Photo PassMake my photo Schengen visa photo requirements
Check the 35 × 45 mm Schengen visa photo size, biometric composition, face height, background and consulate-specific submission rules.
Schengen visa photo requirements at a glance
A standard Schengen short-stay visa photograph is a recent biometric portrait measuring 35 × 45 mm. The face is photographed directly from the front and generally occupies 70% to 80% of the image, approximately 32–36 mm from chin to crown. Use a plain, light, uncoloured background and do not retouch the portrait.
- Photo size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Face height
- 32–36 mm
- Face coverage
- 70–80%
- Photo age
- Usually ≤ 6 months
Schengen states share a biometric framework, but the deciding consulate and Visa Application Centre control the local checklist, number of prints and whether a photograph is scanned or captured at the appointment.
Which country’s instructions should you follow?
Use the country responsible for deciding the visa application—normally the main destination, or the first destination when stays are equal under the applicable rules. Do not prepare separate photos for every Schengen state in one itinerary unless the application centre specifically asks.
Open the checklist for the consulate where you will actually lodge the application. A generic Schengen summary cannot replace its appointment instructions.
Face position and expression
Keep the head centred, upright and facing the camera directly. Both sides of the face should be visible, the eyes open and the mouth closed. Use a neutral expression and avoid tilting or turning the head.
The full head, including the hair, should fit within the image while the facial area from chin to crown remains about 32–36 mm. Children may receive limited composition tolerance under the local biometric guidance, but the face must still be recognisable.
Background, focus and lighting
Use a plain, light and uncoloured background with enough contrast from the hair and face. The photograph should be sharp, clear and evenly exposed, with natural skin tones.
Avoid shadows across the face or behind the head, red-eye, glare, visible background texture and overexposure. Do not submit a creased, stained, pixelated or heavily compressed print.
Glasses and head coverings
- Eyes must remain fully visible and not covered by frames or glare.
- Tinted lenses and sunglasses are unsuitable.
- Remove fashion hats, caps and other non-essential headwear.
- Religious head coverings may be worn when the face remains visible from chin to forehead and no shadow is cast.
- Keep hair away from the eyes and major facial features.
Do not retouch the portrait
Official German Schengen checklists explicitly describe the photograph as not retouched. Do not reshape facial features, smooth skin, remove scars, add hair, apply beauty filters or reconstruct parts of the image with AI.
A conservative crop can prepare the dimensions. If the background, lighting or focus is unsuitable, take a new photo instead of attempting an extensive digital replacement.
What can vary by consulate?
| Item | Shared expectation | Local variation to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 × 45 mm biometric portrait is widely used | Some official wording permits a 35–40 mm width range |
| Quantity | At least one recent photograph is commonly requested | The centre may request additional prints |
| Background | Plain and light | White versus another light, uncoloured tone |
| Capture | Photo is part of the biometric application record | Print scanned, digital upload or capture at appointment |
| Recency | Must reflect current appearance | Many checklists state six months; some state three months |
Before your appointment
- Download the latest checklist from the deciding consulate or its authorised application centre.
- Confirm size, number of prints and photo age.
- Use a recent original portrait with a natural likeness.
- Print on suitable photo paper at actual size without “fit to page”.
- Keep a spare copy and the original digital file.
- Bring the exact documents listed in the appointment confirmation.
Official sources
The EU Visa Code requires visa photographs to follow the applicable ICAO technical standard. For practical dimensions and composition, compare the current checklist of the deciding consulate, such as the German Federal Foreign Office’s Schengen visa information sheet or the France-Visas photo guidance.
Open the correct destination preset
Photo Pass maintains one canonical Schengen guide because the core photo standard is substantially the same. These destination links preselect the shared format in the tool without creating repetitive search articles.
Related visa photo guides
Requirements change by destination, visa category and submission channel. Use the guide for the exact application you are preparing.
Prepare the photo after checking the rules
Photo Pass can frame and export the image for this preset in your browser. It does not submit an application or guarantee that an authority will accept the photo.
Make a Schengen visa photo