Germany and EU raise fees for ID cards and visas

Effective 9 February 2026, the German Federal Council approved a nationwide increase in personal ID‑card fees. For applicants under 24 years the charge rises from €22.80 to €27.60, and for those 24 years and older from €37.00 to €46.00. The hike is attributed to higher production costs after price adjustments by the Bundesdruckerei beginning August 2025, as well as expanded administrative and digital service expenses.

The European Commission also decided to raise the standard Schengen visa fee from €80 to €90. Service providers may increase their share of the fee from €40 to €45. The increase is justified by the EU‑wide inflation rate over the past three years. Comparable visa fees are €172 in the United States, €115 in the United Kingdom, €130 in Canada, €117 in Australia and €150 in India. The visa process remains largely paper‑based, prompting calls for digitalisation.