Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026

Planning to visit Europe? Your Schengen visa application requires a biometric photo that meets strict EU standards. This applies to visas for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and all other Schengen countries. Get your photo right to avoid application delays.

Schengen Photo Specifications

Your visa photo must meet these requirements:

Requirement	Specification
Photo Size	35 x 45mm
Head Height	32-36mm (chin to crown)
Face Coverage	70-80% of frame
Background	Light grey or light blue
Expression	Neutral, eyes open
Quality	Sharp, in focus, no shadows
Recency	Taken within last 6 months

Creating Your Schengen Photo

Check Embassy: Some embassies have slight variations - verify specific requirements.
Photo Setup: Use light grey or light blue plain background.
Position: Face camera directly, centered in frame.
Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
Upload: Use our Schengen Visa Photo tool.
Print: Print at 35x45mm on photo paper for submission.

Country-Specific Notes

While Schengen countries share base requirements, some have preferences:

France: Prefers light grey background
Germany: Strict on biometric proportions
Italy: Light blue background acceptable
Spain: Similar to France requirements
Netherlands: Grey background preferred

Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these mistakes:

Face too small or too large in frame
Dark or uneven background
Shadows on face or background
Red-eye or closed eyes
Hair covering face or forehead
Photo older than 6 months

2026 checklist before you apply

Confirm the receiving country’s consulate/VAC photo page the week you apply. Rules are shared across Schengen but local checklists still differ (digital vs print, copies required, whether glasses are banned).

Size: usually 35×45 mm colour biometric composition
Background: light/neutral plain background
Face: centred, neutral expression, eyes visible
Quality: sharp, no heavy filters; recent photo
Prep: crop with Passport Size Photo, compress only if a digital KB limit is published via Compress Image
Compare: UK 35×45 is similar in millimetres but still verify UK vs Schengen pages separately — see UK guide

Create Schengen Photo

Our Schengen Visa Photo Tool meets requirements for all 27 Schengen countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Schengen photo same size as UK?

Yes, both use 35x45mm. However, background preferences may differ.

How many photos do I need for Schengen visa?

Most embassies require 2 identical photos. Check your specific embassy requirements.

Can I wear glasses in Schengen photo?

Generally no, unless medically required. Eyes must be clearly visible without glare.

What is the standard Schengen visa photo size?

Most Schengen states expect a 35×45 mm colour biometric photo (similar to many EU passport rules). Some consulates publish pixel equivalents for online uploads—use the checklist for the country you apply through.

Can I wear glasses in a Schengen photo?

Usually no for new applications (reflections and obscured eyes). Follow the ICAO-style rules printed by your consulate; medical exceptions are rare and documented.

How recent must the photo be?

Typically taken within the last 6 months and resembling your current appearance. Do not reuse an old passport photo if your look changed.

Is a US 2×2 inch photo OK for Schengen?

No. US passport photos are 2×2 inches; Schengen is usually 35×45 mm. Recrop with the Passport Size Photo tool to the EU size.

Should I upload through a random online photo site?

Prefer cropping locally. Identity photos are sensitive—use browser-side tools, then submit only via the official visa application channel.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026 - EU Travel Photo Guide