Schengen Visa Photo Checklist
Based on the ICAO standard used by all Schengen member states.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (3.5 × 4.5 cm). |
| Head size | 32–36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The face should fill 70–80% of the frame. |
| Background | Plain white or light grey, with no patterns, objects, or shadows. It must contrast with your face and hair. |
| Lighting | Even lighting across the face. No shadows, reflections, or red-eye. |
| Expression | Neutral expression with the mouth closed, looking straight into the camera. |
| Eyes | Both eyes open and clearly visible. Pupils should be 8–10 mm apart. |
| Head covering | Only allowed for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible. |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months, in color, without filters or heavy retouching. |
| Digital upload | At least 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI, or 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI. |
One Size, 29 Countries: Where Local Rules Differ
The visa photo is the same everywhere, but national ID and passport photos often use a different format.
| Country | Visa photo | Local detail |
|---|---|---|
| France | 35 × 45 mm | Plain light background and a neutral expression. Glare on glasses is a frequent reason for rejection. |
| Germany | 35 × 45 mm | The biometric passport photo standard also requires a 32–36 mm head height and an even background. |
| Italy | 35 × 45 mm | Visa photos are 35×45 mm, while Italian electronic ID card photos are 35×40 mm. |
| Spain | 35 × 45 mm | Spanish passport and DNI photos are much smaller (26×32 mm), so do not reuse one for a visa. |
| Portugal, Greece, Netherlands | 35 × 45 mm | Same size and head height; follow the checklist published by the consulate or visa center handling your file. |
| Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein | 35 × 45 mm | Non-EU Schengen states use the same ICAO-based photo standard as the EU members. |
Make It at Home in Three Steps
Works for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and every other Schengen state.
Take a clear photo
Stand in front of a plain light wall with even daylight. Keep your head straight and look directly into the lens with your mouth closed.
Pick the 35x45 preset
Open Proper and select a Schengen country. The app crops to 35×45 mm, keeps the head at 32–36 mm, and replaces the background with a clean light tone.
Print or upload
Export a digital file for your visa portal, or a 4×6 inch layout that a local print shop can produce on photo paper.
Digital File or Printed Copies?
Most Schengen applications still ask for paper photos at the visa center, even when you apply online.
| Submission route | Format | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application center | Printed | Usually two recent 35×45 mm photos; check your appointment letter for the exact number. |
| Online portal | Digital JPEG | At least 413×531 px at 300 DPI, in color, with no filters or compression artifacts. |
| Printing at home | 4 × 6 in sheet | Six 35×45 mm photos fit on one sheet; print at 100% scale on photo paper. |
Why Schengen Photos Get Rejected
Border agencies apply the same checklist across member states, so these six problems are worth fixing before you print.
| Common problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Head smaller than 32 mm | The face must fill 70–80% of the frame. Recrop so the chin-to-crown measurement sits inside 32–36 mm. |
| Open mouth or visible teeth | Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling with teeth is a common refusal reason. |
| Dark or patterned background | Use plain white or light grey that contrasts with your hair and clothing. |
| Hard shadow behind the head | Stand about 1 m from the wall and face a window so the light is even and frontal. |
| Glasses and glare | Remove glasses. Rules vary by consulate, and reflections that hide the eyes are rejected everywhere. |
| Retouched or filtered image | Do not smooth skin, reshape the jaw, or apply beauty filters. The photo must show your natural features. |
Schengen Visa Photo Questions
What is the Schengen visa photo size?
A Schengen visa photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. Your face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, must measure between 32 and 36 mm.
Does a Schengen visa photo need a white background?
Use a plain, light-colored background — either white or light grey — with no patterns or shadows. It must contrast clearly with your face and hair.
Is one photo standard accepted by all Schengen countries?
Schengen states follow the same ICAO-based 35×45 mm standard, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal. Some consulates add local rules, so confirm the current checklist with the embassy or visa center handling your application.
How old can a Schengen visa photo be?
The photo must be recent, taken within the last six months, in color and without filters or heavy retouching.
What resolution should a digital Schengen visa photo be?
For online uploads use at least 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI, or 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI, so the print quality is preserved.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
It is safest to remove them. Some consulates accept glasses when both eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare, but reflections or a frame covering the eyes lead to rejection.
Can I smile in a Schengen visa photo?
No. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed. A smile that shows teeth can be refused even when everything else in the photo is correct.
How many printed photos do I need?
Most visa centers ask for two recent 35×45 mm photos, but the number varies by country and application type. Check the appointment letter or the local consulate checklist.
Is a digital photo accepted for a Schengen visa?
Some online portals accept a JPEG, but most applications still require printed photos at the visa center. Prepare both when you can.
Official Schengen Sources
Photo rules are set by each member state within the EU visa framework. These are the pages we check before each update.
Other Official Photo Sizes
Ready to create your Schengen visa photo?
Download Proper, choose your destination country, and export a compliant 35x45 mm photo.
Download on Google Play