Schengen Visa Photo Specifications: Official Size & Dimensions

How to Take Your European (Schengen) Visa Photo

Quick summary

When applying for a Schengen visa you must submit two recent, identical passport-type photographs that meet harmonized EU/ICAO standards; failure to comply can lead to your application being declared inadmissible or rejected by consulates under the Visa Code .

Two photos and recency

You must provide exactly two identical photos and they must be recent — taken within the last six months — so do not reuse older pictures even if you feel you look the same .

Exact dimensions

Each photo must measure exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (3.5 x 4.5 cm); ensure measurements are precise because incorrect dimensions can cause rejection of the visa application .

Face size and positioning

Your head must occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo area; specifically the distance from chin to the top of the head should be about 32–36 mm, the head must be centered and both sides of the face fully visible .

Background requirements

Use a plain, light-coloured background — light neutral grey is recommended — with no patterns, colours or shadows; busy or patterned backgrounds are unacceptable and will cause problems .

Colour and contrast

Photos must be in colour only; black and white images are not permitted, and the face should be sharply focused with strong contrast so facial features are clearly visible .

Brightness and lighting

Lighting must be uniform across the face with no reflections, strong shadows or red-eye; avoid angled light that casts shadows on the face or background .

Facial expression and pose

Maintain a neutral expression with the mouth closed — smiling is not permitted — and keep the head straight, not tilted, looking directly into the camera lens .

Eyes and line of sight

Your eyes must be fully open and looking straight at the camera; hair must not cover the eyes and line of sight should be directly to the camera to ensure a clear biometric facial image .

Glasses and reflections

Prescription glasses are allowed only if they do not cover or obscure the eyes and there is no flash reflection; sunglasses, dark lenses, or frames that cover the eye area are not permitted .

Headwear and religious exceptions

Headwear that hides or casts shadows on the face is not allowed; the only exception is for religious headwear, and even then the entire face must be visible from the lower tip of the chin to the top of the forehead .

Clothing and accessories

Do not wear uniforms or clothing that is similar in colour to the background, and avoid any items that cover the face; keep clothing simple so the face and hair contrast clearly against the backdrop .

Photo quality and printing

Printed photos must be high quality, printed on good photographic paper with a printing resolution of at least 600 dpi; the image must be free of creases or layers and show natural skin tone .

Technical standards and legal basis

These photograph requirements are based on the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), ICAO technical specifications, and updates such as the 2021 VIS reform regarding biometric facial images — the standards are harmonized across all Schengen countries .

Common mistakes to avoid

Common grounds for rejection include wrong dimensions, old photos, non‑colour prints, busy backgrounds, visible shadows/reflections, tilted head or smile, eyes covered by hair or glasses, and low print quality — double-check each technical point before submission .

Practical step-by-step (actionable)

1) Use a plain light grey background; 2) position the camera at eye level and face the camera straight on; 3) ensure the head fills 70–80% of the frame (32–36 mm chin-to-top); 4) keep a neutral expression and closed mouth; 5) remove non‑religious headwear and avoid uniforms; 6) check for reflections on glasses or shadows; 7) print on high-quality paper at ≥600 dpi or use an accepted digital service .

Digital options and fast solutions

If you prefer a smartphone solution, services such as MyBiometricPhotos.com (mentioned in the source) allow you to take and download visa-compliant digital photos quickly, but always ensure the final printed photos meet the 35×45 mm and 600 dpi print requirements if you submit printed copies .

What happens if photos don’t comply

If your photographs do not meet the specified criteria consulates are required to declare your application inadmissible or may reject it outright under the Visa Code, so it is not worth risking the application over incorrect photos .

Final checklist before submission

Confirm you have two identical colour photos, each 35×45 mm, taken within six months; head 70–80% of the photo (32–36 mm chin-to-top), centered, neutral expression, eyes visible, plain light background, no reflections/shadows, printed ≥600 dpi on quality paper — then submit with confidence .

Consistency across Schengen countries

These photo rules apply uniformly across all Schengen Area members, so meeting these specifications will satisfy the harmonized requirements used by all Schengen consulates .