Condensed guide. Read the full Schengen visa photo requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | white or light grey |
| Background editing | allowed as an opt-in |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, high quality, no borders — Two identical photos for most consulates; one is attached to the form. |
| Digital upload | 827×1063 px JPEG (VFS / consulate online upload where offered); 413×531 px JPEG (Portals that cap upload size) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | European Commission – Visa policy (ICAO photo standard) |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The Schengen photo standard is the ICAO one applied by each member state's consulate or VFS centre: 35×45 mm, head 32–36 mm (70–80 per cent), light plain background. Individual consulates vary on background colour (some ask for light grey, some white) and on digital uploads; check the consulate you apply to.
- Check your consulate's own page for background colour and whether it takes a digital upload.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. No Schengen consulate requires a professional photographer; the photo simply has to meet the ICAO standard. Consulates do differ on background colour, with Germany and the Netherlands preferring light grey and others accepting white, and on whether a digital background replacement is tolerated. The light-grey rule is the safe default and the tool checks for it. Background replacement is offered as an opt-in for this document because several consulates accept it, but shooting against a plain wall remains the better route.
Why Schengen visa photos get rejected
- Head too small (face under 70 per cent). Keep chin-to-crown between 32 and 36 mm; use the head-size control.
- Shadow behind the head. Step away from the wall and light from the front.
- Background colour not accepted by that consulate. Light grey is accepted everywhere; check the consulate if you shot on white.
- Photo older than six months or reused from an earlier visa. Take a new photo. Consulates compare against prior applications.
- Glare on glasses. Remove them.
Schengen visa photo FAQ
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35×45 mm with the head 70–80 per cent of the height (about 32–36 mm), plain light background, taken in the last six months.
Is the background white or grey?
Consulates vary. Light grey is accepted by all; some also accept white. The tool checks for a plain light-grey or white background.
Can I use the same photo for several Schengen visas?
Only within six months and if your appearance is unchanged; reused photos are a known rejection reason.
Are glasses allowed?
Yes without glare, tint or thick frames, but removing them is safer.
Do I need prints or a digital file?
Usually two prints at the appointment. Some portals also take an upload; we provide both.
Can the background be replaced digitally?
Several consulates accept it, so it is offered as an opt-in for this document, but a photo against a real plain wall is never questioned.
Related documents
Irish passport
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmUK passport
35×45 mm · head 29–34 mmUK visa photo (UKVI)
35×45 mm · head 29–34 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against European Commission – Visa policy (ICAO photo standard). Spotted a mistake? Report an error.