Schengen visa photo requirements
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| In inches | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| At 300 DPI | 413 × 531 pixels |
| Head size | 32–36 mm, chin to top of head |
| Background | Light, plain and uniform (often white or light grey) |
Rules your photo must follow
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Face 32–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of the photo height)
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera
- Glasses only if there is no glare and the eyes are clearly visible
- Follows the international ICAO biometric photo standard
The 35 × 45 mm biometric format is used by all Schengen countries and by most EU national passports and ID cards. Individual consulates sometimes add rules — for example about background colour — so check the page of the country you are applying to.
Requirements can change. Always confirm the current rules with the embassy or visa centre of the country you apply to: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu.
How to make a Schengen visa photo at home
- Set up. Stand about 50 cm (20 in) in front of a plain, light-coloured wall, facing a window so daylight falls evenly on your face.
- Take the photo. Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level about 1.5 m (5 ft) away. Avoid the selfie camera — it distorts faces at close range.
- Crop it here. Choose the photo above, then drag and zoom until your head fills the dashed oval: chin at the bottom, top of hair at the top.
- Download. Use the digital file for online applications, or the 4×6" sheet for printing.
- Print. Order a standard 4×6" (10×15 cm) photo print at any pharmacy or photo kiosk, then cut along the grey lines. Print at 100% scale — never "fit to page".
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Shadows on the face or behind the head — use soft, even light from the front.
- Head too small or too large — use the oval guide.
- Background not plain or not light enough.
- Glare on glasses, or tinted lenses.
- Photo is blurry, pixelated, or edited with filters.
- Photo is older than allowed.
Other countries
US passport photo (2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)) · UK passport photo (35 × 45 mm) · Canadian passport photo (50 × 70 mm) · Australian passport photo (35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. The head must measure 32–36 mm from chin to the top of the head.
What background does a Schengen visa photo need?
Light, plain and uniform (often white or light grey), with no patterns, objects or shadows.
Can I take my passport photo at home with a phone?
Yes, in most cases. Stand facing a window for even light, in front of a plain light wall, and have someone take the photo from about 1.5 m (5 ft) away at eye level. Then crop it here to the exact size.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping and resizing happen entirely in your browser; the photo never leaves your device.
Will my photo definitely be accepted?
This tool gets the size and framing right, but acceptance also depends on lighting, expression and image quality. Always check the latest rules from the embassy or visa centre of the country you apply to before you submit.