- Subtotal Visa Fees: ₹20,250
VFS Charges (France):
- 4 people × ₹2,500 = ₹10,000
Travel Insurance:
- Family plan: ₹8,000 (all 4 covered)
Documents:
- Flight reservations: ₹1,000
- Photos: ₹500
TOTAL for Family of 4: ₹39,750
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Apply Early - Avoid "prime time" VFS charges (₹2,500-5,000 extra)
- Take Own Photos - Don't pay ₹500 at VFS, get them for ₹100 outside
- Make Own Copies - Photocopy all documents before going (VFS charges ₹50-100)
- Skip Optional Services - SMS, lounge, etc. are unnecessary
- Prepare Documents Well - Avoid rejection and losing €90
- Book Refundable Hotels - Don't pay for booking services
- Use Free Flight Reservation - Many travel agents provide free for 48 hours
- Travel Insurance Online - Buy from Policybazaar/Digit, cheaper than VFS
- Apply to Right Country - Some VFS centers charge less
- Group Applications - Family applies together, some costs shared
🌍 Country-Specific Fee Notes
France
- VFS Charges: ₹2,500
- Prime Time: +₹5,000 (skip queue)
- Payment: Cash/Card at VFS
Germany
- VFS Charges: ₹2,200 (lowest)
- Payment: Cash/Card at VFS
- Often no interview = save time
Spain
- VFS Charges: ₹2,800
- BLS International (not VFS)
- Payment: Cash/Card/Online
Italy
- VFS Charges: ₹2,650
- Payment: Online mandatory before appointment
- Courier return: ₹800
Switzerland
- VFS Charges: ₹3,000 (highest)
- More expensive overall
- Payment: Card preferred
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard visa fee for a Schengen visa application?
The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are free.
Are there any exemptions to the Schengen visa fee?
Yes, exemptions apply to children under 6, family members of EU citizens, students, researchers, diplomatic passport holders, and emergency medical cases.
Do children need to pay the same visa fee as adults?
No, children aged 6-12 pay €45, and children under 6 are exempt from the fee.
How can I pay the Schengen visa fee?
Payment can be made at VFS centers by cash, card, or online (varies by country). Some embassies accept bank transfer or demand draft.
Can I get a refund if my Schengen visa application is rejected?
No, visa fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected.
How much is the visa fee for a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
The fee for a multiple-entry Schengen visa is the same as a single-entry: €90 for adults, €45 for children (6-12).
What is the visa fee for a long-stay Schengen visa?
Long-stay (national) visa fees vary by country, typically €99-120. Check the embassy website for details.
Is the Schengen visa fee the same for all Schengen countries?
Yes, the standard fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children in all Schengen countries.
Can I pay the Schengen visa fee in my local currency?
At VFS centers in India, you pay in INR. VFS centers abroad may accept local currency. Confirm with your center.
How long is the Schengen visa fee valid for?
The fee is valid for the current application only. If you reapply, you must pay again.
Do I need to pay the visa fee if I am a family member of an EU citizen?
No, family members of EU citizens are exempt from the visa fee.
Can I pay the visa fee by credit card?
Yes, most VFS centers accept credit and debit cards. Some embassies may also accept card payments.
Do I need to pay a separate visa fee for each Schengen country I plan to visit?
No, you pay the fee only to the country where you apply. The visa covers all Schengen countries.
Are there any additional fees I need to pay when applying for a Schengen visa?
Yes, VFS service charges, biometric fees, and optional services may apply.
How much is the visa fee for a Schengen visa for medical treatment?
Applicants for emergency medical treatment may be eligible for a fee waiver. Otherwise, standard fees apply.
What is the visa fee for a Schengen visa for business travel?
The fee for business travel is the same as tourist: €90 for adults, €45 for children (6-12).
How much does it cost to expedite a Schengen visa application?
Expedited processing may incur extra charges (prime time, lounge, etc.), typically ₹2,500-5,000 in India.
Can I apply for a waiver of the Schengen visa fee if I am in a difficult financial situation?
Fee waivers are granted for specific categories, not general financial hardship. Check embassy guidelines.
Is the visa fee the same for all types of Schengen visas?
Short-stay (Type C) fees are standard. Long-stay (Type D) fees vary by country.
How much does it cost to renew a Schengen visa?
Renewal requires a new application and payment of the standard fee.
How can I pay the Schengen visa fees?
Payment options include cash, card, online, bank transfer, or demand draft, depending on country and center.
Can I get a refund of the Schengen visa fees if my application is rejected?
No, fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected.
Are there any additional fees for expedited processing of Schengen visa applications?
Yes, expedited services (prime time, lounge, courier) may incur extra fees.
Do the Schengen visa fees vary based on my nationality?
No, the standard fee applies to all nationalities, but some categories may be exempt or reduced.
Is there any fee waiver or reduction for certain categories of applicants, such as students or family members of EU citizens?
Yes, students, researchers, and EU family members may get waivers or reduced fees.
What is the fee for a Schengen visa extension?
Visa extension fees vary by country. Check the embassy website for details.
Are there any hidden fees associated with applying for a Schengen visa?
Optional services at VFS (SMS, lounge, courier) can add extra costs. These are not mandatory.
What happens if I don't pay the Schengen visa fees on time?
Your application will not be processed until payment is made.
Is there any fee for changing the purpose or duration of my Schengen visa after it has been issued?
Changing purpose or duration usually requires a new application and payment of the fee.
What is the fee for a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
The fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children, same as single-entry.
Is there any discount on Schengen Visa Fees for children and minors?
Yes, children aged 6-12 pay €45, and children under 6 are free.
Are there any additional fees for visa applications submitted through a visa agency or visa center?
Visa agencies may charge service fees in addition to VFS and visa fees.
Are Schengen Visa Fees refundable if my visa application is rejected?
No, fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected.
What payment methods are accepted for Schengen Visa Fees?
Cash, card, online payment, bank transfer, or demand draft, depending on country and center.
How do I know if I am required to pay the reduced Schengen Visa Fee or the regular one?
Check your category: children 6-12, students under 25 on school trips, and some researchers pay reduced fees.
Are there any situations where I may be exempted from paying Schengen Visa Fees?
Yes, children under 6, EU family members, students, researchers, and emergency medical cases may be exempt.
How do I calculate the Schengen Visa Fees in my local currency?
Visa fees are converted from EUR to local currency at the current exchange rate. VFS centers display rates.
Can I pay the Schengen Visa Fee in installments?
No, the fee must be paid in full at the time of application.
How long is the Schengen Visa Fee valid for?
The fee is valid for the current application only.
Are Schengen Visa Fees the same for all countries within the Schengen Area?
Yes, the standard fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children in all Schengen countries.
Can I request a waiver of the Schengen Visa Fee in case of financial hardship?
Fee waivers are only for specific categories, not general financial hardship.
Is there a different Schengen Visa Fee for long-term visas?
Long-term (national) visa fees vary by country. Check embassy website.
Can I pay the Schengen Visa Fee in cash?
Yes, cash is accepted at most VFS centers and some embassies.
Is there a deadline for paying the Schengen Visa Fee?
Payment must be made before your appointment or at the time of application submission.
Can I get a receipt for the Schengen Visa Fee I paid?
Yes, VFS centers and embassies provide a receipt for payment.
💰 Smart Budget Planning
Budget ₹15,000-16,000 per adult for the complete visa process (fees + insurance + documents).
For families: Budget ₹40,000-45,000 for 2 adults + 2 children. The fee is non-refundable, so prepare your documents well to avoid rejection!
Required Documents → Browse Countries →