How it works

A Schengen visa photograph should normally meet the following conditions:

• Standard dimensions of 35 mm × 45 mm

• Taken within the previous six months

• Printed or submitted in color with natural skin tones

• Face directed straight toward the camera

• Head positioned centrally without tilting

• Face covering approximately 70–80% of the photograph

• Neutral facial expression with the mouth closed

• Eyes open, visible and looking at the camera

• Plain, light-colored background

• Balanced lighting without shadows or flash glare

• Sharp, clear and high-resolution image

• No tinted glasses or frames that obstruct the eyes

• No hats, caps or decorative headwear

• Religious head coverings permitted when the entire face remains visible

What Is the Required Schengen Visa Photo Size?

The standard size commonly requested for a Schengen visa photograph is:

35 mm wide × 45 mm high

The image should be a close-up showing your head and the upper part of your shoulders. Your face should generally fill around 70–80% of the photograph.

Your complete head must be visible and positioned in the center. There should be sufficient space around it to ensure that your hair, chin or any part of your face is not cropped.

Face Position and Head Alignment

Look directly into the camera and keep your head upright.

The photograph should clearly show:

• Your full face from the front

• Both sides of your face

• Your eyes looking toward the camera

• Your head centered in the frame

• The top of your shoulders

• A realistic and current representation of your appearance

Do not lean or tilt your head in any direction. Your body should face forward rather than being turned to the side or positioned over one shoulder.

Your hair may cover your ears, but it must not obscure your eyes or other important facial features. No part of your face should be intentionally hidden.

Facial Expression

Maintain a relaxed, neutral expression.

Your mouth should remain closed, and both eyes must be open and clearly visible. Avoid broad smiles, visible teeth, raised eyebrows or exaggerated expressions.

Keep your facial muscles relaxed and look directly at the camera.

Background Requirements

Use a plain, light-colored background without patterns, objects or noticeable textures.

The background should:

• Have a consistent color

• Contrast sufficiently with your face and hair

• Contain no furniture, doors, decorations or other people

• Be free from shadows behind your head

• Have no visible lines, stains or dark sections

White, light gray or another pale background may be accepted, depending on the requirements of the embassy, consulate or visa application center handling your application.

Avoid replacing the background digitally when doing so creates artificial outlines or unnatural edges around your hair, face or shoulders.

Lighting and Image Quality

Take the photograph in bright, evenly distributed light.

The final image should be:

• Sharp and properly focused

• Correctly exposed

• Free from harsh shadows

• Free from flash glare

• Free from red-eye

• Detailed enough to show your facial features clearly

• Natural in color, brightness and contrast

Avoid standing directly beneath a ceiling light, as this may create shadows under your eyes, nose and chin.

Natural daylight can produce good results. Stand facing a window so that the light falls evenly across both sides of your face.

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

Are Glasses Allowed?

Glasses may be acceptable when your eyes remain fully visible.

The photograph must not contain:

• Dark or tinted lenses

• Reflections from a flash or other light source

• Frames covering any part of the eyes

• Thick frames that conceal important facial details

Removing your glasses is generally the safest option and can reduce the likelihood of the photograph being rejected.

Exceptions may apply for medical reasons or under country-specific rules. Review the instructions issued by the relevant embassy or consulate before submitting your application.

Head Coverings

Hats, caps and headwear worn for fashion purposes should be removed.

Religious head coverings may be allowed when:

• The complete face remains visible

• The forehead, eyes, nose, mouth and chin are unobstructed

• Both sides of the face can be clearly seen

• The covering does not create shadows on the face

Your facial features should remain visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.

Clothing Recommendations

Wear ordinary clothing that contrasts clearly with the background.

Try to avoid:

• White clothing against a white background

• Uniforms, unless they are worn for religious reasons

• Large scarves that cover the neck or chin

• Clothing that hides any part of the face

• Oversized accessories that distract from your facial features

Formal clothing is not required. Simple clothing without large prints or distracting patterns is usually the best choice.

Schengen Visa Photos for Babies and Children

A child must appear alone in the photograph.

The image should not include:

• A parent, guardian or another person

• Hands supporting the child

• The back of a chair

• Toys

• A pacifier

• Other objects near the child’s face

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

Some authorities may allow limited flexibility for newborns and very young babies. Check the child-photograph requirements published by the relevant embassy, consulate or visa application center.

How Our Schengen Visa Photo Maker Works

1. Upload Your Photograph

Select a clear image taken in good lighting with a plain background.

2. Process the Image

Our Schengen visa photo maker automatically centers your face, adjusts the background and resizes the photograph to the required Schengen visa format.

3. Download

Save the completed photograph for printing or electronic submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Schengen visa photo size?

The commonly requested size is 35 mm × 45 mm. However, you should always confirm the exact dimensions required by the embassy, consulate or visa application center handling your case.

How recent should my Schengen visa photo be?

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

Does the background need to be completely white?

Official guidance generally requires a plain, light-colored background. Some authorities may specifically request white or light gray, so follow the local instructions for your application.

Am I allowed to smile?

You should use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Avoid broad smiles, visible teeth and exaggerated facial expressions.

Must my ears be visible?

Your ears do not usually need to be fully exposed. The main requirement is that both sides of your face and all essential facial features remain clearly visible, unless the relevant authority provides different instructions.

Can I wear glasses?

Glasses may be permitted when the lenses are clear, there is no glare and the frames do not cover your eyes. Taking the photograph without glasses may reduce the risk of rejection.

Can I wear a religious head covering?

Religious head coverings are generally acceptable when the full face remains visible from the chin to the top of the forehead and no shadows are cast over the facial features.

Can I take the photograph using a smartphone?

Yes. A modern smartphone can produce a suitable photograph when the camera is positioned at eye level, the lighting is even and the original image is clear and sharply focused.

Can I submit a selfie?

Selfies are not recommended because holding the camera too close can distort your facial proportions. Use a tripod, phone stand or ask another person to take the photograph from an appropriate distance.

Can the background be edited?

Minor corrections may be acceptable as long as the final image appears natural. Avoid editing that creates visible outlines, removes parts of the hair or produces unnatural colors around the face.

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