Schengen Visa Photo – Free Online Maker
Schengen visa photos require 35×45 mm with the face occupying 70–80% of the photo, taken against a light grey or neutral background with a neutral expression. The photo must be less than 6 months old. These specifications apply uniformly across all 26 Schengen Area countries — Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and 21 others — because every member state applies the same ICAO 9303 biometric photo standard.
ICAO 9303 is the International Civil Aviation Organization standard for machine-readable travel documents. Compliance means the face must be centered in the frame, both eyes clearly open, no shadows on the face or background, and a neutral expression with the mouth closed. Consulates process applications using automated facial recognition systems, so precise adherence to these specs is required.
The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall. Head height from chin to crown must be between 32 mm and 36 mm. For digital submissions the minimum resolution is 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. The background must be light grey or neutral — not white — to prevent errors in biometric border control systems.
Glasses are not permitted in Schengen visa photos. Many consulates began enforcing the no-glasses rule to eliminate reflections and shadows that interfere with face recognition. Head coverings are not allowed except for genuine religious reasons; in such cases the full face from chin to crown must remain clearly visible. The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance at the time of application.
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
- Size:35×45 mm — accepted by all 26 Schengen countries
- Head height:32–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of frame)
- Background:Light grey or neutral — not white, no patterns or shadows
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for genuine religious reasons
- Standard: ICAO 9303 compliant
- Digital minimum:413×531 px at 300 DPI
How to Make Your Schengen Visa Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain light grey or neutral-coloured wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Remove glasses before taking the photo.
- Adjust the crop.The tool automatically sets the crop to the 35×45 mm ratio. Drag the frame so your head height is between 32–36 mm in the final photo and your face fills 70–80% of the frame.
- Download and submit.Click Download to save your 35×45 mm photo. Print it at a pharmacy or photo shop, or submit it digitally with your Schengen visa application at the consulate or visa application centre.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- White background instead of light grey.The Schengen standard specifies a light grey or neutral background. A plain white background — acceptable for US and Australian photos — will cause your Schengen application to be rejected.
- Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted and will result in automatic rejection regardless of lens type.
- Photo older than 6 months. Consulates check whether the photo reflects your current appearance. Use a recent photo taken specifically for this application.
- Shadows on face or background. Use diffuse, even lighting and stand a few feet away from the wall to avoid casting shadows.
Official Source
Requirements sourced from the European Commission Schengen visa policy guide, which sets binding photo specifications for all 26 Schengen Area member states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Schengen countries accept the same photo size?
Yes. All 26 Schengen Area countries use the same 35×45 mm photo format with identical ICAO 9303 biometric requirements. Whether you are applying for a French, German, Italian, or Dutch Schengen visa, the photo specifications are the same: 35 mm wide, 45 mm tall, light grey or neutral background, and head height between 32 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown.
What does ICAO 9303 mean and does my photo need to comply?
ICAO 9303 is the International Civil Aviation Organization standard for machine-readable travel documents and biometric photos. Compliance requires: the face centered and taking up 70–80% of the frame, both eyes open and clearly visible, neutral expression with mouth closed, no shadows on the face or background, and no glasses. All Schengen visa consulates require ICAO 9303-compliant photos because they use automated facial recognition to process applications.
Is the same photo valid for multiple Schengen countries?
Yes. A single Schengen visa photo that meets the 35×45 mm ICAO 9303 standard is accepted by every Schengen country. You do not need separate photos for each country. However, the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. If you apply for visas at different consulates over time, you may need to take a new photo if the existing one is older than 6 months.
Can I submit a selfie for a Schengen visa?
No. Selfies are not accepted for Schengen visa applications. The photo must be taken from a distance that allows the correct 35×45 mm framing with the head height between 32 mm and 36 mm. Selfies typically distort facial proportions and produce shadows. You can take your own photo at home using a camera or smartphone held at arm's length or on a tripod, then use this tool to crop it to the correct specifications.
How recent must the photo be for a Schengen visa?
Your Schengen visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. This is a firm requirement — consulates check the photo against your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken (for example due to weight change, facial hair, or hair colour), the photo will be considered invalid even if it is less than 6 months old.
See general passport photo FAQ →