Schengen Visa Fees, Documents & Processing Time (2025): The Ultimate Guide for Travellers

If Europe is on your travel list for 2025, understanding how the Schengen visa works is the first step to a smooth journey. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or to see family, getting your visa approved depends on how well you prepare.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the updated visa fees, required documents, and the processing timeline to expect this year.

Schengen Visa Fees in 2025

As of 2025, Schengen visa fees have been updated across all 27 member states. These fees apply whether you apply through an embassy, consulate, or a visa application centre like VFS.

Standard Fees

• Adults: €90

• Children (6–12 years): €45

• Children under 6: Free

These fees apply to short-stay visas (Type C), which cover tourism, business, medical visits, conferences, short courses, and family visits.

Additional Costs

Depending on the country where you apply, you might also pay:

• Service charges from VFS or TLS: usually €20–€40

• Optional premium services, such as:

• Courier return of passport

• SMS notification updates

• Premium lounge

• Printing/photocopying

It’s important to remember: visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa (2025)

Although each country may have small variations, the core requirements remain the same across the Schengen Zone.

Here is the complete and updated checklist for 2025:

1. Visa Application Form

A fully completed and signed form. Make sure every detail matches your supporting documents.

2. Valid Passport

• Issued within the past 10 years

• Valid for at least 3 months after you exit the Schengen area

• Must have at least 2 blank visa pages

3. Biometric Photographs

Two identical passport-sized photos meeting Schengen biometric standards.

4. Travel Itinerary

• Round-trip flight reservation

• Daily plan or outline of your travel activities

• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter)

5. Travel Health Insurance

Mandatory for all applicants.

• Minimum coverage: €30,000

• Must be valid in all Schengen countries

• Must cover medical emergencies, accidents, hospitalisation, and repatriation

6. Proof of Financial Means

Documents that show you can comfortably fund your trip:

• Bank statements (last 3–6 months)

• Salary slips

• Proof of income or business documents

• Sponsorship letter (if someone else is paying)

Each Schengen country has its own minimum daily amount, usually between €30 and €70 per day.

7. Proof of Ties to Your Home Country

This shows you will return after your trip:

• Employment letter or leave approval

• School enrolment (if you’re a student)

• Business registration documents

• Family documents or property ownership papers

8. Cover Letter

Explain:

• Purpose of your trip

• Duration of stay

• Countries you will visit

• Who is funding the trip?

• When you will return home

9. Civil Status Documents

Where applicable:

• Marriage certificate

• Birth certificate

• Family registration documents

10. Biometrics

If you haven’t applied in the last 59 months, you must submit fingerprints and a photo at your appointment.

Schengen Visa Processing Time (2025)

The standard processing timeline for Schengen visas remains:

Normal Processing

• 15 calendar days from your appointment date

Extended Processing

Your application may take longer (up to 30 or 45 days) if:

• Additional documents are required

• Your case needs extra background checks.

• It’s peak travel season (April–August, December).

• You applied in a high-volume country.

Exceptional Cases

Some applications may take up to 60 days under special circumstances.

When to Apply

You can apply:

• Earliest: 6 months before your trip

• Latest: 15 days before travel

However, to avoid delays and cancellations, the best time is at least 4–8 weeks before your travel date.

Tips for a Smooth Schengen Visa Application in 2025

• Book your appointment early, especially for popular destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

• Double-check your documents against the official checklist of the embassy you’re applying to.

• Ensure your financial documents look clean, consistent, and complete.

• Avoid discrepancies between your itinerary, finances, and cover letter.

• Stay reachable in case the consulate requests additional documents.

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen visa in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the updated fees, prepare your documents correctly, and apply well ahead of time, you’re already halfway to approval.

With one visa, you can explore 27 of Europe’s most beautiful countries, and this guide gives you everything you need to start the process the right way.