When applying for a Schengen visa, submitting a photo that fully complies with official standards is crucial. In fact, Schengen visa photo requirements are one of the most common reasons for application delays or denials.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about Schengen visa photo size, dimensions, composition, and technical quality—along with official guidelines.
Why do Schengen visa photo requirements matter?
Every photo submitted with a Schengen visa application must meet strict biometric standards. These are used by border and immigration officials to verify identity and must be consistent across all 29 Schengen countries 25 EU Member States and 4 non-EU countries).
If your photo doesn’t meet the requirements, your visa application could be rejected—even if the rest of your documents are in perfect order.
Official Schengen visa photo size and dimensions
Here are the confirmed photo size specifications required for all Schengen visa applications:
Width: Between 35mm and 40mm
Height: Typically 45mm (standard across the Schengen Area)
Head size: The head must occupy 70–80% of the vertical space (about 32–36mm from chin to crown)
Number of photos: Submit two identical and recent photos (taken within the last 6 months)
Photos outside this size range, or with incorrect proportions, may lead to automatic rejection.
Schengen visa photo requirements: What photos are required for Schengen visa?
To meet Schengen visa photo requirements, your photo must adhere to the following quality and formatting rules:
Category | Requirement |
Image quality | Sharp focus, clear, no motion blur |
High-resolution print on photo-quality paper | |
Free of ink marks, scratches, or damage | |
Must be in full color (no black-and-white photos) | |
Lighting & exposure | Uniform lighting with no shadows on face or background |
No flash reflections or red-eye | |
Balanced brightness and contrast | |
Avoid overexposed or underexposed images | |
Color & tone | Natural skin tone must be preserved |
Color-neutral—no heavy filters or unnatural tones | |
Framing & expression | Face the camera directly with head centered |
Neutral expression with mouth closed | |
Eyes open and looking straight at the camera | |
No smiling, tilting, or portrait-style posing | |
Background | Plain, light-colored background (preferably white or light grey) |
No patterns, textures, shadows, or objects | |
No visible furniture, toys, or other people | |
Hair must be pulled away from the face and eyes | |
Glasses | No tinted lenses or sunglasses |
No reflections on lenses | |
Thin frames only—must not cover the eyes | |
Glasses optional; recommended to remove if unsure | |
Headwear | Not allowed unless for religious purposes |
Face must be fully visible from chin to forehead | |
Headwear must not cast shadows or obscure facial features |
Rejected photos
Smiling or mouth open
Portrait-style pose
Shadows behind head or across face
Reflections on glasses
Hair covering eyes
Washed-out colors or low contrast
Presence of objects, other people, or toys
Following these visual and technical standards will help ensure your photo meets all Schengen visa photo requirements.
But just in case, here’s a checklist for you:
Yes/no | Schengen visa photo requirements |
Size: 35–40mm width, 45mm height | |
Head covers 70–80% of photo | |
Photo taken within last 6 months | |
Plain light-colored background | |
No shadows or reflections | |
Eyes open and looking straight | |
No smiling or open mouth | |
No tinted lenses or obscuring frames | |
Religious headwear does not hide facial features |
Following the official Schengen visa photo requirements is a small but critical part of your visa application. Whether you're applying for tourism, business, study, or family reasons, ensuring your photo meets these guidelines increases your chances of approval and avoids unnecessary delays.
FAQs
What are the official Schengen visa photo requirements?
The Schengen visa photo must be in color, 35mm x 45mm in size, with your face covering 70–80% of the image. The background should be plain and light-colored, with no shadows or patterns. The applicant must maintain a neutral expression, looking straight at the camera.
What is the photo size for a Schengen visa?
The standard Schengen visa photo size is 35mm x 45mm. The head should measure 32–36mm from chin to crown, and the face must be centered in the frame.
Can I use a passport-size photo for a Schengen visa?
Only if it matches the Schengen visa photo specifications. Note that passport-size photo dimensions in India (35mm x 45mm) are generally the same, but expression, lighting, and background must also meet Schengen standards.
What are the France visa photo requirements?
For a French visa, the photo must be 35–40mm wide, 45mm high, with the face occupying 70–80% of the photo. No smiling, red-eye, or shadows are allowed. Glasses must not obscure the eyes, and the background must be light and uniform. These align with general Schengen visa picture requirements.
What are the Spanish visa photo requirements?
What is the photo size for a Spain visa? Spanish consulates require visa photos that comply with Schengen standards—color photo, 35mm x 45mm dimensions, plain background, no headwear (except for religious reasons), and a direct gaze at the camera.
Can I use the same photo for both Indian and Schengen visas?
Not usually. Although both require a neutral expression and high-quality image, Schengen visa photo dimensions are 35mm x 45mm, while Indian visa photos typically measure 2x2 inches. Make sure to use separate photos meeting each region’s guidelines.
What are the photograph requirements for a Switzerland or Swiss passport?
For a Swiss passport, the photo must follow ICAO standards: 35mm x 45mm in size, light background, neutral expression, and eyes fully visible. These standards are consistent with most Schengen photo rules.
Do I need a visa for the Canary Islands, and are there photo requirements?
Yes, if you require a Schengen visa for Spain, the same photo requirements apply for visiting the Canary Islands, as they are part of Spanish territory within the Schengen Area.
Are there different visa photo rules for each Schengen country?
No, all Schengen countries—including France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland—use the same visa photo specifications based on ICAO standards. This ensures uniformity across all member states.
