Find the Schengen photo requirements, size and specifications in one place, then create a compliant photo with our online editor. Note that Schengen is a shared visa area, not a passport issuer, so these rules apply to the photograph you submit with a Schengen visa application.
Schengen Photo Requirements
Schengen visa photographs follow a common framework based on ICAO biometric standards. Your destination country, consulate or application center may add its own instructions, so read them before you apply.
Schengen Photo Size
The standard Schengen photo size is 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Your photo must be recent, ideally taken within the last six months.
Schengen Photo Dimensions
| Unit | Width × Height |
|---|---|
| Millimeters | 35 × 45 mm |
| Centimeters | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
Schengen Photo Background
Use a plain, uniform background without shadows, patterns or objects. Light gray works well because it separates your face and hair clearly. Some consulates accept other light, neutral shades, so check your instructions.
Schengen Photo Quality
Submit a sharp, high-resolution image with natural skin tones. Avoid creases, ink marks, pixelation and heavy retouching or filters.
Schengen Biometric Photo Requirements
A biometric photo lets automated systems match your face to your fingerprints and travel records. To qualify, your photo needs the following:
- Head height of 70% to 80% of the photo
- Eye line between 56% and 69% from the bottom edge
- Face centered and turned straight to the camera
- Neutral expression with the mouth closed
- Even lighting with no shadows
Schengen Photo — Quick Specs
Schengen Passport Photo Size
People often search for a Schengen passport photo size, but no single Schengen passport exists. Each country issues its own passports. What the Schengen area does set is a common visa photograph, and that photo measures 35×45 mm. This is also the size of a Schengen passport size photo for visa purposes. If you apply for a national passport instead, follow the issuing country's rules.
European Visa Photo Size
Europe is not one photo system. The Schengen area, the UK, Ireland and other European countries each set their own rules. For Schengen countries, the EU visa photo size is 35×45 mm. For any other European destination, check its official guidance before you apply.
Separate the two layers of rules:
- General Schengen requirements: size, biometric framing and image quality.
- Country or consulate instructions: print copies, digital upload formats and background preferences.
Schengen Photo Specifications
Face Position
Center your face and look straight at the camera. Keep your head level, with no tilt or turn.
Head and Shoulder Position
Frame your head and the top of your shoulders. Your head must fill 70% to 80% of the photo height, so avoid photos taken too close or too far away.
Facial Expression
Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Do not smile or raise your eyebrows.
Lighting and Shadows
Use soft, even light from the front. Avoid shadows on your face, red eyes, and harsh reflections on your skin.
Background
Stand in front of a plain, light wall. Our editor also replaces the background with a uniform light gray.
Image Quality
Use a sharp, high-resolution photo with natural color. Blur, noise and compression artifacts cause rejections.
Glasses, Head Coverings and Accessories
Remove glasses when you can. If you wear them, make sure the frames do not cover your eyes and the lenses show no glare. Head coverings are generally allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and your full face must remain visible from chin to forehead. Remove hats, headphones and other accessories. Confirm the details with your consulate.
Schengen Photo Examples
A correct Schengen photo shows a centered, evenly lit face at the right size on a plain background. These are the most common mistakes in a Schengen photo sample that gets rejected.
Centered face, neutral expression, even light, plain light-gray background, head at 70%–80% of height.
The face fills the frame and the head height exceeds 80%.
The face looks small and the head height falls below 70%.
The head leans or turns, so the face does not point straight at the camera.
Uneven light creates dark patches on the face or a shadow on the wall.
The image looks blurry or pixelated once printed at 35×45 mm.
The background shows color, texture, patterns or objects.
Create a Schengen Photo Online
Skip the photo studio. Our editor builds a compliant Schengen photo from the picture on your phone.
Upload Your Photo
Choose a front-facing photo taken in even light.
Remove or Change the Background
The tool replaces your background with a plain light-gray one in seconds.
Crop Your Photo
The editor crops to 35×45 mm and exports 413×531 px at 300 DPI.
Adjust Face Position
We place your head and eyes within the required 70%–80% and 56%–69% ranges. Preview the measurement guides before you pay.
Download Your Schengen Photo
Download your digital file or an A4 print sheet for €6.99.
Schengen Photo vs Passport Photo
A standard passport photo and a Schengen visa photograph can share similar biometric characteristics, such as size, head position and neutral expression. They are not always interchangeable. Requirements for background color, print quality and number of copies can differ. Always follow the photograph instructions for your specific visa application and destination country.
Schengen Photo FAQ
What is the Schengen passport photo size?
Schengen has no passport of its own. The Schengen visa photo size is 35×45 mm, or 413×531 px at 300 DPI.
What are the Schengen photo requirements?
Use a recent, sharp photo with natural color. Face the camera with a neutral expression, in front of a plain background, with your head and shoulders in frame.
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
It measures 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm, or about 1.38×1.77 inches).
What is the European visa photo size?
For Schengen countries, it is 35×45 mm. Other European countries set their own rules, so check the official guidance for your destination.
Does a Schengen photo need a white background?
Not always. The background must be plain and uniform. Our tool uses light gray, and your consulate may prefer a different light shade.
Can I use a passport photo for a Schengen visa?
Yes, if it meets the current Schengen photograph requirements and your destination country's instructions. Check the size, background and quality first.
What is a Schengen biometric photo?
It is a photo that follows ICAO biometric standards, with precise head size, eye position and expression, so systems can match your face accurately.
Can I make a Schengen photo online?
Yes. Upload your photo to our editor, and it crops, resizes and adjusts the background in about two minutes.
What should the background of a Schengen photo look like?
It should look plain, even and light, with no shadows, patterns or objects behind you.
Can I print a Schengen photo at home?
Yes. Print our A4 sheet at 300 DPI on quality photo paper, and cut each photo to 35×45 mm.