EU Prepares Extra Charge on Top of €90 Schengen Visa Fee for 2027

The European Commission is studying a proposal to add a harmonised EU-level charge on top of the existing €90 Schengen visa fee, with a formal legislative proposal expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Who Will Face Higher Application Costs

The planned extra charge would apply to short-stay visa applicants entering the Schengen area from third countries outside visa-waiver agreements. Corporate travel managers, business visitors, and international employees submitting applications will face higher total administrative expenses per application.

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The broader overhaul of the Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) also incorporates operational changes for corporate employers. The European Commission is considering fast-track visa processing for employees of verified companies, alongside new powers to restrict visa issuance for nationals of countries that refuse to cooperate on returns.

Structure of Current Schengen Visa Charges

Under current rules, the basic visa fee goes to the consulate of the specific member state handling the application. The proposed additional levy would be collected directly for EU-level administrative work and the common visa policy.

Applicants already face several cumulative fees. In addition to the baseline consulate rate, visa processing centers charge a service fee of up to €45 in most jurisdictions, bringing standard adult processing expenses up to €135 before optional administrative extras or travel insurance. Application fees remain entirely non-refundable if a visa is refused, with rejected applicants accounting for an estimated €157.1 million in lost fees during 2025.