Schengen visa photo requirements

Schengen visa photos follow the ICAO standard used across Europe. Your face must fill most of the photo, on a plain light background. Check your consulate's checklist too, as some add their own rules.

Checked against European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa on 30 October 2026.

The rules at a glance

Photo size
35 × 45 mm
Face height
32–36 mm, 70–80% of the photo
Background
Plain and light-coloured
Recency
No more than 6 months old
Colour
Colour photo, sharp and clear
Expression
Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed
Standard
ICAO photograph guidelines

What gets photos rejected

  • Face fills 70–80% of the photo

    This is the most common Schengen problem. A US-style photo with more space around the head is too small.

  • Don't use a 2 × 2 inch photo

    Schengen consulates expect 35 × 45 mm. A square US photo is the wrong shape.

  • Plain, light background

    No patterns, objects or shadows behind you.

  • Remove glasses

    ICAO allows clear glasses without glare, but many consulates reject them. Taking them off is safer.

  • Check the consulate checklist

    You apply through the country you will visit, and its checklist decides the final details.

How to take it at home

  1. Pick the right wall

    Stand about half a metre in front of a plain light grey or white wall with nothing on it. Step away from the wall so your shadow does not fall on it.

  2. Face the light

    Stand facing a window or soft lamp so both sides of your face are evenly lit. Avoid overhead light, which casts shadows under the eyes.

  3. Get someone to take it

    Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level, about 1–1.5 m away. A selfie at arm's length makes the nose look bigger.

  4. Check your face

    Remove glasses (many consulates reject them), keep hair away from your eyes and look straight at the camera with a neutral face and your mouth closed.

  5. Size and check it

    Use our photo maker to crop it to 35 × 45 mm and check every rule. We never edit your face or background.

Questions

Is the Schengen visa photo the same for every country?

The size and ICAO rules are the same, but each consulate or visa centre publishes its own checklist. Always check it before you print.

How many photos do I need for a Schengen visa?

Usually two identical photos, but check your consulate's checklist.

Official source: European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa (European Commission and the consulate you apply to). Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.