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Schengen area · Visa Photo

Make a Schengen area visa photo online - 35 x 45 mm

Make a Schengen area visa photo online with the verified 35 x 45 mm preset, plain light grey background guidance, official-source requirements, a free preview, and the HD photo plus printable 4x6 sheet when the result is ready.

Schengen area Visa Photo size: 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). Required background: plain light grey; head height: 70–80%. Source checked: European Commission / ICAO photo standards, 2026-04-30.
Make Schengen area visa photoBrowse countries
Before passport photo preparation: portrait with an indoor background
After passport photo preparation: printable 4x6 sheet on a white background
Photo size35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Backgroundplain light grey
Head size70-80% of photo height
Digital requirementsUse the standalone HD JPEG for online upload when the authority asks for one photo file. Do not upload the printable sheet when a portal asks for a single photo.
Print requirementsPrint the photo at exactly 35 x 45 mm on photo paper when a printed photo is required. Use 100% / actual size and never fit the image to the page. The printable sheet includes cut guides for individual photos.
Official sourceEuropean Commission / ICAO photo standards
Last reviewed2026-04-30

Check the official rules before submitting

We are an independent photo tool, not a government agency. Document rules can change, so check the official source linked on this page before submitting. The issuing authority makes the final acceptance decision.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1.Choose Schengen area and Visa Photo in the editor.
  2. 2.Upload a clear recent photo taken against a plain wall in even light.
  3. 3.Fit the face guide, validate the crop, and set the required background.
  4. 4.Preview for free, then download the HD file and printable 4x6 sheet when ready.

Schengen visa scope

Use this guide for Schengen visa photo preparation

Use these requirements for a Schengen visa application. A consulate or visa center can request different photos from those required by a national passport authority.

  • Core preset: 35 x 45 mm, ICAO-style framing, light grey or off-white background.
  • Check the consulate or visa center for your main destination when the appointment asks for printed copies.
  • Use a national passport page only when the document is that country's passport or ID.

How to take the source photo

  • Take the source photo with even front light and no shadow behind the head.
  • Face the camera directly with eyes open, a neutral expression, and a closed mouth.
  • Frame head and shoulders so the face can be cropped to the verified head-size range.
  • If glasses are allowed, lenses must be clear, untinted, and glare-free.
  • No casual hats or caps; any permitted covering must leave the full face visible with no shadows.

Common rejection reasons

  • Smiling, frowning, closing eyes, or opening the mouth.
  • Hair covering the eyes or face outline.
  • Necklaces, chains, or shiny jewelry covering the neck/face or reflecting light.
  • Shadows on the face or behind the head.
  • Heavy filters, beauty effects, or retouching.
  • Glasses with glare, tint, thick frames, or lenses covering the eyes.
  • A casual hat/cap or permitted head covering casting shadows or hiding facial edges.

Digital upload

  • Use the standalone HD JPEG for online upload when the authority asks for one photo file.
  • Do not upload the printable sheet when a portal asks for a single photo.

Printing

  • Print the photo at exactly 35 x 45 mm on photo paper when a printed photo is required.
  • Use 100% / actual size and never fit the image to the page.
  • The printable sheet includes cut guides for individual photos.

Official source

Official source: Schengen area Visa Photo

European Commission / ICAO photo standards. Open official requirements: Schengen area Visa Photo (https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/5bb16566-c8c2-4afb-b038-530f488cb72a_en?filename=icao_photograph_guidelines_en.pdf). Last reviewed: 2026-04-30.

Cropping, resizing, validation, preview, and export run in your browser. Background processing runs only when you choose the background step.

FAQ

Is my photo public?

Cropping, resizing, validation, preview, and export run in your browser. Background processing runs only when you choose the background step.

Can I print on a 4x6 sheet?

Yes. The editor includes a printable sheet, but submit the standalone Schengen area Visa Photo file when an online portal asks for one photo.