A Schengen visa lets you travel across the Schengen Area on one visa, and the photo requirements are harmonised to the ICAO biometric standard — so the same specification applies whether you apply through France, Germany, Italy or any other member state. Here is what you need in 2026.
Quick reference: Schengen visa photo
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 x 45 mm |
| Background | Plain light grey / uniform light colour |
| Head height | Face should fill about 70–80% of the frame (roughly 32–36 mm chin to crown) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Colour photo, sharp, well-lit, no shadows |
| Quantity | Usually two identical prints for an in-person application |
Because individual consulates can add detail, always confirm with the specific country's consulate you are applying through.
The core rules
- Neutral expression. No smiling with teeth, no raised eyebrows; mouth closed.
- Face fully visible. Hair must not cover the eyes; the full face from chin to crown must be visible.
- Plain, uniform background with clear contrast against your face and hair.
- No head coverings except for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must still be visible.
- Glasses: clear prescription glasses may be accepted if the eyes are fully visible with no glare, but many consulates advise removing them.
Common Schengen visa photo rejections
- Smiling or a non-neutral expression.
- A background that is too dark, coloured, or uneven.
- Glare on glasses or hair covering an eye.
- A photo older than six months, or one that has been digitally edited.
- Wrong dimensions or the head too small in the frame.
Digital vs printed
Many consulates and visa application centres (such as VFS Global or TLScontact) accept or require a digital photo uploaded to their portal, which may specify its own pixel and file-size limits. Others still take two printed 35 x 45 mm photos. Check which your application centre uses before you prepare the file.
Prepare your Schengen photo
GetShot Passport crops and sizes your photo to the 35 x 45 mm Schengen spec and exports a print-ready file in your browser, without uploading. It checks framing and sizing; it does not retouch your photo, and the consulate makes the final decision.
FAQ
What size is a Schengen visa photo? 35 x 45 mm with a plain light background, taken within the last six months.
Is the Schengen visa photo the same for all countries? Yes — the biometric specification is harmonised across the Schengen Area, though individual consulates can add detail, so confirm with the one you apply through.
Can I smile in a Schengen visa photo? No. A neutral expression with the mouth closed and eyes open is required.