Schengen visa (short-stay) photo size and requirements

A Schengen visa (short-stay) photo must be 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) on a plain single colour, light (ideally neutral grey), contrasting with face and hair background. Use the tool below to crop yours to the exact size.

Size: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head size: 32–36 mm from chin to top of head
Background: plain single colour, light (ideally neutral grey), contrasting with face and hair
Glasses: allowed if eyes clearly visible; no tinted lenses or sunglasses, no flash reflection, frames must not cover eyes

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Other rules for Schengen visa (short-stay) photos

EU Commission page requires an ICAO-compliant photo; its ICAO guide allows 35-40 mm width and face filling 70-80% of the photo
German missions: one recent biometric photo, 35 x 45 mm
Face (chin to crown, not top of hair) 32-36 mm = 70-80% of photo; rejected only if under 27 mm or over 40 mm
Children 9 and under: face 22-36 mm (50-80%), rejected only if under 17 mm or over 40 mm
Light-haired: medium-grey background; dark-haired: light-grey background; no pattern, no shadows
Printed at 600 dpi or better on high-quality paper; colour or black and white
Neutral expression, mouth closed, looking straight at camera, head not tilted or turned
No head covering except for religious reasons (face visible chin to forehead); no uniform parts
Photo no more than 6 months old (EU ICAO guide)

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Schengen visa (short-stay) photo?

35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).

What background is required for a Schengen visa (short-stay) photo?

A plain single colour, light (ideally neutral grey), contrasting with face and hair background, plain and without shadows or patterns.

How big should the head be in a Schengen visa (short-stay) photo?

The head should measure 32–36 mm from chin to top of head.

Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa (short-stay) photo?

Allowed if eyes clearly visible; no tinted lenses or sunglasses, no flash reflection, frames must not cover eyes.

Other photo sizes

Source: official requirements. Not yet confirmed on an official source: eyeLine, pixels/digital rules (no digital upload spec for Schengen visa found). The consulate or passport office makes the final decision on whether a photo is accepted.