🇪🇺 Schengen (Europe) Visa Photos: Size, Background & Latest Requirements
Schengen (Europe) visa photo specifications compiled from official guidance, with common mistakes and a free tool to make a compliant photo. Updated 10/2026.
Schengen visa photos are 3.5×4.5 cm to the ICAO standard: plain light background, head height 32–36 mm, neutral expression, mouth closed, taken within 6 months.
Schengen (Europe) visa photo specifications
| Photo size | 3,5 × 4,5 cm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32–36 mm, from chin to top of head (70–80% of the photo) |
| Background color | Light and plain (white or light grey depending on the country) |
| When taken | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Clear glasses allowed if there is no glare and the eyes are not covered — removing them is best |
| General standard | Follows the ICAO biometric photo standard |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, looking straight into the lens |
Get it right the first time
Do
- Look straight into the lens, shoulders level
- Even lighting on both sides of the face, no shadows
- Eyes clearly open, mouth closed
- Sharp photo, no filters, no skin smoothing
Common reasons for rejection
- Smiling or mouth open
- Textured or shadowed background
- Tilted head or turned shoulders
- Glasses reflecting the light
FAQ
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
3.5×4.5 cm, with a head height of 32–36 mm from chin to top of head, to the ICAO standard.
What background color do European visa photos use?
A light, plain background — white or light grey. Some embassies prefer light grey, so check the guidance for the country you are applying to.
Can I smile in a Schengen visa photo?
No. You need a neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes clearly open.
Can I make a Schengen (Europe) visa photo online?
Yes. K-BLACK's free tool automatically removes the background, aligns the head to the Schengen visa standard and exports a 300 dpi print file. For important applications, we recommend shooting at the studio to ensure the lighting and pose meet the standard.
Other countries' photo standards
Sources: ICAO – Doc 9303 (passport photo standard). Requirements may change — please check the latest guidance from the receiving authority before submitting.