Visa · Schengen Area

Schengen Visa Photo (35x45mm)

Schengen visa photo is 35x45mm, plain light background (light grey or white), ICAO-compliant biometric front view, neutral expression, no glare from glasses, taken within 6 months. Face height 32–36mm from chin to crown. Usually submit 2 photos.

Photo difficulty8/10

Photo specs

Print size	35 × 45 mm
Background	Plain light (light grey or white) (#EDEDED)
Head size	Face height 32–36mm from chin to crown
Quantity	Usually 2 photos (varies by consulate)
Recency	Taken within last 6 months
File note	Colour print; ICAO 9303 biometric standard

35 × 45 mm · Face height 32–36mm from chin to crown

Detailed rules

Black-and-white photoColour photo is required

Smiling / open mouthNeutral face, mouth closed, eyes open facing camera

GlassesNo glare/covering eyes; eyes must be visible, no tinted glasses

Head coveringReligious only, full face must be visible

Patterned or shadowed backgroundPlain light background contrasting with face and hair

Common rejection reasons

Submitting black-and-white photo (rejected)
Face too small, not within 32–36mm
Glare on glasses or frames covering eyes
Uneven background with shadows

Photo difficulty

Strict ICAO biometric standard
Face 32–36mm range is hard to hit
Colour required, uniform background
Strict glasses/head-covering rules

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Schengen visa photo?

35x45mm, colour, ICAO biometric standard. Face height 32–36mm from chin to crown.

What background colour for a Schengen visa photo?

Plain light background — light grey or white, clearly contrasting with face and hair. No patterns or shadows.

How many photos are required?

Usually 2 recent photos taken within 6 months, though the number can vary by consulate.

Official sources

European Commission — Applying for a Schengen visa (ICAO photo standard) — Verified on 04/07/2026
German Federal Foreign Office (Embassy Wellington) — passport photo requirements — Verified on 04/07/2026
France-Visas — ISO/IEC visa photograph requirements — Verified on 04/07/2026

Updated 04/07/2026

Related photo standards

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