Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
Official photo requirements for Schengen visa applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Rectangular format (35×45mm)
Official Photo Size
The photo must be exactly 1.4×1.8 (approx). This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.
| Inches | 1.4×1.8 (approx) |
| Millimeters | 35×45 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413×531 px |
Tip
Background & Lighting
Background: Light gray or light blue. Schengen visa applications require a light gray or light blue background (not white). This is different from most other countries.
- No shadows on the background or your face
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No other people or objects visible
- Uniform color throughout
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
Face & Head Size Rules
Head size: 32-36mm from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.
- Face the camera directly (no tilting)
- Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Head centered in the frame
- Shoulders visible in the photo
What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)
Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:
- Glasses: Allowed if no glare
- Clothing: Regular clothing
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
- Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
- Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
Photo Quality Requirements
High quality, sharp focus, 300 DPI
- Sharp focus with no blur
- High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
- No filters or digital alterations
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to Schengen visa applications:
- Wrong photo size (not 1.4×1.8 (approx))
- Incorrect background (not light gray or light blue)
- Wrong head size (not 32-36mm from chin to top of head)
- Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
- Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
- Digital alterations or filters
- White background (must be light gray or blue)
- Wrong size (not 35×45mm)
- Face too small (less than 80% of photo)
Local Notes for Schengen
- Schengen visa photos require a light gray or light blue background (not white)
- 80% of the photo must be your face
- Photos are valid for all Schengen countries
- Rectangular format (35×45mm)
- 80% of photo must be face
- Background must be light gray or light blue (not white)
- Valid for all Schengen countries
Printing Tips for Schengen
- Print at 300 DPI for best quality
- Ensure background color is correct (light gray or light blue)
- Verify head size meets requirements before printing
Create a Schengen Visa Photo Online
Use our tool to create a compliant visa photo. We'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 1.4×1.8 (approx)
- Fix background to light gray or light blue
- Ensure proper head size (32-36mm from chin to top of head)
- Align face correctly
- Export at 300 DPI for print quality
Create Your Visa Photo
Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with Schengen requirements
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements FAQs
What background color is required for Schengen visa photos?
Schengen visa photos require a light gray or light blue background (not white). This is different from most other countries.
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
Schengen visa photos are 35×45mm (rectangular format). Your face must occupy 80% of the photo.
Which countries accept Schengen visa photos?
Schengen visa photos are valid for all 27 Schengen area countries, including most EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.