Schengen Visa Photo Guide (35x45 mm)

A Schengen visa photo follows a single international pattern: 35x45 mm, a plain light background and a neutral face. This guide explains the rules, how to prepare the photo at home and how to avoid common rejections.

The Schengen photo rules at a glance

Size: 35x45 mm, based on the ICAO standard.
Head: 32-36 mm from chin to crown, which is 70-80% of the photo height.
Background: plain and light, white or light grey depending on the consulate.
Expression: neutral, with the eyes open.
Glasses: no glare on the lenses.
Age of the photo: taken within the last 6 months.

The same size, small background differences

The 35x45 mm size is used across Schengen countries, but the background shade varies a little. One consulate may prefer white, while another prefers light grey. Some visa centres also ask for two photos, and some capture biometrics on site. Always check the instructions of the consulate or visa centre that handles your application before printing.

How to prepare the photo at home

Find a plain light wall, stand about a metre in front of it and use soft daylight from a window facing you. Ask someone to hold the phone at eye level and take the photo from a normal distance.

Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
Keep your head level, with both eyes open.
Avoid glare on glasses, or remove them.
Do not use filters or beauty modes.

Then upload the picture to IDPhotoly, which crops it to 35x45 mm, sets the background and checks the head size.

Printing

Most applications need one or two printed photos. Print on photo paper at 300 DPI and cut to the exact size, using the sheet layout to fit several copies. If the visa centre captures biometrics on site, you may still be asked for a photo for the form, so bring prints anyway.

Common rejections

Head too small or too large. Outside the 32-36 mm range.
Wrong background shade. A tone the consulate does not accept.
Old photo. More than 6 months old.
Glare on glasses or shadows. Eyes must be clearly visible.
Edited photo. Filters and retouching are refused.
Smiling or open mouth. Keep a neutral expression.

Our guarantee

IDPhotoly processes your photo in your browser and does not upload it. Payment is a single one-time charge starting at $6.99. If an official authority rejects your photo, you can request a full refund within 30 days at [email protected]. We are not affiliated with any government.

Last updated October 5, 2026.