Schengen Visa Photo Requirements & Maker

A Schengen visa photo must measure exactly 35 mm in width by 45 mm in height (3.5 × 4.5 cm / approximately 1.38 × 1.77 inches). For digital uploads, this corresponds to 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI, or 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI, with the subject’s face occupying 70% to 80% of the total height (32 to 36 mm from chin to top of hair).

The background must be uniform, plain, and free of shadows or patterns. Most Schengen consulates (including Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, and Nordic countries) strictly specify a light grey (#E8E8E8) or off-white background rather than blinding pure white, so that there is clear optical contrast between the applicant’s face/clothing and the background.

Most Visa Application Centers (VACs) such as VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International, and Capago require 2 identical printed photographs taken within the last 6 months. One photo is attached to the application form (usually with a glue stick—never staple through the face), and the second is submitted loose with your application docket.

Glasses are discouraged. If you must wear prescription eyeglasses for documented medical reasons, the frames must be thin, the lenses must be completely clear (no tinted or sunglasses lenses), and there must be zero flash reflection, glare, or rims covering any part of your eyes or pupils.

Yes. You can take a clear portrait with your smartphone camera positioned at eye level approximately 1.5 to 2 meters away in good natural lighting. Then upload your image to our free Schengen Visa Photo Maker above. The AI tool automatically crops the image to 35×45 mm, adjusts the chin-to-crown ratio to 32–36 mm, sets the background to certified light grey, and formats a printable 4×6 inch sheet.

No. U.S. passport photos are 51×51 mm (2×2 inches) square with a 50–69% face height. Schengen visa photos are rectangular (35×45 mm) with a higher face ratio (70–80% / 32–36 mm). Submitting a square 2×2 inch photo will lead to immediate rejection at European visa counters.

According to ICAO Doc 9303 standards adopted by the European Union, the vertical distance from the base of your chin to the top of your skull (including hair) must be between 32 mm and 36 mm. This ensures that the face covers 70% to 80% of the 45 mm photo height for automated biometric border scanners.

For children under 6 years old, the relaxed standards apply regarding head height and eye gaze, but the photo must still be 35×45 mm on a light background with no other person, hands, toys, or chair backs visible. For infants under 1 year, lying on a plain white or light grey sheet from above is acceptable.

Automated biometric passport scanners used by the French Ministry of the Interior and the German Federal Foreign Office rely on border edge detection algorithms. A pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255) often causes "washout" around light skin, light hair, or light-colored shirts, failing edge-detection tests. A neutral light grey (#E5E7EB to #E8E8E8) provides optimal contrast.