Schengen Visa Photo Requirements & Specifications Guide
Official Schengen visa photo specifications (35x45mm), EU Visa Code standards, member state variability, and consulate compliance guidelines.
Official Photo Specifications
Requirements shown are for reference only. Always verify the latest requirements with the official source before submitting your application. This platform is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. Read full disclaimer →
Photo specifications vary by member state & consulate
While EU Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code) establishes a baseline 35 × 45 mm specification, individual Schengen member state embassies, consulates, and authorized visa application centres (such as VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS) enforce specific rules regarding acceptable background shades, submission formats (physical prints vs digital upload), and photograph age.
Official Guidance: Always verify the exact photo specifications with the specific embassy, consulate, or visa application centre handling your destination country application before preparing your photographs.
About Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
Schengen Visa photograph standards are based on European Union Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code) and European Commission recommendations. The baseline technical specification across the 29 Schengen member states calls for a 35 mm × 45 mm (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm) photograph with the head covering between 70% and 80% (32 mm to 36 mm) of the vertical height from chin to top of hair.
However, photographic requirements and submission workflows can vary significantly across individual Schengen member states, specific embassies/consulates, visa categories (short-stay Type C vs national Type D), and authorized outsourced processing centres (such as VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International).
Some member states require a plain light grey or neutral background and explicitly reject pure white, while others accept off-white. Additionally, requirements regarding whether photos are uploaded online or submitted as physical prints depend on the consular post. Applicants must consult the official document checklist issued by the specific consulate handling their application.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Official document processing centres and digital verification algorithms frequently reject photographs due to the following non-compliance issues:
- 1
Photo does not meet the specific destination consulate’s background shade requirement (e.g. submitting white when light grey is required).
- 2
Head height is outside the 70% to 80% (32 mm to 36 mm) vertical frame requirement.
- 3
Photograph is older than six months and does not reflect current appearance.
- 4
Harsh shadows appear behind the head, on the shoulders, or across facial features.
- 5
Non-neutral facial expression (e.g. smiling, teeth showing, or tilted head angle).
- 6
Low print resolution, paper damage, staple holes, or printing on ordinary paper instead of photographic paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the standard photo size for a Schengen visa application?
- Under the Schengen Visa Code, the standard baseline photo size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
- Are photo requirements identical across all 29 Schengen countries?
- While the 35 × 45 mm physical size and 70%–80% head height baseline are standardized by EU regulation, individual member state consulates may enforce specific rules regarding acceptable background colors (light grey vs white), number of physical prints, and digital portal formats.
- What background color should I use for a Schengen visa photo?
- A plain light background (typically light grey or neutral light cream) is standard. Always check your destination consulate’s checklist, as some consulates prohibit pure white backdrops.
- How recent must a Schengen visa photograph be?
- The photograph must be taken within the last six months. Consular officers frequently cross-reference the photo against previous passport stamps and visas to verify recency.
- What head proportions are required for Schengen visa photos?
- The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm, covering between 70% and 80% of the total photograph height.
- Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
- Eyeglasses are permitted only if lenses are non-tinted, frames do not obscure the eyes, and there is zero flash reflection. Many Schengen consulates strongly recommend removing glasses to prevent delays.