Schengen Visa Photo
Create a compliant 35×45mm photo for Schengen visa applications. Meet all requirements including the light gray or light blue background with our online tool.
A Schengen visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area, which includes most European Union countries. The photo requirements for Schengen visas are specific and differ from other visa photo requirements, particularly regarding background color and dimensions.
35×45 mm Schengen Visa Photo Size Requirements
The required 35×45 mm Schengen visa photo size must measure exactly 35mm wide by 45mm high with proper head positioning and light gray or light blue background.
Your Schengen visa photo must meet these strict requirements:
| Photo Size | 35mm wide × 45mm high (35×45mm) |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI (approximately 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI) |
| Format | Rectangular portrait orientation |
| Background | Light gray or light blue (white is NOT accepted) |
| Head Size | 32-36mm from chin to top of head (70-80% of photo height) |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Photo Age | Taken within last 6 months |
Tip
Create Your Schengen Visa Photo Online
Our online tool makes it easy to create a compliant Schengen visa photo. Simply upload your photo, and we'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 35×45mm (rectangular format)
- Ensure proper resolution (300 DPI / 413×531 pixels)
- Set background to light gray or light blue (as required)
- Ensure proper head size and positioning (32-36mm)
- Center your face in the frame
- Export in print-ready quality
Create Your Schengen Visa Photo Now
Upload your photo and we'll format it to meet all Schengen visa requirements
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
Additional Requirements
In addition to size and background requirements, your Schengen visa photo must also meet these criteria:
- Face must be in full frontal view (looking directly at camera)
- Head must be centered and straight (not tilted)
- Eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking at the camera
- Mouth must be closed with a neutral expression
- Hair must not cover the eyes or face
- No head coverings unless worn for religious purposes (face must still be fully visible)
- No uniform (unless religious dress that is worn daily)
- Photo must be in color (no black and white)
- No shadows or reflections on the face or background
Schengen Area Countries
The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries. A single Schengen visa allows you to travel to all of these countries:
- Austria, Belgium, 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, and more
All these countries use the same 35×45mm photo format with light gray or light blue background requirement.
Schengen Visa Photo FAQs
What size photo is required for Schengen visa?
Schengen visa photos must be exactly 35mm wide by 45mm high (35×45mm). At 300 DPI, this equals approximately 413×531 pixels. This is a rectangular format, different from the square 2×2 format used in the US.
What background color is required for Schengen visa photos?
Schengen visa photos require a light gray or light blue background. Plain white backgrounds are NOT accepted for Schengen visa applications. This is different from many other visa photo requirements.
Can I create a Schengen visa photo online?
Yes! You can create a compliant Schengen visa photo online using our tool. Upload your photo, and we'll automatically format it to 35×45mm with the correct light gray or light blue background and ensure proper head positioning.
What are the head size requirements for Schengen visa photos?
For Schengen visa photos, your head (from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head) should be between 32-36mm, which is approximately 70-80% of the photo height. Your face must be centered and clearly visible.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Glasses are generally allowed for Schengen visa photos if they are not tinted and do not obscure your eyes. However, it's recommended to remove glasses unless medically necessary to avoid potential rejection.
How recent must my Schengen visa photo be?
Your Schengen visa photo must be taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. The photo must not be the same one used in a previous visa application.