The headline Schengen visa fee is €90, but almost nobody pays only that. Once you add service charges and mandatory extras, the real cost in 2026 is closer to €150–250 per adult.
The official embassy fee
Set by the EU and identical across all Schengen states:
- €90 — adults
- €45 — children aged 6–12
- Free — children under 6
- €35 — reduced fee for nationals of certain countries (including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Serbia and others) under bilateral agreements
This fee is non-refundable, even if you're refused.
The extra costs people forget
- VFS/TLS service charge — roughly €20–35, usually unavoidable since most consulates outsource applications.
- Travel insurance — mandatory, with at least €30,000 medical coverage; typically €15–50 for a short trip.
- Photos — €5–15 for compliant biometric photos.
- Translations — €20–50+ per document if your bank statements or letters aren't in an accepted language.
- Courier delivery — €15–30 if you don't want to collect your passport.
Budget realistically
For a single adult, plan for €150–250 all in. A family of four can easily reach €500–700 once every fee, insurance policy and photo is counted. Because the fee is lost whether you're approved or refused, the smartest money you spend is on getting the documents right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the real cost more than €90?
€90 is only the embassy fee. VFS service charges, mandatory insurance, photos and translations push the real total to €150–250 per adult.
Is the Schengen fee refundable if refused?
No. The visa fee and service charges are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Who pays the reduced €35 fee?
Nationals of certain countries with EU agreements, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Serbia, among others.
