Traveling to Europe in 2025 is an exciting opportunity, whether it’s for tourism, education, business, or family reunification. However, one of the most important steps in planning your journey is understanding the costs involved in securing a visa. While the process may seem complicated, knowing the latest updates and expenses will help you budget effectively and avoid surprises.
This guide offers a complete breakdown of Europe visa costs in 2025, covering Schengen visas, national long-stay visas, student and work visas, as well as hidden costs you should consider before applying.
Why Visa Costs Have Changed in 2025
Visa costs are not static; they are influenced by administrative adjustments, inflation, and changes in border security policies. The European Union frequently updates its visa fee structure to cover biometric data collection, processing, and security checks. In 2025, travelers will notice some fee increases compared to previous years. These changes are designed to improve processing efficiency and enhance border safety, but they also mean applicants need to set aside slightly more money for their travel plans.
Schengen Visa Fees in 2025
The Schengen Visa is the most common permit that allows travelers to visit 27 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Updated Schengen Visa Fees in 2025:
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Adults (12+ years): €90 (up from €80)
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Children aged 6–12 years: €45
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Children under 6 years: Free
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Nationals of certain countries with special agreements: €35
Important Notes:
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The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
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Applications submitted through visa centers may include an extra service charge of €20–€40.
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Payments are usually collected in local currency, converted at the current euro exchange rate.
For frequent travelers, this small increase might add up, but the Schengen Visa still provides excellent value since it grants access to multiple countries in one trip.
Long-Stay (National) Visa Costs
For those who plan to stay in a European country for more than 90 days, a national or long-stay visa is required. These visas are country-specific and typically used for study, employment, or residency.
Examples of Long-Stay Visa Fees in 2025:
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Germany: €75–€100
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France: €99
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Spain: €80–€160
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Italy: €116
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Netherlands: €210
Some countries may also require you to pay additional residence permit card fees upon arrival, which can range from €100–€250 depending on the country.
Student Visa Costs
Europe remains a top study destination for international students, and while tuition fees vary widely, visa costs remain relatively affordable.
Student Visa Costs in 2025 by Country:
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Germany: €75
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France: €99
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Netherlands: €210
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Spain: €80
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Sweden: €150
Beyond visa fees, students should budget for mandatory health insurance, residence permits, and other administrative charges. Health insurance for students typically costs between €60–€120 per month, depending on the coverage.
Work Visa Costs
If you’re planning to relocate to Europe for employment opportunities, work visa costs are an essential factor to consider. These visas often differ based on whether you are a skilled worker, seasonal worker, or part of an intra-company transfer.
Work Visa Costs in 2025:
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Germany: €75
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France: €99–€250 (depending on contract type)
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Italy: €116
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Netherlands (highly skilled migrant visa): €345
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Spain: €160
Some employers may cover visa application expenses for highly skilled workers, but it’s always best to confirm this in your employment contract.
Family Reunification Visa Costs
For people joining family members who already reside in Europe, family reunification visas are available.
Family Visa Fees (2025):
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Germany: €75 per applicant
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France: €99
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Spain: €80–€160
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Italy: €116
Applicants should also account for document translation, notarization, and legalization expenses, which may cost an additional €200–€500.
Other Common Costs You Should Know
In addition to official visa fees, applicants may face several hidden or extra charges:
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Visa Application Center Fees – Around €20–€40.
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Courier Fees – Between €10–€30 if documents are delivered back to you.
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Biometric Data Collection – Usually included, but some centers may add a service fee.
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Health Insurance – Mandatory for Schengen and national visas; around €30–€100 per month.
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Residence Permits – €100–€250 depending on the country.
These costs can add up quickly, so applicants should prepare a budget beyond just the application fee.
Free or Reduced Visa Fees
Not every traveler has to pay full price. The European Union offers reduced or waived visa fees for specific groups:
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Children under 6 years old (Schengen visas)
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Students and teachers traveling for educational purposes
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Researchers entering for scientific projects
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Family members of EU or EEA citizens
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Certain humanitarian cases (such as refugees or asylum seekers)
These exemptions can make a significant difference for families or students traveling on a budget.
Tips to Manage Visa Costs in 2025
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Apply Early – Last-minute applications may lead to extra costs for express services.
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Check for Exemptions – You may qualify for reduced fees depending on your purpose of travel.
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Avoid Rejections – Double-check all documents before submission; rejected applications mean you’ll need to pay again.
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Plan for Hidden Costs – Don’t forget about insurance, courier fees, and residence permits.
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Use Trusted Resources – Reliable platforms like https://relocateeurope.com/ can guide you through updated visa processes and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Understanding Europe visa costs in 2025 is crucial for anyone planning to travel, study, work, or settle in Europe. From the standard €90 Schengen visa to long-stay and work visas that can cost over €300, the fees vary widely depending on your destination and purpose.
In addition to the base costs, applicants must also consider hidden expenses such as health insurance, courier charges, and residence permit fees. Fortunately, certain groups—such as students, researchers, and children—can benefit from reduced or waived fees.
By preparing ahead, checking eligibility for exemptions, and using reliable visa guidance resources, you can manage expenses effectively and ensure a smoother application process. Traveling to Europe in 2025 may be more expensive than in previous years, but with the right planning, it remains accessible to millions of travelers worldwide.
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