Good to know: Most applicants also have a live photo and fingerprints taken at the visa centre. Photos must be no more than 6 months old (Germany’s missions: 3 months).
Schengen visa photo requirements
There is no single EU size: the EU’s guide gives a width of 35–40 mm with the face 70–80 % of the photo, and the German missions ask for 35 × 45 mm with the face 32–36 mm, taken no more than three months before you apply. Photos copied or scanned from other documents aren’t accepted.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head | 32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head |
| Background | A plain white or off-white background |
| Glasses | Eyes clearly shown: no tinted lenses, no flash reflection, frames off the eyes. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera |
| Babies | Only the child in the photo: no chair backs, toys or other people. |
Source: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, uk.diplo.de (2026-11-09). The EU sheet gives the face as 70–80 % of the photo; 32–36 mm on 35 × 45 mm is the German missions’ figure.
Taking a Schengen visa photo
Stand in front of a plain white or off-white background. Glasses are a risk: take them off if they catch the light. Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed. For a baby: Only the child in the photo: no chair backs, toys or other people.
Printing Schengen visa photos
8 fit on a 4×6 print, 9 on a 5×7, 25 on A4 and 25 on US Letter.
Questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm, with the head 32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head.
Can I take a Schengen visa photo at home?
Usually, yes. Most applicants also have a live photo and fingerprints taken at the visa centre. Photos must be no more than 6 months old (Germany’s missions: 3 months).
Other photos
- 35 × 45 mm photo 35×45 mm
- UK passport 35×45 mm
- German passport (applying abroad) 35×45 mm
- Italian passport 35×45 mm
- Every passport and visa photo