Schengen states / Visa photo standard
Schengen states Visa Photo Requirements
The exact 35×45mm Schengen states Visa photo standard — dimensions, head size, background and the official source, before you shoot or upload.
The specification, at a glance
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35×45 mm |
| Digital size | 413×531 px @ 300 DPI |
| Background | Uniform light grey (not pure white) accepted by most Schengen consulates |
| Head height | 32–36mm from chin to crown |
| DPI | 300 |
| Recency | within last 6 months |
| Source | European Commission / consulate of destination · official page ↗ |
Schengen states Visa
Synthetic example for format illustration only. Not a submission-ready photo.
Read the original rule
Schengen states Visa photo rules
European Commission / consulate of destination ↗“Uniform light-coloured background”
Paraphrased from the official requirements — European Commission / consulate of destination is the source of truth.
Neutral expression, mouth closed. Taken within the last 6 months.
Catch the problem at the source
Three reasons to retake, not retouch.
Wrong head size
The head measurement must fall inside the official band for this country.
The right fix
Use the head-height guide while shooting; reframe rather than resize.
Shadows on background
The background must be plain, evenly lit and the required color.
The right fix
Face a bright, plain wall with the light source in front of you.
Smiling or glasses
Neutral expression; glasses usually not allowed.
The right fix
Take a new photo with a neutral face and no glasses — do not remove them digitally.
Your face is never an editing target
“Do not modify your photo or use AI to alter your face”
Our general no-face-AI policy follows this U.S. Department of State rule. Where a country additionally prohibits background edits (e.g. Canada), we say so on that country's page.
Automatic pre-check — not official approval. A pre-check cannot replace the current European Commission / consulate of destination requirements.