How should a Luxembourg visa photo look?
Luxembourg uses the 35×45 mm Schengen format with head 32-36 mm and a plain white or lightly coloured backdrop. Applicants do not bring a studio print: facial image, fingerprints and signature are captured digitally on site at BPVL or the commune administration during the appointment, then transmitted to the central register under EC Regulation 2252/2004. Luxembourg is a founding Schengen member.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by BPVL-MAEE; the process runs through guichet.public.lu. For abroad or fallback prints the photo must comply with ICAO and be within six months of the capture date. Glasses are discouraged.
Workflow after the shoot
For abroad or fallback work, open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the Lëtzebuerg preset; the app aligns the face, normalises the backdrop to white or a very light tone and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI.
Capture setup and direction
For abroad/fallback work, seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a white or lightly coloured backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45° with a reflector opposite. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression"; glasses are discouraged.
Where BPVL and the commune send people back
• Backdrop not plain or vivid in colour. • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • Glasses glare; frame cutting across the eyes. • A smile, visible teeth, an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes. • Head too small in the frame; the ICAO ratio is missed. • A print outside the 35×45 mm spec.
BPVL appointment plus Schengen visa pipeline
BPVL captures the passport biometrics directly, so the main line for Luxembourg studios is Schengen visas and fallback prints for citizens abroad. The PhotoID Studio Lëtzebuerg preset locks the 35×45 mm frame and switching to a visa from the same shot is one click.
Frequently asked questions
Do I bring a studio print for the Luxembourg passport?
No. Facial image, fingerprints and signature are captured digitally on site at BPVL or the commune administration during the appointment.
Is Luxembourg in Schengen?
Yes. Luxembourg is a founding Schengen member; the passport spec follows the 35×45 mm Schengen template.
Which portal handles the process?
The process runs through guichet.public.lu by appointment; data is transmitted to the central register per EC Regulation 2252/2004.
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