How it works

The European Union passports issued by its 27 member states share a common design and passport photo size specification.

Your Schengen visa photo should generally meet the following requirements:

• Standard photo size: 35×45 mm
• Recent photo, normally taken within the last six months
• Color photograph with natural skin tones
• Face looking directly at the camera
• Head centered and not tilted
• Face covering approximately 70–80% of the photo
• Neutral expression with the mouth closed
• Eyes open and clearly visible
• Plain, light-colored background
• Even lighting without shadows or flash reflections
• Sharp, clear and high-quality image
• No tinted glasses or frames covering the eyes
• No hats or fashion head coverings
• Religious head coverings may be permitted when the full face remains visible

What Is the Correct Schengen Visa Photo Size?

A commonly requested Schengen visa photo size is:

35 mm wide × 45 mm high

The photograph should show a close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders. Your face should normally occupy approximately 70–80% of the image.

Your entire head should be visible and centered. Leave enough space around your head so that no part of your chin, face or head is cut off.

Face Position and Head Placement

Face the camera directly with your head straight.

Your photo should show:

• Your full face from the front
• Both edges of your face clearly
• Your eyes looking directly at the camera
• Your head centered within the photo
• The top of your shoulders
• A natural and accurate representation of your appearance

Do not tilt your head forward, backward or sideways. Do not turn your body or look over one shoulder.

Your hair may cover your ears, but it must not cover your eyes or important facial features. Do not deliberately hide any part of your face.

Facial Expression

Use a neutral facial expression.

Your mouth should be closed, and your eyes should be open and clearly visible. Avoid smiling widely, showing your teeth, raising your eyebrows or making an exaggerated expression.

Keep your face relaxed and look directly into the camera.

Background Requirements

Use a plain, light-colored background without patterns, objects or visible texture.

The background should:

• Be evenly colored
• Provide sufficient contrast with your face and hair
• Contain no furniture, doors, decorations or other people
• Have no shadows behind your head
• Have no visible lines or dark areas

A white, light gray or other light-colored background may be accepted, depending on the instructions of the consulate processing your application.

Do not digitally replace the background in a way that creates unnatural edges around your hair, face or shoulders.

Lighting and Photo Quality

Take your photo in bright, even lighting.

The image should be:

• Sharp and in focus
• Properly exposed
• Free from strong shadows
• Free from flash reflections
• Free from red-eye
• Clear enough to show facial details
• Natural in color and contrast

Avoid standing directly under a ceiling light because it can create dark shadows under your eyes, nose and chin.

Natural daylight from a window can work well. Face the window and keep the light evenly distributed across both sides of your face.

Do not use beauty filters, portrait effects or editing tools that change your facial features, skin tone or natural appearance.

Can You Wear Glasses?

Glasses may be accepted when your eyes remain completely visible.

Your photo must not show:

• Tinted or dark lenses
• Flash reflections on the lenses
• Frames covering any part of your eyes
• Heavy frames that hide important facial details

For the lowest risk of rejection, consider removing your glasses before taking the photo.

Medical or country-specific exceptions may apply. Check the instructions provided by the relevant embassy or consulate.

Head Coverings

Hats, caps and fashion head coverings should not be worn.

A head covering may be permitted for religious reasons, provided that:

• Your full face remains visible
• Your forehead, eyes, nose, mouth and chin are not covered
• Both edges of your face are clearly shown
• The covering does not cast shadows across your face

Your facial features must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.

Clothing Recommendations

Wear normal everyday clothing that contrasts with the background.

Avoid:

• White clothing against a white background
• Uniforms unless worn for religious reasons
• Large scarves covering the neck or chin
• Clothing that hides part of the face
• Large accessories that distract from the face

There is no need to wear formal clothing. Choose simple clothing without large patterns.

Schengen Visa Photos for Babies and Children

A child should be shown alone in the photograph.

The photo should not include:

• A parent or another person
• Hands holding the child
• A chair back
• Toys
• A pacifier
• Other objects close to the face

The child’s face should be visible and directed toward the camera. The eyes should be open whenever possible, and the mouth should be closed.

Some authorities may apply limited flexibility for very young babies. Always check the child-photo instructions provided by the embassy, consulate or visa application center.

How Our Schengen Visa Photo Maker Works

1. Upload your photo

Choose a clear photo taken in good lighting against a plain background.

2. Process the photo

Our Schengen visa photo maker will automatically position your face within in the center, fixed the background and resize the image to the compliant Schengen visa photo format.

3. Download and print

Save the finished image for printing or digital submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Schengen visa photo size?

A commonly requested size is 35×45 mm. However, applicants should verify the exact dimensions required by the embassy, consulate or visa application center processing the application.

How recent must my Schengen visa photo be?

The photograph should normally have been taken within the last six months and should accurately show your current appearance.

Does the background have to be pure white?

Official photograph guidance calls for a plain, light-colored background. Some consulates or application centers may specifically request white or light gray. Follow the local instructions for your application.

Can I smile in my Schengen visa photo?

Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Avoid a wide smile, visible teeth or exaggerated facial expressions.

Do my ears have to be visible?

The important requirement is that both edges of your face and all essential facial features are clearly visible. Your ears do not normally need to be deliberately exposed unless the local application instructions state otherwise.

Can I wear glasses?

Glasses may be accepted when the lenses are clear, there are no reflections and the frames do not cover the eyes. Removing your glasses can reduce the risk of rejection.

Can I wear a religious head covering?

Religious head coverings may be accepted when the full face is visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and the covering does not create shadows.

Can I take the photo with my phone?

Yes. A modern phone can produce a suitable image when the camera is held at eye level, the lighting is even and the original photograph is sharp and clear.

Can I use a selfie?

A selfie is not recommended because holding the camera close to your face can create distortion. Use a tripod, phone stand or another person to take the photo from a suitable distance.

Can I edit the background?

Minor background correction may be possible, but the finished result must look natural. Avoid editing that creates visible outlines, missing hair or unnatural color around the face.

Source: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/5bb16566-c8c2-4afb-b038-530f488cb72a_en?filename=icao_photograph_guidelines_en.pdf