Austrian Visa Photo Requirements 2026 (Schengen & National Visa)
Whether applying for an Austrian Schengen Visa (Type C) or a National Visa (Type D), the biometric photo requirements are governed by the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) and ICAO standards, which are applied uniformly across all Schengen member states. As confirmed by oesterreich.gv.at (updated 1 January 2026), visa applications must include a passport-format photo measuring 35 × 45 mm, taken within the last 6 months. The face, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown (not the hairline), must occupy between 70% and 80% of the photo, corresponding to a chin-to-crown height of 32 mm to 36 mm. Photos where the face measures less than 32 mm or more than 36 mm will be rejected.
Austria Visa Photo — Biometric Specifications 2026
Visa Information System (VIS) and Your Photo
When you submit an Austrian Schengen visa application, your photograph — along with your fingerprints — is collected as a biometric identifier and entered into the Visa Information System (VIS). As confirmed by schengenvisas.com and the EU Visa Code framework, this biometric data remains stored and accessible to the competent authorities of Schengen member states for five years. The VIS enables cross-border identity verification at consulates and border crossing points across the Schengen Area. It is therefore important that the photo accurately and clearly represents your current appearance, with no filters, retouching, or alterations.
Biometric data for Austrian visa applications is collected at the application point — either the Austrian Embassy, an Austrian consulate, or an authorised VFS Global application centre, as noted by the Austrian immigration authorities.
Austria Visa Photo Checklist
- Recency: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must reflect your current appearance.
- Facial Expression: Neutral expression is required. The mouth must be closed. Smiling is not permitted.
- Background: Plain, light-coloured background — white or light grey. No shadows, patterns, or objects. The face must be clearly distinguishable from the background.
- Lighting: Even illumination across both sides of the face. No shadows on the face or background.
- Glasses: Glasses are permitted if the eyes are fully visible and there are no reflections or tinting. Sunglasses are not permitted.
- Head Coverings: Not permitted unless required for religious reasons. If worn for religious reasons, the face from chin to forehead and from cheek to cheek must be fully visible.
- Clothing: Everyday attire. Avoid white tops against a white background. Uniforms are not permitted.
- Quantity: Two identical photos are required for a standard Schengen C visa application, as specified under the EU Visa Code.
- Colour: All photos must be in full colour. Black and white photos are not accepted.
Digital Submission for Austrian Visa Applications
Most Austrian embassies and VFS Global centres now require a digital photo upload as part of the pre-appointment process. Your digital photo should be in JPEG format at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI, clearly representing your face without any editing or filtering. Submitting a non-compliant photo is one of the most common reasons for appointment delays or application processing holds at Austrian representative offices.
Schengen Area Consistency
Because Austria is a Schengen member state, the photo you prepare for an Austrian visa application meets the same standard required across all 29 Schengen countries. The requirements are governed by the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) and ICAO Doc 9303, ensuring a consistent biometric standard across the entire area.