Schengen area · Visas
Schengen visa photo
Schengen visa photo: 35 × 45 mm; digital file 413 × 531 px JPEG; head 32–36 mm from chin to top of head; plain and light-coloured background; glasses best removed; taken in the last 6 months (some consulates: 3).
Schengen visa photo requirements
From the official government page. Our tool measures your photo against each of these.
| Document | Short-stay visa for 29 European countries |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital file | 413 × 531 px JPEG |
| Head size | 32–36 mm from chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain and light-coloured |
| Glasses | Best removed; must not hide your eyes or reflect light |
| Photo age | Taken in the last 6 months (some consulates: 3) |
Rules checked against the official page on 25 Oct 2026.
Tips for your Schengen visa photo
- Follows the ICAO photo standard.
- Some consulates want the photo taken in the last 3 months.
- No digital changes to the photo.
- Stand in front of a plain, light wall, a step away from it so no shadow falls behind you.
- Face a window so light falls evenly on both sides of your face.
- Ask someone to take the photo about 1.5 m away, at your eye level, with space above your head.
Questions
What size is the Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. The digital file is 413 × 531 px JPEG.
What background do I need?
Plain and light-coloured, with no patterns, objects or shadows. Our tool checks the background and tells you if it needs a retake. We never replace backgrounds, because edited photos are rejected.
Can I wear glasses?
Best removed; must not hide your eyes or reflect light.
Can I take this photo at home?
Yes. Ask someone to take it with a good camera or the back camera of a phone, in daylight, in front of a plain light wall. The tool shows you every measurement before you download.
Is it free?
Yes. You only need a free account to download. No card and no subscription.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The checks run inside your browser, so your photo stays on your device.