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The Challenge
Schengen visa applications require two identical 35×45mm biometric photos meeting ICAO standards. Consulates worldwide reject non-compliant photos causing resubmission delays of 2-4 weeks. Requirements are identical across all 29 Schengen states but consulates enforce them strictly—especially head height (32-36mm) and background colour.
One photo standard for all 29 Schengen countries
The Schengen visa uses a single photo standard across all 29 member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Whether you apply at a German consulate in New Delhi, a French consulate in Beijing, or a Spanish consulate in São Paulo—the photo requirements are identical. Two printed photos are required with every application.
Schengen visa photo vs passport photo—same specs, different document
- Schengen visa photos use identical 35×45mm ICAO specifications as EU passports
- If you already have a compliant EU passport photo taken within 6 months, you can reuse it
- Two identical printed photos required for visa application (passport needs vary by country)
- Same photo works for tourist (Type C), business, transit, and medical Schengen visas
- VFS Global and TLS Contact centres enforce the same ICAO standards as consulates
Schengen visa photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions exactly
- Head height 32-36mm from chin to top of hair (70-80% of frame)
- White or light grey plain background, no shadows or patterns
- Face centred, looking directly at camera
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- No glasses (except medical exemption with documentation)
- No head coverings (except religious/medical with face fully visible)
- Even lighting, no harsh shadows on face or background
- Taken within last 6 months showing current appearance
- Colour photo, not black and white
- Matte or semi-matte finish, not digitally altered
- Sharp focus, high resolution, no pixelation
- Ears visible (both if possible)
Common rejection reasons at Schengen consulates
- Head size outside 32-36mm range (most frequent rejection)
- Photo older than 6 months or not reflecting current appearance
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Background not plain white or light grey
- Smiling or mouth open
- Low resolution or blurry print
- Glossy paper finish instead of matte/semi-matte
- Photo digitally altered, filtered, or retouched
- Red-eye visible
- Head tilted or not facing camera directly
Applying through VFS Global or TLS Contact
Most Schengen consulates outsource visa processing to VFS Global or TLS Contact. These centres perform photo compliance checks before forwarding your application to the consulate. Non-compliant photos are flagged immediately—you may be asked to retake photos on-site (at additional cost, typically €5-10) or your application may be returned. Bringing compliant photos avoids this delay and extra expense. Both VFS and TLS enforce identical ICAO standards as the consulate itself.
Which Schengen visa types need photos?
All Schengen visa categories require two identical 35×45mm photos: Type C short-stay visa (tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, cultural events), Type A airport transit visa, and national Type D long-stay visas issued by individual Schengen states. The same photo specifications apply regardless of visa type, duration, or single/multiple entry. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for visa-exempt travellers does not require a photo.
How to print Schengen visa photos at home
- Paper: Use matte or semi-matte photo paper. Glossy finish may be rejected at some consulates.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode, 600 DPI.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Print extras: You need 2 identical photos per application. Print 4-6 in case of errors.
- Alternative: Print at any photo shop worldwide—specify '35×45mm Schengen visa photo, matte paper'.
Taking Schengen visa photos of children and babies
- Children require their own Schengen visa with individual photos—no group photos
- Lay baby on plain white blanket on flat surface, photograph from directly above
- Child must be alone in photo—no hands, parents, toys, or pacifiers visible
- Eyes open and looking at camera (infants under 6 months may have eyes closed)
- Neutral expression (children under 6 may have relaxed expression rules at some consulates)
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and 32-36mm head height apply to children
- Use natural daylight, avoid flash that causes red-eye or harsh shadows
Good vs bad Schengen visa photo examples
Country-specific consulate strictness
While photo specs are identical across all Schengen states, enforcement varies. German, Dutch, and Swiss consulates are known for the strictest compliance checks—rejecting photos for minor issues like slight shadows or head height off by 1-2mm. French and Spanish consulates tend to be slightly more flexible. Italian and Greek consulates focus mainly on dimensions and recency. Regardless of destination, meeting the strictest standards ensures acceptance everywhere.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services worldwide
- VFS Global / TLS Contact photo service: €5-10 (if rejected at appointment, taken on-site)
- Photo studio (Europe): €10-20 for 4 photos
- Photo studio (Asia): $3-8 for 4 photos
- Photo studio (Americas): $10-18 for 4 photos
- Pharmacy photo booths (Europe): €6-12 for 6-8 photos (quality varies)
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.30-0.70 per sheet
- Savings: €5-20 per application. Family of four saves €20-80 using DIY.
ETIAS does not require a photo
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the visa-waiver screening for citizens of visa-exempt countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) travelling to the Schengen Area. ETIAS is an online-only system and does not require a photo—only passport details and security questionnaire. If you are a visa-exempt national, you do not need this tool for ETIAS. This tool is for Schengen visa applicants who require Type A, C, or D visas.
Official Schengen and EU Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Background
- White or light grey, plain
- Recency
- Within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte or semi-matte
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos required
Best Practices
- Same 35×45mm photo works for all 29 Schengen countries—one photo fits all consulates
- Bring 2 identical printed photos to your visa appointment—this is mandatory
- German, Dutch, and Swiss consulates enforce strictest compliance—aim for their standard
- Matte or semi-matte paper required—glossy may be rejected
- Head must be 32-36mm (70-80% of frame)—use crop guidelines to verify
- If applying through VFS Global or TLS Contact, compliant photos avoid on-site retake fees
- ETIAS does not require a photo—this tool is for Schengen visa (Type A, C, D) applicants
- Reuse a recent EU passport photo if taken within 6 months—specs are identical
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Schengen visa photo requirements?
Schengen visa photos must be 35×45mm, head height 32-36mm (70-80% of frame), white or light grey background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, taken within 6 months. Two identical printed photos required. Same ICAO biometric standard as EU passports.
Are Schengen visa photos the same as EU passport photos?
Yes. Identical 35×45mm ICAO specifications. If you have a compliant EU passport photo taken within 6 months, you can use it for your Schengen visa application.
Do all Schengen countries accept the same photo?
Yes. All 29 Schengen member states use identical photo specifications. A compliant photo is accepted at any Schengen consulate worldwide, including through VFS Global and TLS Contact centres.
How many photos do I need for Schengen visa?
Two identical 35×45mm printed photos. Some consulates may request additional copies. Print 4-6 to be safe.
Can I wear glasses in Schengen visa photos?
No, unless medically required with signed doctor's documentation. If exempted: clear non-tinted lenses, thin frames not covering eyes, no glare or reflections. Most consulates prefer no glasses regardless.
What if VFS Global rejects my photo?
VFS Global and TLS Contact check photo compliance before accepting applications. If rejected, you can retake photos on-site for €5-10 or bring new compliant photos. Using this tool with correct guidelines prevents this.
Do I need a photo for ETIAS?
No. ETIAS is online-only and requires no photo—only passport details. ETIAS is for visa-exempt nationals (USA, UK, Canada, etc.). This tool is for Schengen visa applicants requiring Type A, C, or D visas.
Which Schengen consulates are strictest about photos?
German, Dutch, and Swiss consulates enforce the strictest compliance—rejecting for minor shadow issues or head height deviations. French and Spanish consulates are slightly more flexible. Always meet the strictest standard to ensure acceptance everywhere.
Can I use the same photo for multiple Schengen visa applications?
Yes, if the photo is less than 6 months old and still reflects your current appearance. Print fresh copies for each application.
What paper finish for Schengen visa photos?
Matte or semi-matte finish. Glossy paper may be rejected at some consulates. The competitor states matte specifically, and this is the safer choice across all Schengen states.