Schengen Visa Photo Size & Requirements
A Schengen visa application — and many EU member states' national passports — requires a photo at a specific size and standard, based on guidance published for the Schengen area. Here's exactly what's required, and a free tool below that positions, sizes, and backgrounds your photo correctly in under a minute.
Requirements at a glance
- Size: 35 × 45 mm
- Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to the top of the head
- Face should fill roughly 70–80% of the photo's height
- Background: plain light grey or white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and visible
- Glasses are allowed only if there's no glare and your eyes are fully visible — no tinted or colored lenses
- Taken within the last 6 months, in color, with no filters or digital retouching
Common reasons photos get rejected
- Wrong background color (anything other than plain light grey or white)
- Head too small or too large for the required 32–36 mm range
- Glare on glasses, or lenses that obscure the eyes
- Non-neutral expression, or a photo older than 6 months
Get a compliant photo in under a minute
Create my Schengen visa photoFrequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Schengen visa?
35 × 45 mm (about 1.4 × 1.8 inches), per the standard used across Schengen visa applications.
Can I wear glasses for my Schengen visa photo?
Yes, as long as there's no glare and your eyes are fully visible — tinted or colored lenses aren't accepted.
Does every Schengen country use the same requirement?
The 35×45mm standard is used consistently across Schengen visa applications, though always confirm with the specific consulate or embassy you're applying through.
Requirements are compiled from published Schengen visa guidance and may vary or change by issuing consulate — always confirm current rules before submitting your application.
Applying for a US passport or visa instead? See our US passport photo requirements guide.