Schengen Area Visa Photo: check yours against the official spec
A Schengen visa photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with your face taking up 70-80% of the frame (about 32 to 36 mm from chin to the top of your head), against a plain white or light grey background. Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. White is accepted by all 29 Schengen countries; some also accept light grey. Photos must be recent (within 6 months) and unedited.
Use a clear, front-facing photo against a plain white wall in even light. We measure and crop it — we never edit the pixels you submit.
Schengen Area visa photo requirements
| Photo size | 1 3/8 × 1 3/4 inches (35 × 45 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 in (32–36 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 3/4 to 1 1/8 in (19–30 mm) |
| Background | plain white or light grey |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 750 × 750 px |
Common reasons a Schengen Area visa photo is rejected
- Wrong size (must be 35 x 45 mm) or the face is not 70-80% of the photo height.
- Background is not a plain light colour, or has shadows or a strong colour.
- Smiling or a non-neutral expression, or the mouth is open.
- Glasses with glare, red eye, or the photo has been digitally edited.
- The photo is more than 6 months old or does not reflect your current appearance.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the face occupying 70-80% of the frame.
What background colour is accepted for a Schengen visa photo?
A plain white background is the safest and is accepted by all 29 Schengen countries; some (such as Germany and the Netherlands) also accept light grey. Check your destination country's consulate if unsure.
Can I smile in a Schengen visa photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed and look directly at the camera.