Schengen Passport Photo Requirements
Official photo requirements for Schengen passport applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Rectangular format (35×45mm)
35×45 mm Photo Size Requirements
The required 35×45 mm photo size must measure exactly 35mm wide by 45mm high with proper head positioning and background color.
Official Photo Size
The photo must be exactly 1.4×1.8 (approx). This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.
| Inches | 1.4×1.8 (approx) |
| Millimeters | 35×45 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413×531 px |
Tip
Background & Lighting
Background: Light gray or light blue. Schengen visa applications require a light gray or light blue background (not white). This is different from most other countries.
- No shadows on the background or your face
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No other people or objects visible
- Uniform color throughout
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
Face & Head Size Rules
Head size: 32-36mm from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.
- Face the camera directly (no tilting)
- Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Head centered in the frame
- Shoulders visible in the photo
What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)
Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:
- Glasses: Allowed if no glare
- Clothing: Regular clothing
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
- Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
- Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
Photo Quality Requirements
High quality, sharp focus, 300 DPI
- Sharp focus with no blur
- High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
- No filters or digital alterations
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to Schengen passport applications:
- Wrong photo size (not 1.4×1.8 (approx))
- Incorrect background (not light gray or light blue)
- Wrong head size (not 32-36mm from chin to top of head)
- Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
- Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
- Digital alterations or filters
- White background (must be light gray or blue)
- Wrong size (not 35×45mm)
- Face too small (less than 80% of photo)
Local Notes for Schengen
- Schengen visa photos require a light gray or light blue background (not white)
- 80% of the photo must be your face
- Photos are valid for all Schengen countries
- Rectangular format (35×45mm)
- 80% of photo must be face
- Background must be light gray or light blue (not white)
- Valid for all Schengen countries
Printing Tips for Schengen
- Print at 300 DPI for best quality
- Ensure background color is correct (light gray or light blue)
- Verify head size meets requirements before printing
Create a Schengen Passport Photo Online
Use our tool to create a compliant passport photo. We'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 1.4×1.8 (approx)
- Fix background to light gray or light blue
- Ensure proper head size (32-36mm from chin to top of head)
- Align face correctly
- Export at 300 DPI for print quality
Create Your Passport Photo
Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with Schengen requirements
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
Schengen Passport Photo Requirements FAQs
What background color is required for Schengen passport photos?
Schengen passport photos require a light gray or light blue background (not white). This is different from most other countries.
What size is a Schengen passport photo?
Schengen passport photos are 35×45mm (rectangular format). Your face must occupy 80% of the photo.
Which countries accept Schengen passport photos?
Schengen passport photos are valid for all 27 Schengen area countries, including most EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.