Schengen Visa Fees 2025: Latest Changes

One of the first concepts that comes to mind when planning a trip to Europe is the “Schengen visa”. This type of visa allows free entry to more than 26 European countries and is the most requested visa for tourism, work, education, as well as family visits. There are some updates in the procedures, documents and application rules for those wishing to obtain a Schengen visa in 2025. In this blog, we will explain to you all the basic information about the Schengen visa - which countries it applies to, what documents are required, which centers you should apply to, and frequently asked questions.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is an official travel permit that allows you to travel to the Schengen zone, which includes European countries. With this visa, it is possible to move from one country to another without border control. With this visa, you can enter the country that issued the visa and travel freely to other Schengen countries. The Schengen visa is mainly issued in two main categories: short-term (type C) and long-term (type D).

What is the Schengen zone and which countries does it cover?

The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985 in the city of Schengen, near Luxembourg. The aim of the agreement is to eliminate border controls between European countries and ensure free movement. The agreement has been in effect since 1995. Currently, 27 countries are included in this zone. There is a right of free movement in this region.

Schengen Countries for 2025

Types of Schengen visa

Short-term tourist visa (type C)

The most frequently applied type of visa. It is issued for travel, leisure, family visits or short business trips. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. The visa can be single or multiple.

Business visa

This visa should be obtained if you are attending an event, meeting or conference at the invitation of a company. An invitation letter and documents related to business activities are the main requirements.

Student visa (short-term)

Short-term courses and seminars are intended for participation. If you want to study for a long time, you should apply for a D-type student visa.

Transit visa

May be needed when changing flights at airports. If you do not leave the airport in a Schengen country, this visa is often not required. However, in some countries, such a visa is required for transit.

Long-term (D-type) visa and its differences

Issued for the purpose of education, family reunification, work permit or long-term residence. With a D-type visa, it is possible to live, work and register in that country. With this visa, only short trips to other Schengen countries can be made.

Documents required for a Schengen visa

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expires. It must have been issued in the last 10 years and have at least 2 blank pages.
• Visa Application Form: The official visa form must be filled out and signed.
• Photo: 3.5x4.5 cm size, taken within the last 6 months, with a light background, and in accordance with biometric rules.
• Travel Insurance: Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR within the Schengen zone must be provided.
• Flight and Hotel Reservations: Round-trip flight tickets and accommodation booking confirmation documents must be provided.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statement for the last 3 months, salary certificate, or sponsorship letter must be provided.
• Invitation Letter: If invited by someone, the letter must be in official form and supported by additional documents (ID, proof of residence).
• Additional Documents:
  • Employment document (employment verification letter)
  • Student ticket or university certificate
  • Business document (Tax ID, tax report, etc.)

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Lack of additional information and documents.
• Invalid or insufficient travel insurance.
• Inaccurate presentation of the travel purpose.
• Insufficient funds in the bank account.

Which visa centers should I apply to for a Schengen visa?

Before using each center, it is important to review the visa fee, fees, appointment and reasons for refusal.

VFS Global

• Countries accepted: France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic and s.
• Appointment process: It is carried out through the online system. It is important to make an appointment for a visa application. It is important to collect and submit the documents correctly during the appointment.
• Payment: Average 17-73 euros. The service fee may vary from country to country.
• Baku office: Khatai district, Javanshir street.
• Additional services: Document translation, photo shooting and fast service.
• Response time: 7-15 business days. The response time may vary depending on the country you are applying to.

Common reasons for rejection:

• Lack of additional information and documents.
• Invalid or insufficient travel insurance.
• Inaccurate presentation of the purpose of the trip.
• Insufficient funds in the bank account.

Visametric

• Countries served: Germany.
• Process: Electronic appointment → document submission → biometric data collection. After booking the electronic appointment, documents need to be submitted and biometric data collected.
• Payment: Approximately 30 EUR. The service fee may vary by country.
• Response time: 10-15 business days. In special cases, it may take longer.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Incomplete documentation.
• Improperly planned travel dates.
• Insufficient financial proof.
• Lack of previous visa history or a concerning history.

Capago

• Countries served: France, Luxembourg, Monaco.
• Steps: Online registration → document submission → biometric data collection.
• Additional services: Premium package, document translation, photo shooting, express service option, appointment changes.
• Fees: Vary between 30 EUR. The service fee depends on the selected package and country.
• Response time: 7-14 business days.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Submission of incorrect or inaccurate documents.
• Insufficient or inaccurate bank statement.
• Failure to submit pre-booked tickets or affordable hotel reservations.
• Weak coverage of travel insurance.

Greece Visa

• Application location: Greece Embassy
• Average response time: 7–14 days. If documents are submitted in full and steps are followed correctly, the response time may be shorter.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Lack of additional information and documents.
• Invalid or insufficient travel insurance.
• Inaccurate presentation of the travel purpose.
• Insufficient funds in the bank account.

Visametric

• Countries served: Germany.
• Process: Electronic appointment → document submission → biometric data collection. After booking the electronic appointment, documents need to be submitted and biometric data collected.
• Payment: Approximately 30 EUR. The service fee may vary by country.
• Response time: 10-15 business days. In special cases, it may take longer.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Incomplete documentation.
• Improperly planned travel dates.
• Insufficient financial proof.
• Lack of previous visa history or a concerning history.

Capago

• Countries served: France, Luxembourg, Monaco.
• Steps: Online registration → document submission → biometric data collection.
• Additional services: Premium package, document translation, photo shooting, express service option, appointment changes.
• Fees: Vary between 30 EUR. The service fee depends on the selected package and country.
• Response time: 7-14 business days.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Submission of incorrect or inaccurate documents.
• Insufficient or inaccurate bank statement.
• Failure to submit pre-booked tickets or affordable hotel reservations.
• Weak coverage of travel insurance.

Greece Visa

• Application location: Greece Embassy
• Average response time: 7–14 days. If documents are submitted in full and steps are followed correctly, the response time may be shorter.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Insufficient funds in the bank statement.
• Submission of inaccurate hotel bookings.
• Failure to fully explain the purpose of travel

  Schengen Visa Application Centers and Information

  Visa Center	Which countries' visas are accepted?	Service fees and additional charges	Address and working hours
  VFS Global	France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Belgium, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, etc.	Average 17–73 EUR	Address: 1058 Tbilisi Avenue, Baku Working hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–16:00
  Visametric	Germany	Approximately 30 EUR	Address: 57 Bakikhanov Street, Baku (AF Business House) Working hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00
  Capago	France (official representative), Monaco, Luxembourg	Varies around 30 EUR	Address: 16 Landau Street, Baku Working hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–16:00

  Visa Support

  As Vizam.az, we can assist you with your Schengen visa application. If you use our visa support service, our services will include scheduling an appointment at the embassy on your behalf, filling out your application form, professionally preparing your documents, booking flight tickets covering your trip, reserving or purchasing hotels according to your preference, creating a travel itinerary for your visa, arranging travel insurance for your trip, offering consultation, and tracking your visa process. Please note that the travel insurance fee will be calculated in addition to our service fee. You can also arrange this insurance yourself. Additionally, we can assist with notarizing your documents, translating them into English, and having them certified.

  To place your order, click here, or you can contact us at 010/50/55-3000135 for more information.

  Safe travels!