Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
- 35x45 mm, face 70-80% of the frame, plain light background
- Upload a selfie and get a ready file in about 2 minutes
- Checked against the official EU guideline
Example: your photo will appear here
The official requirements
- Size: 35×45 mm, 826×1062 px
- Head height: 70-80% of the photo height, chin to crown.
- Eye line: Not fixed by the guideline; eyes must be open and clearly visible.
- Background: Plain light-coloured (white, light grey or light beige).
- File: JPEG, at most 1024 KB.
- Face: Eyes open and clearly visible, no hair across the eyes, facing the camera square on, both edges of the face visible.
- Light: Uniform lighting, no shadows on the face, no flash reflections.
- Freshness: No more than 6 months old.
- Head coverings: Allowed for religious or medical reasons, but the forehead and both edges of the face must stay visible.
- Verified: Checked against the official source on 2026-09-30.
Why photos get rejected
- ✗ Face smaller than 70% of the frame
- ✗ Shadows or flash reflections on the face
- ✗ Dark, colored or busy background
- ✗ Hair across the eyes
- ✗ Photo older than 6 months
How to use it
FAQ
What size is a Schengen visa photo?›
35x45 mm is the format consulates ask for. The EU guideline allows 35-40 mm in width, so 35x45 is accepted everywhere.
Does the background have to be white?›
No. The official guideline says a plain light-coloured background: white, light grey or light beige all work. Shadows behind the head are what actually get photos rejected.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?›
The guideline allows glasses if there is no glare and your eyes stay clearly visible. Some consulates still ask you to remove them, so going without glasses is the safe choice.
How big should my face be in the photo?›
Your face should take 70-80% of the photo height, from the chin to the top of the head, with the top of your shoulders visible.
How recent must the photo be?›
No more than 6 months old, and it must show how you look now.
Other document photos
Disclaimer: DocuPhoto is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the European Commission or any consulate. Requirements are collected from public official sources (verified 2026-09-30). Final acceptance of a photo is decided by the receiving authority.
Problems or questions? Write to support@docuphoto.app