How to Take Your European (Schengen) Visa Photo
Overview
When applying for a Schengen visa you must submit two recent, identical passport-type photographs that meet harmonized EU standards. These photo rules are based on the EU Visas Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009) and ICAO technical specifications. Failure to meet the requirements can render your application inadmissible.
How many photos and how recent
You must submit two identical photos. Both must be recent — taken within the last six months — so they accurately represent your current appearance.
Exact dimensions
Each photo must measure exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (officially 3.5 x 4.5 cm). The source also gives the approximate imperial equivalent of 1.38 x 1.77 inches; ensure the printed result matches the exact millimetre size.
Face size and framing
Your head must occupy approximately 70%–80% of the photo area. More specifically, the height of the face (chin to top of head) should measure between 32 mm and 36 mm. The head must be centered and both sides of the face clearly visible.
Background requirements
Use a plain, light-coloured background — light neutral grey is recommended. Do not use patterned, dark or busy backgrounds, and avoid shadows or colour casts behind the head.
Colour and print quality
Only colour photographs are acceptable; black-and-white photos are not allowed. Photos must be printed on high-quality paper with a printing resolution of at least 600 dpi. The whole picture must be free of creases or folds.
Focus, contrast and brightness
The face must be sharply focused with strong contrast. Brightness should be uniform across the face; avoid reflections, uneven lighting and red‑eye. Blurry, overexposed or low-contrast photos are unacceptable.
Expression and pose
You must face the camera directly with a neutral expression and mouth closed — no smiling. Keep your head straight (not tilted) and look directly into the camera with eyes fully open.
Eyes, hair and line of sight
Eyes must be fully visible and not covered by hair or by any item. Do not have hair across your eyes; your line of sight must be directly toward the camera.
Glasses and reflections
Prescription glasses are permitted only if they do not obscure the eyes, there are no reflections and the frames do not cover the eyes. Sunglasses, dark or heavily tinted lenses, and frames that hide the eyes are not allowed.
Headwear rules
Headwear that hides or casts shadows on the face is not allowed. The sole exception is religious headwear worn daily; if permitted, the entire face must remain visible from the lower tip of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Clothing and colours
Do not wear uniforms or clothing similar in colour to the background. Avoid clothing that blends into the light background so that the face and hair retain clear contrast.
Common mistakes that lead to rejection
Typical problems that cause outright rejection include incorrect photo size, face not filling 70%–80% of the frame, uneven lighting or shadows, coloured or busy backgrounds, tinted glasses or obstructed eyes, head tilt or angled pose, smiling or open mouth, and old photographs (older than six months).
Practical, step-by-step checklist before printing
1. Take or ask a photographer to take a full‑colour photo sized exactly 35 × 45 mm.
2. Ensure the face height (chin to top) is 32–36 mm and centered.
3. Use a plain light‑grey (or similarly light neutral) background with no shadows.
4. Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera.
5. Remove non‑required headwear; if religious headwear is worn, confirm the face is fully visible.
6. If wearing glasses, check there are no reflections and eyes are unobstructed.
7. Confirm sharp focus, strong contrast and uniform brightness across the face.
8. Print two identical copies on high‑quality paper at 600 dpi; avoid creases.
9. Verify both copies are identical, recent (≤6 months) and match the required dimensions before attaching to your application.
Digital options
The source notes services (example: MyBiometricPhotos.com) can create visa‑compliant digital photos from a smartphone in minutes. If using a digital service, ensure the final printed copies or digital submission meet the exact dimension, quality and print requirements.
Legal and practical consequence
Consulates are required under the Visa Code to declare an application inadmissible if the photographs do not meet these specifications. Because photo errors are straightforward to prevent, do not risk submission with non‑compliant photos.
Scope — where these rules apply
These harmonized photograph specifications apply to all Schengen Area member states (list includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Croatia among others as part of the Area). The same photograph rules are used across the Schengen Area.
Source and reference
These requirements are based on the consolidated EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), Annex II (photograph specifications), and the 2021 VIS reform (Regulation (EU) 2021/1134) concerning biometric identifiers and facial image collection. Follow these standards exactly to avoid delays or rejection when submitting your Schengen visa application.