Quick answer: Schengen visa photo size requirement in 2026 is 35 × 45 mm with a face height of 32–36 mm (70–80% of frame height). The background must be plain light grey or white and shadow-free. Glasses are strictly discouraged to avoid glare rejections. For digital application submissions, submit a JPEG file under 2 MB.
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Quick reference: Schengen visa photo specifications
Before submitting your application at VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International, or any Schengen consulate, ensure your photo meets every parameter in this table.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31 – 36 mm |
| Background | Light Grey / White |
| Expression | Neutral |
| Eyewear | Discouraged |
| Format | JPEG (300 KB) |
Official Schengen visa photo dimensions
The Schengen visa photo size follows strict ICAO biometric standards across all 29 member states (including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, and Switzerland). Photos must be exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown) must occupy between 70% and 80% of the total photo height, which corresponds to 32–36 mm.
Important Note on Background Preference
While pure white backgrounds are accepted by most member states, countries like France and Germany strongly prefer light grey to ensure clear biometric contrast.
Schengen visa photo size in mm, cm, inches, and pixels
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) | 35 mm | 45 mm | 32–36 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 3.2–3.6 cm |
| Inches (in) | 1.38 in | 1.77 in | 1.26–1.42 in |
| Pixels (at 300 DPI) | 413 px | 531 px | ~70–80% of height |
| Pixels (recommended high-res) | 600+ px | 800+ px | ~70–80% of height |
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Print vs. digital: paper vs online portal requirements
Whether uploading a digital file to an official consulate portal or bringing two printed photos to VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International, the face position, neutral expression, and background rules remain identical.
| Aspect | Print (VFS / TLScontact / BLS) | Digital (Consulate portal) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high | Same proportions; JPEG under 2 MB |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| File size | N/A | 20 KB to 2 MB (recommended) |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos attached to application | 1 file upload via VFS Global / TLScontact / Consulate portal |
| Paper type | Glossy or matte photo paper | N/A |
| Background | Plain light grey or white, shadow-free | Plain light grey or white, shadow-free |
Schengen visa photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Review these biometric requirements before submitting your photo.
Do
- Use a plain light grey or white background that is evenly lit and shadow-free
- Ensure your face is centred, forward-facing, and fully visible from chin to crown
- Keep your eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera lens
- Maintain a neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth closed
- Use even, diffused lighting with no shadows on your face or background
- Include the tops of both shoulders and the base of the neck in the frame
- Ensure hair does not obscure your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face
- Submit a JPEG file under 2 MB for online submissions
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Wear everyday clothing that contrasts well with the light background
Don't
- Smile, frown, tilt or turn your head, or allow your eyes to be partially closed
- Use a dark, coloured, patterned, or textured background — only light grey or white is accepted
- Retouch, filter, adjust brightness/contrast, or digitally alter the photo in any way
- Submit a scanned photo or a picture of a printed photo
- Upload a JPEG file above 2 MB to online portals
- Wear hats, caps, or fashion headwear (religious head coverings permitted with conditions)
- Allow hair, large jewellery, or accessories to cover your eyes or face
- Use a photo older than 6 months
- Use a black-and-white, sepia, or heavily compressed image
- Wear glasses with thick frames or that cause glare/reflections on the lenses
How to take a correct Schengen visa photo at home (step-by-step)
Follow these six steps to ensure 100% compliance at your visa appointment.
Set up a light grey or white background
Stand or sit in front of a plain, uniformly lit wall that is light grey or white. Ensure there are no shadows, textures, or objects behind you.
Set up balanced, diffused lighting
Use natural daylight facing a window, or two balanced artificial lights on both sides of your face to prevent facial or wall shadows.
Position your head and body
Face the camera directly with your head level and upright. Keep shoulders straight and maintain a distance of about 50 cm from the camera.
Take the photo
Look straight into the camera lens with eyes fully open and mouth closed in a neutral expression. Remove glasses if possible.
Crop and size the image
Crop the image to 35 × 45 mm with face height measuring 32–36 mm. Ensure resolution is at least 300 DPI.
Check before submitting
Verify background tone, neutral facial expression, exact face height proportions, and JPEG file limits before submitting your visa application.
Common Schengen visa photo rejection reasons in 2026
Consular automated software and manual reviewers instantly reject non-compliant photos.
Incorrect background colour
Schengen countries mandate a plain light grey or white background. Dark, coloured, or patterned backgrounds, as well as shadows behind the head, lead to automatic rejection.
Non-neutral expression or head tilt
Biometric readers check facial landmarks. Smiling, open mouth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head will cause automated rejection at VFS Global or TLScontact appointments.
Face proportion out of range
Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the 45 mm photo height (32–36 mm). If the face is cropped too close or is too far away, it will fail compliance checks.
Glare or reflections on glasses
Most Schengen consulates strongly discourage glasses. Reflections on the lenses or thick frames covering the eyes will result in immediate photo rejection.
Digital alteration or retouching
Filtering, smoothing skin, replacing backgrounds digitally, or adjusting contrast alters biometric data and leads to application refusal.
Photo older than 6 months
The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance and must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions: Schengen visa photo 2026
What is the Schengen visa photo size requirement in 2026?
The official Schengen visa photo size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The face from chin to crown must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm (occupying 70–80% of the frame). The background must be plain light grey or white.
What is the Schengen visa photo size in pixels?
At 300 DPI, a 35 × 45 mm photo equals 413 × 531 pixels. For digital uploads, a higher resolution such as 600 × 800 or 900 × 1200 pixels is recommended, as long as the JPEG file remains under 2 MB.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Glasses are strongly discouraged by Schengen consulates. If worn for medical reasons, frames must be thin and not cover any part of the eyes, and lenses must have zero glare or reflections.
Can I smile in a Schengen visa photo?
No. You must maintain a strictly neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling or showing teeth will cause your photo to fail biometric checks.
What background colour is required for Schengen visa photos?
A plain light grey background is preferred by most Schengen member states (such as France and Germany), though pure white is also accepted. The background must be uniform and shadow-free.
Are religious head coverings allowed?
Yes, religious head coverings are permitted if worn daily. However, the full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must remain completely visible, with no shadows cast on the face.
How recent must a Schengen visa photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current physical appearance.
Can I take my Schengen visa photo with my phone?
Yes, as long as the photo meets all biometric specifications: plain light grey/white background, neutral expression, 35 × 45 mm dimensions, 32–36 mm face height, and no digital retouching.
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