What size is a Schengen visa photo?

35 x 45 mm. The face should take up 70 to 80 percent of the photo, which works out to roughly 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown.

Is the Schengen visa photo the same for every country?

The EU Visa Code requires an ICAO-compliant photo for all Schengen states, so the size is the same. Each consulate or visa centre can add details, so check the consulate of your main destination.

Can I smile in a Schengen visa photo?

No. Look at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

Schengen visa photo: 35 × 45 mm and what consulates actually check

Every Schengen state uses the same rule: under the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009, Article 13) you must give a photo that meets ICAO standards (European Commission). The consulates spell out what that means. We've used two official versions: France-Visas photograph requirements and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo page.

At a glance

Size	35 × 45 mm (France-Visas accepts 35–40 mm wide)
Head size	Face 70–80% of the photo, about 32–36 mm chin to crown
Background	Plain, light-coloured
Glasses	Allowed if the eyes are clearly visible, with no tint or glare; no sunglasses
Where to submit	The consulate, or its appointed visa centre, of your main destination country
Official source	European Commission: applying for a Schengen visa

The measurements

Photo 35 × 45 mm (France-Visas allows 35–40 mm width).
Face taking up 70–80% of the photo, about 32–36 mm chin to crown on a 45 mm print.
At least 13 mm from the eyes to the bottom of the chin (Czech MFA). If your face is too small, this is the line that fails.
Not more than 6 months old.

Style

Plain, light-coloured background; uniform lighting, no shadows or flash reflections, no red eye.
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open with no hair across them, facing square to the camera.
Glasses allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no tinted lenses or glare (France-Visas suggests lighter frames). No sunglasses.
Head coverings only for religious (and, per the Czech MFA, health) reasons, with the face from chin to forehead visible.
You alone: no chair backs, toys or other people.

Practical tips for visa appointments

Many visa centres scan your photo or take a new one at biometrics. Bring two prints anyway, as some consulates glue one to the form. The Czech consulates ask for glue, not staples.
Apply at the consulate of your main destination (longest stay), or your first entry if stays are equal. Check that consulate's page for extras.
A 2 × 2 inch US photo is not accepted. The shape is different.

Make a 35×45 mm Schengen visa photo →

PassPhotoSnap is not affiliated with any Schengen state, consulate or visa service provider.

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