Last reviewed: 12 July 2026
If you're applying for a Schengen visa or a European student/work visa, start with the shared 35 × 45 mm format, then check the mission that will handle the application. The background colour instruction can differ by country, so the destination source matters just as much as the common dimensions.
Quick answer
- Size is standard across Schengen: 35 × 45 mm, face 70–80% of the frame, neutral expression, last 6 months.
- The background instruction varies by country — Germany publishes a contrast-based rule and says neutral grey is ideal; other destinations publish different allowed shades.
- Do not assume one background works everywhere. Follow the current embassy, consulate or application-centre instruction for your destination.
Concrete output example
The Schengen preset produces a 35×45 mm JPG. At the registry's 300 DPI reference, that corresponds to approximately 413×531 px; an input portrait of any larger dimensions is cropped to that aspect ratio rather than stretched. The file-size limit is deliberately not stated as a single number because countrySpecs.ts records it as varying by consulate or VFS portal. Confirm the current upload limit before compressing.
The standard Schengen photo size
- Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm (the ICAO biometric standard).
- Face: 70–80% of the frame, roughly 32–36 mm chin to crown.
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and visible.
- Recency: taken within the last 6 months.
- Glasses: best avoided; no glare, no tint, frames clear of the eyes.
Compare the destination's background instruction
All Schengen states follow ICAO, but they interpret the background differently. The table below records what each linked instruction says; it is not a substitute for the mission's current application page:
| Country | Background | Make · source |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | One-colour bright; neutral grey ideal; contrast required | Make → · source |
| France | Plain light-coloured | Make → · source |
| Italy | White | Make → · source |
| Netherlands | Light grey, light blue or white | Make → · source |
If you're unsure, do not rely on a universal background colour. Check the current embassy, consulate or application-centre instruction for your destination. For EU Schengen visa requirements, see the European Commission Schengen visa guidance.
Troubleshooting rejected Schengen photos
| Failure | Fix |
|---|---|
| Portal rejects the file before preview | Check the portal's current JPG and KB rules; there is no EU-wide upload cap. |
| Head is cropped or too small | Return to the 35×45 mm preset and keep chin-to-crown height within the registry's 32–36 mm band. |
| Background does not match the instruction | Use the destination country's published colour and contrast rule; Germany calls neutral grey ideal but frames the rule around brightness and contrast. |
| Face looks stretched | Crop to the 35:45 aspect ratio; do not force independent width and height scaling. |
How to make one free, without uploading your photo
Pick your country on the visa photo maker (or use a country link above), drop in a clear front-facing photo, and it crops to 35×45 mm with the correct background applied automatically and a compliance check before you download. Everything runs in your browser — your photo is never uploaded.
Need to hit a specific upload size too? If the current consulate or VFS page publishes a KB cap, use the compress-to-KB tool on the finished photo. Always confirm the exact requirement on your consulate or VFS portal before submitting. For photo dimensions across all passport and visa types, see passport photo size by country.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm (the ICAO biometric standard), with the face filling 70–80% of the frame (about 32–36 mm chin to crown), a neutral expression, and taken within the last 6 months.
What background colour does a Schengen visa photo need?
It varies by destination. Germany's sample sheet asks for a one-colour bright background, ideally neutral grey, with contrast against the face and hair. France asks for a plain light-coloured background, while the Netherlands lists light grey, light blue or white. Check the mission handling your application rather than treating one shade as universal.
What does Germany's photo sheet say about the background?
It asks for a one-colour bright background, ideally neutral grey, with enough contrast against the face and hair. The cited sheet does not state a blanket ban on white, so use its contrast test and check the mission's current instructions.
Is the Schengen photo the same for every country?
The shared template is 35 × 45 mm with a 70–80% face band, but member-state instructions can differ on background colour and submission details. Confirm the destination mission's current page before submitting.