How should a Schengen / EU visa photo look?
35×45 mm is the common visa and residence permit photo accepted by all 29 Schengen members. The format is aligned with ICAO 9303 and the head height is roughly 32-36 mm. Most member states require a white background. There are two exceptions: Germany accepts only light grey for its national passport, and France forbids pure white and asks for light grey or pale blue.
Regulatory authorities and the recency rule
The technical foundation is ICAO 9303. EU regulations (EC) 1683/95 (visa format) and (EC) 1030/2002 (residence permit) apply within this framework. Each member state's consulate checks the photo when accepting an application; Germany uses its Mustertafel, France uses ANTS, Italy uses the Polizia di Stato guidance. The photo must be attached to the application within six months of the capture date.
Workflow after the shoot
The captured frame goes into PhotoID Studio. The Schengen preset is selected; the app detects the face, levels the eyes horizontally and produces a 35×45 mm output at 300 DPI with 3-6 mm of clearance between the top of the head and the upper edge. The background profile is chosen for the target consulate: white for most countries, grey or pale blue for Germany or France. A multi-print layout for 10×15 cm paper is generated automatically.
Capture setup and customer direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the backdrop with the shoulders parallel to the camera. Use a light grey backdrop for Germany or France applications and a white backdrop for the other member states. The camera is on a tripod with the lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45°, a reflector on the opposite side. The cue "mouth closed, jaw relaxed, eyes fully open, look at the centre of the lens" is enough. Glasses: under ICAO 9303 and the EC Visa Code, consulates prefer them removed; a medical exception is possible with a doctor's note and clear non-reflective lenses. With a religious headscarf, the face must be visible from below the hairline to the chin.
Reasons consulates reject the photo
• Wrong background tone: Germany rejects pure white and requires grey; France rejects pure white and requires grey or pale blue. White is valid in the other member states. Verify the target consulate before the shoot. • Patterned, gradient or dark backgrounds: no member state accepts them. • Head height outside the 32-36 mm range. • A smile or visible teeth. • Head tilt or rotation greater than 5°. • Hair covering the eyebrows or ears. • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • Resolution below 300 DPI or visible compression artefacts.
For studios serving Schengen visa applicants
Schengen photos are one of the most-requested formats both for local studios in Europe and for studios abroad serving customers travelling to Europe. A first-time accepted photo shortens the appointment cycle. The Schengen preset in PhotoID Studio locks 35×45 mm + 32-36 mm head + 3-6 mm top clearance; the grey or blue variant for Germany and France is a one-click switch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Schengen photo size in centimetres?
35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). It is the common dimension at the consulates of all 29 member states, and most members use the same size for passports, ID cards and residence permits.
Should the background be white or grey?
Most members: including Italy, Spain, Greece and the Netherlands: accept white. Germany rejects pure white and requires light grey only; France rejects pure white and requires light grey or pale blue. Verify the target consulate first.
Can the photo be taken with glasses?
Generally no. The current ICAO 9303 and EC Visa Code expect them to be removed. A medical exception is possible with a doctor's note, clear non-reflective lenses and a thin frame that does not cover the eyes.
How is a baby photographed for a Schengen visa?
The baby is laid on its back on a white sheet; the parent supports the head without entering the frame. The same 35×45 mm format and head ratio rules apply.
Can I reuse the same photo for a later Schengen application?
No. The six-month recency rule is enforced strictly. A frame left over from a previous application is a common rejection reason at the desk.
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