Schengen visa photo specification
The EU Visa Code asks for a photo “in compliance with ICAO standards”. The exact wording differs slightly between member states’ consulates, so always check the page of the consulate you apply to. These are the common values:
| Requirement | Value and source |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm (Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs; France-Visas gives 35–40 mm width) |
| Face size | Face takes up 70–80% of the photo (France-Visas). On a 45 mm photo that is about 31.5–36 mm, which is the range this tool’s guide uses; that conversion is ours. |
| Eyes to chin | At least 13 mm (Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured |
| Other | Not older than 6 months, neutral expression, mouth closed, no tinted glasses, no head covering except for religious reasons |
We could not find a single official EU-wide pixel size for digital Schengen photos, so the single-photo download is 413 × 531 px (35 × 45 mm at 300 dpi), suitable for printing. If your consulate or visa centre names a pixel size, follow that.
Things to watch
- Consulate rules win. Some consulates or their visa service providers take your photo on site or have extra requirements.
- Glasses. Allowed by France-Visas if the eyes are clearly visible with no reflection and no tinted lenses; heavy frames should be avoided.
Official sources
Checked October 24, 2026. Requirements change; the official pages always win over this summary.
- European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa (photo “in compliance with ICAO standards”)
- France-Visas: Schengen visa photograph instructions (face 70–80% of the photo)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic: Photo (35 × 45 mm)
A guide, not a guarantee
This tool sets the size and helps you place the head. Whether a photo is accepted is decided by the issuing authority. The background hint is a simple brightness and evenness check, not an official test.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded?
No. It is cropped on a canvas in your browser and saved as a local download. You can check the Network tab, or go offline after the page has loaded and it still works.
Will my photo be accepted?
We cannot promise that. The tool gets the size and proportions right and helps you place the head, but lighting, expression, glasses, shadows and background are judged by the issuing authority.
Can it remove or whiten the background?
No. Passport authorities generally reject digitally altered photos, so the tool deliberately does not edit the background. Take the photo against a plain white or light wall instead.
How do I print the sheet?
Download the print sheet and print it at a photo kiosk or shop as a 4 × 6 in (10 × 15 cm) photo at 100% size, then cut along the grey lines.