🇪🇺 Schengen Area visa photo requirements
35 x 45 mm, head 32–36 mm chin to crown, Plain light grey background — and the details that get photographs bounced before an officer ever opens the file.
Check my photo freeThe Schengen Area specification
Photo size
35 x 45 mm
Head height
32–36 mm chin to crown
Background
Plain light grey
- ICAO compliant
- Taken within the last 6 months
Last reviewed 12/08/2026 · Source: EU Visa Code photo standard. Confirm against the official Schengen Area guidance before printing.
Routes this specification covers
Schengen Area applies one biometric photo standard across its visa routes. The same compliant photo is accepted for every route below — only the supporting documents differ.
Why Schengen Area visa photos get rejected
- Background is off-white, textured or shadowed instead of the plain light grey tone Schengen Area requires.
- Head is outside the 32–36 mm chin to crown window — the single most common mechanical failure.
- Smiling, open mouth, or eyes partially closed.
- Glare on glasses, tinted lenses, or frames crossing the eyes.
- Digital retouching, beauty filters or a photo cropped out of a group picture.
- Printed at the wrong dimensions — Schengen Area expects 35 x 45 mm exactly, with no border.
- Low resolution or heavy JPEG compression once uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo is needed for a Schengen Area visa?
35 x 45 mm. Head height must be 32–36 mm chin to crown, taken against a Plain light grey background. Schengen Area applies this specification across its visa routes, so the same photo works for a visitor, student or work application.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen Area visa photo?
Assume no. Almost every authority now rejects glasses because of glare and frame obstruction. If you must wear them for a medical reason, carry the supporting letter to your appointment.
How recent does a Schengen Area visa photo have to be?
Within the last six months, and it must reflect your current appearance — beard, hair length and glasses status included.
Can I use the same photo for every Schengen Area visa route?
Yes. Schengen Area publishes one biometric photo standard, so a compliant photo is accepted across the routes listed on this page. Only the surrounding documents change.
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