Select File
or drag and drop files here
The Challenge
France Schengen visa applications require 35×45mm photos with white or light gray background — different from French passport photos which prohibit white. Digital uploads must be JPEG under 120KB. Wrong background or file size = visa rejection and resubmission delays.
France visa photo background is DIFFERENT from passport photo
- Visa: white or light gray background — follows Schengen standard
- Passport: light blue or light gray — white is prohibited
- Using a French passport photo (blue/gray) for visa may cause rejection
- Using a visa photo (white) for French passport will cause rejection
- Create separate photos with correct backgrounds for each document
France Schengen visa photo requirements
France Schengen visa photos follow EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) photo specifications. Two identical 35×45mm photos are required for print applications. Digital submissions via TLSContact require JPEG files under 120KB in 3:4 aspect ratio. Head must measure 32-36mm (70-80% of frame) from chin to crown. Plain white or light gray background without patterns, shadows, or objects. Same specifications apply to all Schengen visa types: Type C short-stay (tourist, business), Type D long-stay (work, student), and airport transit visas.
France Schengen visa photo checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 32-36mm (70-80% of frame)
- Plain white or light gray background — no patterns or shadows
- Taken within last 6 months, reflects current appearance
- Two identical photos for print applications
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering
- Glasses allowed with thin frames, no tinted lenses, no glare
- No head coverings except for religious reasons (face must remain visible)
- Color photo — black and white not accepted
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background, no red eye
- Digital: JPEG format, ≤120KB, minimum 240×320 pixels, 3:4 ratio
- No digital alterations, filters, or beauty mode
- No retouching that changes facial features
Common visa photo rejection reasons at TLSContact
- File size exceeds 120KB limit for digital upload
- Wrong aspect ratio (must be 3:4 width to height)
- Using French passport photo with light blue background
- Head outside 70-80% range — TLSContact AI pre-check catches this
- Shadows on face or background visible
- Glasses with glare or thick frames covering eyes
- Non-JPEG file format (PNG, TIFF, BMP rejected by some portals)
- Resolution below 240×320 pixels minimum
- Photo older than 6 months
How to upload photo to TLSContact for France visa
- Download single JPEG file from this tool (already formatted to 338×450px, ≤120KB)
- Log into TLSContact portal for France visa application
- Navigate to photo upload section in your application
- Click upload and select your downloaded JPEG file
- TLSContact AI validates dimensions, file size, and biometric proportions
- If accepted, proceed to appointment booking
- If rejected, error message indicates specific issue to fix
- Also bring two identical printed copies to your visa appointment as backup
Digital photo specifications for online submission
TLSContact, which handles most France Schengen visa applications, accepts JPEG files with maximum 120KB file size. Minimum resolution is 240×320 pixels with 3:4 aspect ratio. This tool automatically generates optimized JPEG files meeting these specifications. The AI pre-check at TLSContact validates background brightness, head proportion (70-80%), centering, and file format before accepting your upload. Photos that pass the automated check have significantly higher acceptance rates at the consulate.
France visa photo vs France passport photo
Schengen visa types using this photo format
All France Schengen visa categories use identical 35×45mm photo specifications: Type C short-stay visa (tourist up to 90 days, business, medical, cultural), Type D long-stay visa (work permit, student visa, family reunification over 90 days), and airport transit visa. Multiple-entry business visas also use the same format. One compliant photo works for all visa categories. Two printed copies required at appointment; one digital copy for online submission.
Taking visa photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white or light gray sheet on floor
- Ensure only baby visible in frame — no hands, toys, or supports
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting
- Photograph from directly above with face centered
- Head must occupy 70-80% of photo height
- Infants under 3 years: open mouth is acceptable
- Eyes should be open, mouth closed for older children
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo
Cost comparison: professional vs DIY
- TLSContact photo service at centre: €10-15
- Professional photographer: €10-18 for visa photos
- Photomaton booth: €5-8 for 4-5 photos
- This tool: Free — download JPEG for online upload, print for appointment
- Savings: €5-18 per visa application
- Family of four applying for tourist visas: save €20-72 using DIY
Official France Visa Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (70-80% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download JPEG for TLSContact Upload
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Digital Format
- 338×450 pixels, JPEG
- File Size
- ≤120 KB
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white or light gray
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- Schengen visa (tourist, work, student, transit)
Best Practices
- France visa uses white or light gray background — different from French passport (which prohibits white)
- Download single JPEG for TLSContact upload — already optimized to ≤120KB
- Bring two printed copies to visa appointment as backup even if uploaded digitally
- Head must occupy 70-80% of photo — TLSContact AI validates this automatically
- Glasses allowed with thin frames, clear lenses, no glare
- Avoid white clothing against white background — poor contrast causes rejection
- File must be JPEG format — PNG and TIFF rejected by some visa portals
- Same photo works for all Schengen visa types (tourist, work, student, transit)
Frequently Asked Questions
What background color for France visa photos?
Plain white or light gray background, following Schengen standard. This is different from French passport photos which prohibit white and require light blue or light gray. Do not use a French passport photo for visa applications if it has a blue-tinted background.
Can I use my French passport photo for visa application?
Not recommended. French passport photos require light blue or light gray background with white prohibited. Schengen visa photos require white or light gray. The different background requirements mean you should create separate photos for each.
What file format for France visa digital upload?
JPEG (.jpg) format, maximum 120KB file size, minimum 240×320 pixels, 3:4 aspect ratio. This tool auto-generates compliant JPEG files. PNG, TIFF, and BMP are rejected by most visa portals.
How many photos do I need for France Schengen visa?
Two identical printed 35×45mm photos for your visa appointment, plus one digital JPEG for online submission via TLSContact. Print extras as backup.
Can I wear glasses in France visa photos?
Yes. Glasses are permitted if frames are thin, don't cover eyes, lenses are not tinted, and there's no glare. If your glasses cause issues, remove them for the photo.
How recent must France visa photos be?
Within the last 6 months, reflecting your current appearance. Old photos may be rejected even if technically compliant.
What if my photo file is too large for TLSContact?
Maximum file size is 120KB. This tool auto-compresses to meet the limit. If manual compression needed, re-export JPEG at 80-85% quality. Verify file size before uploading.
Does this photo work for all Schengen countries?
Yes. The 35×45mm Schengen photo specification is standardized across all 27 Schengen countries. A compliant photo for France works for Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and all other Schengen states.
Where do I upload the digital photo?
TLSContact handles most France visa applications. Upload during the online application process at fr.tlscontact.com. The system validates your photo automatically. Some consulates use VFS Global — check your specific application instructions.
Can I take the photo myself?
Yes, for visa applications. Unlike French passport applications (which require approved photographers for ANTS ePhoto), visa photos can be taken at home if they meet all specifications. Use good lighting, correct background, and ensure sharp focus.