Official requirements
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 × 531 px |
| Head height | 71%–80% of photo height (chin to top of hair) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Glasses | Allowed if eyes are clearly visible, no glare or tint |
| Submission | Printed photo |
Rules to follow
- Print size is 35 × 45 mm on high-quality photo paper.
- Your face, chin to crown, is 32–36 mm tall — 70–80% of the photo height.
- Use a plain, light, single-colour background with no shadows.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
- Glasses are allowed if frames don’t cover the eyes and there is no glare or tint.
- No hats; religious head coverings are allowed if the face is visible from chin to forehead.
- Some consulates want the photo less than 3 months old; others accept 6 months.
- Copies scanned from a driver’s license or other ID are not accepted.
Why Schengen Visa photos get rejected
- Face smaller than 27 mm or larger than 40 mm (German missions’ hard limits).
- Busy or patterned background.
- Frames covering part of the eyes.
- Head tilted or turned to the side.
- Photo older than the consulate’s limit.
Our checks catch these before you download — and you see the result before you pay.
Questions
Is the Schengen visa photo the same for every country?
The size and face proportions follow the ICAO standard everywhere: 35 × 45 mm with the face 70–80% of the photo. Recency limits and background shade can vary by consulate, so check the one you apply to.
How old can my Schengen visa photo be?
German missions in the UK ask for photos no older than three months; many others accept six. Use a new photo to be safe.
How many photos do I need for a Schengen visa?
German missions ask for one recent biometric photo with the application; other consulates list their number on their checklist. Our 4 × 6 sheet gives you spares either way.
Sources: German Missions in the UK – Visa FAQ (photo requirements) · German Missions in the USA – Biometric sample photos. PhotoForUSA is an independent service, not affiliated with any government. Rules change — always check the official source before you apply.