Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries with a unified visa system. While each country's consulate handles its own applications, photo requirements follow a shared ICAO-compliant standard.
The 27 Schengen Member States
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
One Schengen visa photo standard applies to all 27 countries.
Size Requirements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo width | 35 mm |
| Photo height | 45 mm |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm (70–80% of photo height) |
| Eyes position from bottom | Approximately 29–35 mm |
Background Requirements
Background colour: Light grey or light blue — NOT white.
This is the most frequently misunderstood Schengen photo requirement. Many applicants submit photos with white backgrounds (used for US passports) and get rejected.
- Plain, uniform colour — no gradients
- No shadows on the background
- No patterns or textures
Expression and Appearance
- Expression: Neutral — mouth closed, relaxed face
- Eyes: Open, clearly visible, looking directly at camera
- Glasses: Generally not recommended; most consulates follow ICAO guidelines discouraging glasses
- Head position: Straight on, no tilt
- Head coverings: Religious head coverings permitted with full face visible
- No shadows on face
Photo Quality
- In sharp focus
- Properly exposed — neither too bright nor too dark
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No red-eye
- No digital manipulation beyond background removal and cropping
Digital vs Printed Photos
Most Schengen visa applications at embassies require 2 printed photos submitted with the paper application. Some member states have online visa portals where digital uploads are accepted — check the specific consulate's instructions.
Country-Specific Notes
While the core standard is shared, individual consulates may have minor variations:
France: 2 photos, 35×45 mm, light grey background. Photos must be recent (taken within 6 months).
Germany: 2 photos, 35×45 mm. Accepts light grey or white background depending on the consulate — grey is safer.
Italy: 2 photos, 35×45 mm, white or light background.
Spain: 2 photos, 35×45 mm, white background. Spain is one of the few Schengen countries that explicitly allows white.
Netherlands: 2 photos, 35×45 mm, light grey background.
When in doubt: Use light grey — it is accepted universally across all Schengen consulates.
Schengen Visa Photo vs European Passport Photo
Many European nationals' passports also use 35×45 mm photos, but there are differences:
| Feature | Schengen visa photo | European passport photo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm | 35×45 mm (most countries) |
| Background | Light grey | Varies by country |
| Quantity | 2 per application | 1–2 per application |
Common Rejection Reasons
- White background — the most common mistake; Schengen typically requires light grey
- Wrong size — submitting a US 2×2 in photo instead of 35×45 mm
- Glasses — most consulates now reject photos with glasses
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old — must be within 6 months
- Smiling — neutral expression required
Using Our Tool for Schengen Visa Photos
Select "Schengen" or any specific Schengen member state from the country list. Our tool will:
- Format to exactly 35×45 mm
- Apply a light grey background
- Check face height fills 70–80% of the photo
- Output a print-ready sheet with 2 identical photos