Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2025: Size, Background & Tips
How to Take Your European (Schengen) Visa Photo
A correct Schengen visa photo is essential because it helps immigration officials verify your identity and determines whether your application will be accepted, so follow the official size, background, and quality rules closely .
Use PhotoGov’s online service to create and download your Schengen visa photo in seconds by uploading a smartphone snapshot; the AI will auto-crop to 35×45 mm, remove the background, adjust lighting and color, and center your face to meet consular requirements .
Required size and format: the Schengen visa photo must be 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm), saved in common image formats such as .jpg, .png, .heic or .gif, and the uploaded file must be no larger than 10 MB .
Recency and compliance: the photo should be recent (taken within the last month) and must meet compliance specifications — PhotoGov states that the output “Meets requirements” and comes with a 100% embassy acceptance guarantee for processed images .
Background rules: use a light and plain background, typically light gray, with no shadows; PhotoGov’s background removal tool can help you achieve a clean backdrop if your original image contains shadows or patterns .
Pose and expression: the photo must show a neutral expression with a full-face view; keep your face centered, look straight at the camera, and avoid smiling broadly to maintain a neutral look suitable for the visa application .
Glasses and headgear rules: do not wear glasses or headgear in the photo unless head covering is worn for religious reasons — in such cases the headgear must not obscure facial features needed for identification .
Image quality standards: the image must be clear, sharp, free of blurriness, noise, and pixelation, and PhotoGov lists the quality as 600 DPI with “Correct and clear” image definition for printed output .
Lighting and shadows: choose a well-lit area and position yourself so there are no shadows on the face or background; PhotoGov’s auto-adjustment feature optimizes brightness, color, and contrast if needed .
Capture tips and actionable steps: prepare a plain backdrop, use a tripod or have someone else take the photo from about 5 to 7 feet away, stand or sit up straight, and ensure your clothing contrasts with the background so facial features are distinct .
Baby and children guidance: for newborns place them on a plain white sheet; for infants seat them on a chair against a plain background and if they cannot support their head have someone support it from behind a sheet so no one else is visible in the photo .
How to process your photo online: choose the document type on PhotoGov (Schengen Visa 35×45 mm), upload your photo, let the AI auto-crop, remove the background, adjust lighting and color, and center the face, then download the finalized file which is print-ready and high resolution .
Saving and printing: after downloading the finalized image you can print it on matte or glossy photo paper as preferred, and PhotoGov delivers a print-ready high resolution file suitable for printing services if needed .
Common mistakes to avoid: using an old photo (older than one month), photos with shadows or busy backgrounds, wearing glasses or headgear that obscure the face, submitting blurry or low-resolution images, or not centering the face correctly are frequent reasons for rejection .
Final checklist before submission: confirm the photo is 35×45 mm, recent, light/plain background (light gray), neutral expression, full-face and centered, no glasses/headgear (unless religious), file format allowed, and file size under 10 MB .
Notes on suitability for online submission and compliance: PhotoGov notes the processed image “Meets requirements” though it also lists “Suitable for Online Submission: No” — verify your consulate’s digital submission rules before relying on online upload alone .
If you need more help: use PhotoGov’s step-by-step photo tutorial and auto crop tool to adjust your photo automatically, and consult the documented FAQs regarding number of photos required, how recent the photo should be, and how to obtain a document photo from PhotoGov before applying .