Planning a European trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi is exciting, but before you start packing, it’s important to know exactly how much your Schengen visa will cost. Many travelers think the visa fee is the only expense, but in reality, the total cost includes several mandatory and optional charges such as service fees, travel insurance, courier services, and document preparation.

In this guide, we’ll give you a full Schengen visa expenses breakdown for UAE travelers so you can budget smartly for your European adventure.

When applying for a Schengen visa in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, your expenses fall into three categories:

1. Mandatory costs – Visa fee, service charge, and travel insurance.
2. Optional costs – Courier delivery, SMS updates, premium lounge service.
3. Indirect costs – Document preparation, translations, flight & hotel bookings.

1. Visa Fee

The official Schengen visa fee is set by the European Union and applies across all Schengen states. This fee must be paid at the visa application center during your appointment.

2. Service Charge

Since most Schengen countries in the UAE use outsourcing agencies like VFS Global or BLS International, you also pay a service fee:

This fee covers administration, biometrics handling, and processing.

3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa approval. Your policy must:

• Cover at least €30,000 in medical emergencies.
• Be valid across all 29 Schengen countries.
• Cover your entire travel period.

Average cost: AED 50–200, depending on age, trip length, and provider.

While not compulsory, most UAE travelers choose some of these services for convenience:

1. Courier Delivery

Don’t want to return to VFS to collect your passport? Opt for courier delivery.

• Cost: AED 40–60

2. SMS & Email Updates

Get real-time alerts on your visa application status.

• Cost: AED 15–20

3. Premium Lounge Service

Skip queues and enjoy faster service with added comfort at VFS Global.

• Cost: AED 150–300 per applicant

4. Form-Filling Assistance

If you’re unsure about the online application, you can pay for assistance.

• Cost: AED 30–50

Beyond official and optional fees, some hidden or indirect costs can add up:

1. Document Preparation

• Bank statements: Some banks charge for stamped statements.
• NOC letters: Company attestations may have fees.
• Translations: Documents not in English may require translation.

2. Flight & Hotel Reservations

Even though confirmed tickets aren’t always required, you’ll need flight reservations and accommodation proof for your application. Many applicants use refundable bookings or agency-prepared itineraries.

3. Photos

Schengen embassies require specific biometric photos.

Some travelers may not need to pay the full visa fee (but still pay service charges):

• Children under 6 years old
• Students & teachers traveling for study trips
• Researchers traveling for scientific purposes
• Family members of EU citizens

It is better to check with the consultant or embassy for exact pricing.

No. Both the visa fee and service charges are non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected. Optional services like courier delivery or premium lounge are also non-refundable once used.

1. Apply early – Avoid paying for urgent/express services.
2. Use standard services – Skip premium lounge unless necessary.
3. Get affordable insurance – Compare providers; many UAE banks offer free Schengen travel insurance with premium credit cards.
4. Book refundable tickets – To avoid losing money if your visa is delayed or refused.
5. Submit error-free documents – Rejection means reapplying and paying all fees again.

 Schengen visa expense depends on various condition and vary from person to person. So, it is advisable to check with the visa consultants for exact pricing. Some expense are mandatory while some are optional. It is your choice to avoid optional charges.

At UrgentSchengen, we help you:

• Save costs by preparing accurate visa files the first time
  
• Arrange Schengen-compliant travel insurance at competitive rates
  
• Provide flight and hotel bookings tailored for visa applications
  
• Book your VFS/BLS appointments and assist with documentation

With our expert support, you’ll avoid hidden costs and improve your chances of first-time visa approval.