Planning a European holiday in 2025? Whether you’re dreaming of Rome’s cobblestone streets, Norway’s fjords, or a weekend in Paris, your first step is securing a Schengen visa. This single visa opens the doors to 29 European countries, making it one of the most powerful travel documents for Indian tourists.
But here’s something many travelers don’t realize: while the base visa fee is fixed at ₹9,100 (€90) for adults and ₹4,600 (€45) for children (6–12 years), the real cost you pay depends on service charges.
Since most embassies no longer allow direct walk-ins, applications are handled through outsourcing agencies like VFS Global, BLS International, or GVCW, which charge an additional service fee. This fee varies country to country and can make some Schengen visas far cheaper than others.
Schengen Visa Fees in 2025 – What Changed?
In July 2025, VFS Global increased its service charges for the first time since 2023. That means Indian travelers applying this year are paying more across the board.
Here are a few updated examples:
- Germany – ₹1,933
- Switzerland – ₹2,690
- Portugal – ₹3,111
- France – ₹2,234
- Austria – ₹2,274
On top of this, optional services like courier delivery, SMS updates, or premium lounge access can raise your final bill further.
Cheapest Countries to Apply for a Schengen Visa in 2025
If you’re looking to save money on your application, here are the lowest-cost Schengen visa options for Indians in 2025 (visa fee + mandatory service charges).
1. Romania – ₹9,170
- Special case: Applications are made directly at the Embassy of Romania in India, not through VFS.
- No service charge applies, making Romania the absolute cheapest option.
2. Slovakia – ₹9,572
- VFS service fee: just ₹402 (lowest among Schengen states).
- A budget-friendly gateway to Central Europe.
3. Italy – ₹9,741
- VFS service fee: ₹571.
- Perfect if you’re dreaming of Rome, Venice, Florence, or Milan.
4. Norway – ₹9,985
- VFS service fee: ₹815.
- Affordable option for travelers wanting to explore fjords and Northern Lights.
5. Poland – ₹10,142
- VFS service fee: ₹972.
- A great budget alternative for those interested in history-rich cities like Warsaw and Krakow.
Mid-Range Schengen Visa Costs (₹10,500 – ₹11,500)
- Sweden – ₹10,800
- Spain – ₹10,845
- Netherlands – ₹10,870
- Lithuania – ₹10,965
- Denmark – ₹11,043
- Germany – ₹11,103
- Czech Republic – ₹11,170
- Finland – ₹11,173
- Hungary – ₹11,180
- Croatia – ₹11,270
- Luxembourg – ₹11,282
- Estonia – ₹11,366
- France – ₹11,412
- Austria – ₹11,444
- Bulgaria – ₹11,470
These fall in the middle range and are popular for tourists who prioritize destination over cost.
Most Expensive Schengen Visa Applications in 2025
At the top of the list, some countries charge nearly ₹3,000 extra in service fees, pushing total visa costs above ₹12,000.
- Malta – ₹11,804
- Switzerland & Liechtenstein – ₹11,860
- Iceland – ₹12,070
- Greece – ₹12,225
- Portugal – ₹12,281 (most expensive)
Portugal currently holds the title for costliest Schengen visa for Indians, thanks to its ₹3,111 VFS service charge.
Key Takeaways for Indian Travelers
- Base visa fee is fixed (₹9,100 for adults, ₹4,600 for kids 6–12).
- Service fees vary depending on which country you apply through.
- The cheapest Schengen visa in 2025 is Romania (₹9,170), followed by Slovakia (₹9,572) and Italy (₹9,741).
- The most expensive options are Portugal (₹12,281) and Greece (₹12,225).
- Extra services (courier, SMS, lounge) are optional and not included in the totals above.
Final Word
When planning a trip to Europe, most travelers only think about flight and hotel costs—but your Schengen visa application can also eat into your budget. If you’re flexible about your point of entry into Europe, applying through Slovakia, Italy, or Poland can save you a few thousand rupees compared to Portugal or Greece.
Always check the latest fees on VFS Global, BLS International, or respective embassy websites, as charges can change depending on currency fluctuations and service updates.
With the right planning, you can cut costs on your visa and spend more on enjoying Europe itself.
