How much is a Schengen visa?
The official short-stay Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for applicants aged 12 and above. Children from 6 to under 12 pay EUR 45. Children under 6 are usually exempt from the official visa fee.
This is the consular processing fee. It is not the same as the total amount a UAE applicant may pay at a visa centre, because service charges and optional add-ons can be billed separately.
| Applicant | Official Schengen fee | Typical UAE note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult / age 12+ | EUR 90 | AED amount changes by exchange rate and visa-centre rules |
| Child age 6 to under 12 | EUR 45 | Some centres show this as a local AED amount |
| Child under 6 | Usually exempt | Service-centre or optional charges may still need checking |
How much does a Schengen visa cost from Dubai?
From Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the wider UAE, the base Schengen visa fee is still the official euro fee. The amount collected in AED can differ by consulate, exchange rate and visa application centre. For example, UAE visa-centre pages may show AED equivalents such as around AED 390 for the adult fee, but applicants should always check the live fee table for the country and submission centre.
In practice, a Dubai applicant should budget for at least three possible cost lines: the official visa fee, the authorised visa-centre service fee, and any optional services selected at the centre.
What is included in the Schengen visa fee?
The official fee pays for processing the visa application. It does not buy approval, faster processing, a longer validity visa, appointment access, travel insurance, courier delivery or document preparation. The consulate still assesses the application and can refuse the visa if the file does not meet the rules.
What extra costs can UAE applicants pay?
Extra costs vary by country and submission route. The common items are visa-centre service fees, courier return, SMS updates, photocopying, photo booths, premium lounge, form-filling support, travel insurance and translation where required. Some are optional; some are part of the centre’s process.
| Cost type | Is it the official visa fee? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa fee | Yes | Adult, child or exemption category |
| VFS / BLS / TLS service fee | No | Current UAE centre charge and tax treatment |
| Courier or SMS | No | Optional or required for that centre |
| Travel insurance | No | Coverage, dates, Schengen minimum and refund terms |
| Document review or agency support | No | Scope, deliverables and whether official fees are included |
How much does a 5-year Schengen visa cost?
A 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa does not usually have a separate higher application fee. You pay the normal short-stay Schengen visa fee. The consulate decides whether to issue a short validity visa, a single-entry visa, a multiple-entry visa, or a longer validity visa based on the applicant profile and Schengen rules.
In other words, the cost of applying may be the same, but the outcome is not guaranteed. Paying an agency or buying a travel package cannot force a consulate to issue a 5-year Schengen visa.
How much does a European visa cost?
If people say “European visa,” they often mean a short-stay Schengen visa. In that case, use the EUR 90 / EUR 45 Schengen fee structure above. But Europe is not one visa system for every purpose. A UK visa, Ireland visa, national long-stay visa, student visa, work visa or residence visa has its own fee and process.
For pricing, first identify the destination country and visa category. A Schengen tourist visa and a national Type D visa are different products with different fee rules.
How much does it cost to apply for a Schengen visa?
The application cost is the official visa fee plus any required service-centre charges and the practical costs of preparing a complete file. A realistic UAE budget should account for:
- Official Schengen visa fee.
- Visa-centre service fee.
- Travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements.
- Photos, photocopies, courier or SMS if used.
- Translation, legalisation or special documents if the country asks for them.
- Private document review or application support, if you choose to use it.
Is the Schengen visa fee refundable?
The official visa fee is normally non-refundable because it pays for processing. If the application is refused, withdrawn after submission or delayed beyond the intended travel date, the fee is usually not returned. Optional service fees and travel bookings follow their own supplier terms.
Fast answers to the cost questions
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| How much is a Schengen visa? | EUR 90 for adults; EUR 45 for children aged 6 to under 12. |
| How much does Schengen visa cost from Dubai? | Base fee is EUR 90 / EUR 45, plus UAE visa-centre service fees and optional costs. |
| How much does a 5-year Schengen visa cost? | Usually the same application fee; the consulate decides validity. |
| How much does a European visa cost? | If it means Schengen short-stay, EUR 90 / EUR 45. Other European visas have separate fees. |
| How much does it cost to get a Schengen visa? | Official fee plus service-centre charges, insurance and document-preparation costs. |