Schengen Visa Visa Photo Maker
A Schengen visa photo uses the 35×45mm frame recorded here, with the face at about 70–80% of the image. This generic maker defaults to light grey, but member-state missions can publish different background examples, so confirm the destination consulate's current sheet.
Prepared for the published requirements of: Schengen Visa (all 29 states).
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A clear, front-facing photo works best
JPG · PNG · HEIC · processed on your device, never uploaded
Before you upload — Schengen Visa photo preparation checklist
- A plain, evenly lit background to start (we apply the selected colour)
- Face the camera straight on, both ears roughly visible
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- A recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Shadows on your face or the wall behind you
- Glasses — remove them unless they're medically required
- Hair across the eyes, hats or caps
- Filters, beauty smoothing, or a cropped group photo
Get the head size right
For Schengen Visa, your face should fill 70–80% of the photo — the maker does this automatically, but here's what it should look like.
Correct head size
Too small / far away
Too close / cropped
Schengen Visa visa photo specification
- Print size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Head height
- 32–36 mm (chin to crown)
- Head % of frame
- 70–80%
- Background
- #DCDCDC
- Digital size
- ~413×531px @300dpi
- File size
- varies by portal
- Min DPI
- 300
- Glasses
- strongly discouraged
- Expression
- neutral only
Good to know
Schengen follows the ICAO standard across all 29 member states. Light grey is the safe background everywhere. Some consulates (Switzerland in particular) reject pure white, so the tool defaults to grey.
Verified 4 Jun 2026eur-lex.europa.eu
Report outdated informationSchengen / ICAO photo specification
Schengen visa photos are 35×45mm, taken recently, with the face filling roughly 70–80% of the frame and measuring 32–36mm chin to crown. The ICAO biometric standard requires a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and visible, and no glasses. Even lighting with no shadows is essential.
Background: check the handling mission
This maker uses a plain light-grey background as its generic default. That is a tool choice, not a claim that every Schengen mission mandates or accepts the same shade. Compare the preview with the current photo guidance published by the consulate or visa centre handling your application.
One photo for any Schengen country
Many Schengen applications use the same 35×45mm frame, but background and composition instructions can vary by member state and consulate. Prepare the selected light-grey version here, then check the destination consulate's current notes before submitting.
Meeting the Schengen Visa upload file-size limit
If your portal needs a smaller file, compress the finished photo to an exact size. Your image stays in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35×45mm, following the ICAO biometric standard, with the head 32–36mm from chin to crown and the face filling about 70–80% of the frame.
What background colour should a Schengen visa photo have?
Light grey is the safest choice. Some states accept white (e.g. France), but Switzerland requires grey and rejects white, so the tool defaults to light grey, which meets the requirement across the Schengen states. Confirm your consulate's current guidance before submitting.
Does the same photo work for every Schengen country?
Do not assume one file works everywhere. Many Schengen applications use a 35×45mm frame, but each destination consulate can publish additional background or composition instructions. Confirm each application before reusing a photo.
Are glasses allowed in a Schengen visa photo?
No. The ICAO biometric standard requires glasses to be removed, with both eyes clearly visible and no glare.
What size is a visa photo for Schengen Visa?
A visa photo for Schengen Visa is 35×45mm. EasyPhoto sets this size automatically.
What background colour does a visa photo for Schengen Visa need?
Plain and light-coloured. This generic preset uses light grey, but the accepted shade is set by the member-state mission handling the application.. The tool applies the recorded default; compare it with the linked current instructions before submitting.
What is the head size in a visa photo for Schengen Visa?
Your head should measure 32–36mm from chin to crown. We size it to that band and flag it if it's off.
Can I wear glasses or smile in a visa photo for Schengen Visa?
Glasses: strongly discouraged. Expression: neutral only.
What file size does the Schengen Visa online visa upload need?
The online file-size limit varies by portal, so check the limit on your form, then compress to fit.
Is the Schengen Visa visa photo maker free and private?
Yes. It's free, with no watermark, and processed entirely in your browser. Your photo is never uploaded.