Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Rules & How to Make One

A Schengen visa lets you travel across 29 European countries, and every application requires a photo that meets the same strict ICAO biometric standard. The wrong size, background, or expression is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed. Here are the complete requirements for 2026 and how to make a compliant photo at home for free.

Official Schengen Visa Photo Specifications

• Size: 35×45 mm (width × height) — the European standard
• Background: Plain light grey or off-white, evenly lit
• Face height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (about 70–80% of the photo)
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Colour: Colour photo with natural skin tones
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
• No glasses: Glasses are strongly discouraged; if worn, no glare and frames must not cover the eyes
• No head coverings except for religious reasons (face must be fully visible from chin to crown)

Which Countries Use This Standard

All 29 Schengen Area countries share the same 35×45mm photo rules, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the Nordic countries. Whether you apply through VFS Global, BLS, or directly at an embassy, the specification is identical — so a single compliant 35×45mm photo works for any Schengen application.

Digital Photo Requirements

• Many Schengen consulates and VFS appointment systems now accept or require a digital photo upload. Typical digital specs:
• Format: JPG
• Resolution: at least 600×750 pixels
• File size: usually between 10KB and a few hundred KB
• Resize to 35×45mm for the correct dimensions, then compress to 50KB if the portal enforces a small file size.

How to Make a Schengen Visa Photo at Home

1. Stand against a plain light grey or off-white wall with even, shadow-free lighting 2. Have someone take a straight-on frontal photo (no selfie, no angle) 3. Remove the background and replace it with the required light colour if your wall isn't suitable 4. Resize to 35×45mm — this sets the correct dimensions automatically 5. Check that your face measures 32–36mm from chin to crown 6. Compress if you're applying online with a file-size limit

Common Reasons Schengen Photos Are Rejected

• Background too dark, patterned, or with shadows behind the head
• Smiling or a non-neutral expression
• Glasses causing glare or frames covering the eyes
• Face too small or too large in the frame
• Photo older than 6 months
• Hair covering the eyes or face partially obscured

In-Person vs Online Application

• In person (VFS/BLS/embassy): Bring two printed 35×45mm photos, or have them taken at the centre
• Online (some consulates): Upload a digital photo meeting the pixel and file-size specs
• Either way, preparing the photo yourself with the correct 35×45mm dimensions and a clean background saves time and avoids a rejected application.