Schengen Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Specifications & Checklist

Schengen visa photo specifications checklist

If you are applying for a Schengen visa to travel to Europe, you must submit two recent photographs that meet strict international standards. The Schengen member states follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. A photo that fails to meet these rules can result in visa application rejection or processing delays.

Your photographs must be identical, in sharp focus, and taken within the last six months. Use this checklist to verify your photo before submission.

• Photo Dimensions: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (portrait format).
• Head Proportions: The head must occupy 70-80% of the photo height (32 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown).
• Background: Plain light-grey, light-blue, or off-white background with no patterns or shadows.
• Face and Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.

Head size and cropping rules

The most critical measurement is the vertical size of your face in the photo. Your head, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair, must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm. If your head is cropped too close or is too far away, the photo will be rejected.

Additionally, your head must be centered horizontally. Both ears should be visible, or at least the outline of both sides of your face must be clear. Your shoulders should also be slightly visible at the bottom of the frame.

Background and lighting requirements

The background must be plain and light-coloured. Solid light-grey is the standard background recommended by most Schengen consulates, though light-blue or off-white are also commonly accepted. Pure white backgrounds are sometimes rejected if there is insufficient contrast with the subject.

There must be no patterns, objects, or other people in the background. The lighting must be uniform, with no shadows on your face, behind your head, or on the background. Avoid using strong overhead lights or single side-lamps that create half-face shadows.

Dress code: glasses, headwear, and clothing

Wear normal, everyday clothing that contrasts with the light background. Avoid wearing white shirts or light-grey tops that blend into the background. Uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform are not allowed.

Headwear is strictly prohibited unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. If you wear a head covering, your face outline from the chin to the top of the forehead must be fully visible, and the covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Eyeglasses must be removed. In the past, glasses were allowed if the lenses were clear, but consulates now enforce a strict "no-glasses" policy to eliminate reflections and frame obstruction. Remove your glasses to avoid rejection.

How to prepare a Schengen visa photo at home

To prepare your Schengen visa photo, take a high-quality picture against a plain light-grey wall. Ensure the room has balanced lighting. Open the PhotoTools passport tool, choose the 35x45 mm preset, align the head guidelines, and download the print sheet.

Print the sheet on standard 4x6 photo paper. Set the printer scale to exactly 100% (actual size) to prevent resizing. Cut along the dashed guidelines to obtain your compliant visa photos.

1. Capture a clear, unedited photo against a plain light background.
2. Upload to the PhotoTools Schengen preset (35x45 mm).
3. Position and crop the image so the face is centered and occupies 70-80% of the frame.
4. Download the high-resolution 300 DPI sheet.
5. Print on 4x6 photo paper at 100% scale (no scaling/fit-to-page).

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