Updated · Rules checked against france-visas.gouv.fr
Schengen visa photo rules
These rules come from the France-Visas FAQ and the photo examples published by German missions.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high |
| Face height | 32–36 mm from the chin to the crown, which is 70–80% of the photo height |
| Background | Plain, one color and without shadows, in clear contrast to your face and hair; white, off-white or light gray |
| Expression | Neutral |
| Eyeglasses | Allowed, with no tinted lenses and no reflections |
How it differs from a US photo
| Detail | Schengen visa | US passport |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm, portrait | 51 × 51 mm, square |
| Head size | 70–80% of the height | About 50–69% of the height |
| Background | Plain and light; gray is fine | White or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral | Neutral or a natural smile |
| Glasses | Allowed without tint or reflections | Not allowed without a medical statement |
The biggest difference is the face. In a Schengen photo, the face runs from near the top edge to near the bottom, leaving little room for the neck and shoulders. A US passport photo cut down to 35×45 mm would have a face that's too small.
Make a Schengen visa photo with this tool
- Check that the document above the buttons says Schengen visa. It's already selected on this page.
- Take the photo against a plain light wall. White, off-white and light gray all count as light.
- The tool crops to 35×45 mm with the face sized for the 70–80% range. Check the result and adjust with the head-size slider and the arrows if needed.
- Keep a neutral expression. The checks flag a smile and an open mouth.
- Save the 4×6 print sheet with the main button, or the Letter PDF for your own printer. Both place the photos at 35×45 mm, so print them at 100% with no cropping, as explained in how to print passport photos at Walgreens, CVS or Walmart.
Because the face fills so much of the frame, a low-resolution photo shows its flaws quickly. Use the back camera with a helper, or at least good daylight, so the tight crop stays sharp.
Checking a printed Schengen photo
US rulers are marked in inches, so it helps to know the conversions. A 35 mm width is just over 1 3/8 inches, and a 45 mm height is just over 1 3/4 inches. For the face, 32 mm is about 1 1/4 inches and 36 mm is a little over 1 3/8 inches. If you have a ruler with millimeters, use that side instead. It's much easier to read.
Measure the face from the bottom of the chin to the crown. At 32 mm, the face fills about 71% of the height, and at 36 mm it fills 80%. If a print measures noticeably less than 35 mm wide, the printer shrank it, and the face will be too small as well. Reprint at 100%.
The face size also changes how you take the photo. Keep the camera about 4 feet away rather than moving closer to fill the frame. The tool makes the tight crop, and the extra distance keeps your features in natural proportion.
Things to watch for
- Reflections in glasses. Glasses are allowed, but a window or lamp reflected in the lenses isn't. Put the light off to the sides at a slight angle, or take the glasses off if you can.
- Neutral means neutral. The natural smile that's fine in a US passport photo isn't part of the Schengen guidance. Relax your face and close your mouth.
- Light gray works. German guidance asks for a plain, single-color background that contrasts with your face and hair, so a light gray wall is fine here. It still has to be evenly lit.
- Changing the background. Change background is available for this document, but it's off by default. A replaced background is an edit and can still be rejected, and the result never says Ready with one. A plain light wall is the safer choice.
- Young children. German guidance allows exceptions in head position, facial expression and eyes for children 6 and under. With Baby photo on, those checks are relaxed instead of failing, so look at them yourself.
- Your consulate's requirements. Before you print, read the requirements of the consulate or visa center handling your application, including how many photos it wants.
Questions
Is the photo size the same for every Schengen country?
The French and German guidance cited here both use 35×45 mm. Check the checklist from the consulate or visa center handling your application for any local details.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Yes, as long as the lenses aren't tinted and there are no reflections on them.
Can I smile?
Keep a neutral expression. That's what the consular guidance asks for.
Should the background be white or gray?
It should be plain, one color and in clear contrast to your face and hair. White, off-white and light gray all work.
Can I use my US passport photo?
No. It's a different size and shape, and the face in a US photo is too small for the Schengen 70–80% range.