Updated 27 October 2026

Schengen Visa Photo Size: 35x45 mm, Face 32-36 mm (Free Photo Maker)

Quick answer: A Schengen visa photo is 35 × 45 mm, in colour, with your face (chin to crown) 32–36 mm high, which is 70–80% of the photo, against a plain light background, looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression. It follows the international ICAO passport-photo standard, so the same size works for most EU passports and residence permits. Make it free below and print the 4 × 6 inch sheet of eight photos at any photo kiosk.

The 27 Schengen countries use one common visa sticker but each consulate and visa centre (such as VFS Global or TLScontact) checks photos itself, and some are stricter than others about background colour and photo age. If your consulate gives its own rules, follow those; the tool's "Other" option lets you enter any size.

Passport and visa photo maker
Make a passport, visa or ID photo at the exact official size, with the head the right height, then download a file for an online application or a 4 × 6 inch sheet to print at any photo kiosk. Your photo is processed on your device and never uploaded.

Your photo never leaves this device. No upload, no sign-up, no watermark.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

RuleRequirement
Size35 mm wide × 45 mm high
Face height32–36 mm chin to crown (70–80% of the photo)
BackgroundPlain and light: white, off-white or light grey depending on the consulate
Age of photoRecent: usually within 6 months, some consulates ask for 3
PoseFacing the camera, eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression
GlassesAllowed only without glare, tint or frames over the eyes; safest without
Head coveringsOnly for religious reasons, face fully visible from chin to forehead
Legal basisEU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009, Article 13) and ICAO Doc 9303

How to Make It

  1. Take the photo against a plain light wall in daylight, from about 1.5 metres away at eye level.
  2. Add it to the tool with "Schengen visa and EU passports" selected and fit your face to the oval.
  3. Choose "Printed photos" and download the sheet, then print it at actual size (10 × 15 cm) on photo paper.
  4. Bring two photos to your appointment unless the visa centre says otherwise; many centres also take your photo and fingerprints on the spot.

Country Differences Worth Knowing

  • Background: Germany and the Netherlands accept light grey; some consulates in Asia and the Middle East insist on white.
  • Photo age: six months is common, but the Czech and some other consulates ask for photos no older than a few months.
  • Eye position: some countries also set the eye height. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for example, requires at least 13 mm from the eyes to the bottom of the chin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Schengen visa photo?

35 × 45 mm, with the face 32–36 mm from chin to crown.

Is the Schengen photo the same as a passport photo?

For most EU countries, yes: both follow the 35 × 45 mm ICAO standard. It differs from US (2 × 2 inch) and Canadian (50 × 70 mm) passport photos.

Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?

Usually yes if there is no glare and your eyes are fully visible, but many visa centres prefer photos without glasses, so remove them if you can.

Do I need printed photos if the visa centre takes my picture?

Many centres capture a photo with your fingerprints, but some still ask for printed photos with the application form. Check your appointment letter.

Sources

Cite this page: Blog Digest, “Schengen Visa Photo Size: 35x45 mm, Face 32-36 mm (Free Photo Maker)”, updated 27 October 2026, https://randomthoughtsever.blogspot.com/2026/10/schengen-visa-photo-size-35x45-mm-face.html

Related Guides

Based on the EU Visa Code and consulate guidance, checked in October 2026. Your consulate or visa centre has the final say.