How should a Switzerland visa photo look?
Switzerland uses the 35×45 mm format with head 32-36 mm; the face fills 70-80% of the frame and 5 mm clearance is required above the head. The defining rule is the backdrop: WHITE IS NOT ACCEPTED: only light grey or light blue. fedpol publishes the Fotomustertafel PDF only in German, French and Italian; glasses are strongly discouraged unless a medical reason is documented. Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU; cantonal offices typically capture the passport biometrics on site. A new Swiss biometric ID card launches in 2026.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by fedpol (Bundesamt für Polizei). Passport prints must be within six months; when the cantonal office captures the photo on site this constraint does not affect the customer.
Workflow after the shoot
For fallback prints or abroad submissions, open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the Schweiz/Suisse preset; the app aligns the face, normalises the backdrop to light grey or light blue, leaves 5 mm clearance above the head and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a light grey or light blue 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. Aim for 5 mm clearance above the head in the frame. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression"; glasses are strongly discouraged.
Why cantonal offices and fedpol reject
• A white backdrop (banned in Switzerland). • Head outside 32-36 mm or face under 70-80% of the frame. • No 5 mm clearance above the head. • Glasses without a medical certificate; lens glare. • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • A smile, visible teeth, an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes.
2026 biometric ID transition
Switzerland launches a new biometric ID card in 2026, which keeps demand for fallback prints alive alongside cantonal appointments. The PhotoID Studio Schweiz preset locks 35×45 mm with the light grey/blue backdrop, and switching to a Schengen visa from the same shot is one click.
Frequently asked questions
Does Switzerland accept a white backdrop?
No. The fedpol Fotomustertafel explicitly rejects white; only light grey and light blue are accepted.
Is a studio print required for the passport?
Most cantonal offices capture the photo at the appointment; a studio print is for fallback or abroad applications.
Can I keep my glasses on?
Strongly discouraged unless a medical reason is documented; lens glare must be zero and the frame must not cut across the eyes.
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