When applying for a Schengen Visa to travel within the Schengen Area, submitting photos that meet the required specifications is an essential part of the application process.
Regardless of the Schengen visa type, you are required to provide two compliant photos along with your other documents, following the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
These photos must adhere to strict requirements to ensure your Schengen visa application is accepted.
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
To ensure your Schengen visa application is accepted, your photos must meet these specific requirements:
- Number of Photos: Submit two identical, recent photos (taken within the last six months).
- Photo size: Each photo must measure 35mm x 45mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches).
- Color: Only color photos are accepted—black and white photos are not allowed.
- Head Position: Your head should cover 70-80% of the photo.
- Background: Use a light, plain background, ideally light grey, with no patterns.
- Pose: Face the camera directly with a neutral expression—no smiles and keep your mouth closed.
- Clothing: Avoid wearing uniforms or clothes that match the background.
The photo requirements are standardized across all Schengen countries to ensure that your visa application can be processed efficiently and without delays.
MyBiometricPhotos.com allows you to take and download your digital Schengen visa-compliant photos using your smartphone in just 3 minutes.
Following in this article, you can find all of the Schengen visa photograph sizes and other requirements and specifications elaborated in a clear and understandable way.
Schengen Visa Photo Size: Exact Dimensions
The official Schengen visa photo size is 3.5 x 4.5cm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). This size is standard for all Schengen countries and must be adhered to for the visa application to be processed.
Here’s what you need to know about the size:
- The photo must measure exactly 35mm in width and 45mm in height.
- The face should occupy between 70-80% of the photo, with a height of 32-36mm from the chin to the top of the head.
- The head should be centered and both sides of the face must be clearly visible.
Failure to meet these size requirements could lead to the rejection of your visa application. It is recommended to double-check the dimensions before submission.
Additional Photo Specifications
Focus and Contrast
The applicant’s face must be clearly visible, sharply focused, and have strong contrast. Avoid submitting photos that are blurry, too bright, or have poor contrast.
Brightness
The accepted brightness in the photo is when it is uniformly spread all over the face. It is crucial completely avoid reflections, shadows, and red eyes.
Background
Make sure the background of the photo is plain, with no colours, patterns, or shadows. The ideal background is a light, neutral grey, which helps the face and hair stand out with the proper contrast.
Quality
Be aware that the photo must be printed on high-quality paper, and a printing resolution of at least 600 dpi, as the only accepted form. The skin tone of the applicant must be natural, while the entire photo must be neutral, avoiding creases and layers.
Facial Expression and Head Position
Avoid keeping your head neither turned nor at an angle or opening your mouth. The only accepted form to pose is by keeping a neutral look with eyes focused directly on the camera with a mouth closed.
Eyes and Line of Sight
When you pose for the photo, ignoring to focus your eyes on the camera or closing them or putting your hair across your eyes is intolerable, as the accepted way of posing is by entirely looking straight into the camera, with fully open eyes and not covered by hair or else.
Glasses
When you pose, avoid putting on sunglasses, dark optical glasses, and optical glasses that have frames covering your eyes, and, similarly, avoid flash reflection. The only accepted photo with optical glasses on is when the applicant’s eyes are fully visible and not covered by the glasses frame.
Headwear
Avoid posing with a hat, headwear that covers your face, or having your face shadowed by headwear, as none of them is allowable. The only exception is for religious headwear, and even then, the face must be clearly visible from the lower tip of the chin to the forehead.
Source and Photo Credits: msz.gov.pl
FAQ
How old can the photo be for my visa application?
Your photo should be recent, taken within the last six months to accurately represent your current appearance.
Are the same photograph requirements for all Schengen countries?
Yes, the visa photograph requirements and specifications are the same for every member of the Schengen Area: Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Are black and white photos acceptable for Schengen visa applications?
No, only colour photos are allowed. Ensure your photos are in full colour to meet the Schengen visa requirements.
Can I wear my prescription glasses?
You can wear your glasses, but they must not obscure your eyes, and there should be no reflections. Sunglasses or heavily tinted lenses are not allowed.
What kind of background should I use for my visa photo?
Use a plain, light-coloured background, preferably light grey. Avoid any patterns or shadows that could interfere with the clarity of your image.
Can I smile?
No, you should maintain a neutral expression with a closed mouth.
Is headwear allowed?
Headwear is not allowed unless worn for religious purposes, and in those cases, your face must be clearly visible from the chin to the forehead.
What if I wear religious headwear daily?
You may keep your religious headwear on in the photo, but make sure your entire face is clearly visible, from the chin to the forehead.
In addition to passport photos, you must also submit the following documents:
- A Valid Passport
- Schengen Health Insurance Certificate
- A Round-Trip Flight Reservation or Travel Itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation (Hotel Booking, Rent, Invitation)
- Proof of Financial Means to Cover Your Expenses
- Proof of Paid Schengen Visa Fee
For more detailed information, read the following articles:
- Schengen Visa Requirements: What Documents to Prepare and
- How to Apply for a Schengen Visa: A Complete Step-by-Step Process