Schengen Visa Visa Photo Maker
A Schengen visa photo is 35×45mm and follows the ICAO biometric standard used across all 29 Schengen countries. Light grey is the safe background. Some states accept white, but Switzerland requires grey, and your face should fill about 70–80% of the frame. This maker sets all of it automatically.
Prepared for the published requirements of: Schengen Visa (all 29 states).
Drop a photo, or click to browse
A clear, front-facing photo works best
JPG · PNG · HEIC · processed on your device, never uploaded
Before you upload — Schengen Visa photo preparation checklist
- A plain, evenly lit background to start (we apply the selected colour)
- Face the camera straight on, both ears roughly visible
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- A recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Shadows on your face or the wall behind you
- Glasses — remove them unless they're medically required
- Hair across the eyes, hats or caps
- Filters, beauty smoothing, or a cropped group photo
Get the head size right
For Schengen Visa, your face should fill 70–80% of the photo — the maker does this automatically, but here's what it should look like.
Correct head size
Too small / far away
Too close / cropped
Schengen Visa visa photo specification
- Print size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Head height
- 32–36 mm (chin to crown)
- Head % of frame
- 70–80%
- Background
- #DCDCDC
- Digital size
- ~413×531px @300dpi
- File size
- varies by portal
- Min DPI
- 300
- Glasses
- strongly discouraged
- Expression
- neutral only
Good to know
Schengen follows the ICAO standard across all 29 member states. Light grey is the safe background everywhere. Some consulates (Switzerland in particular) reject pure white, so the tool defaults to grey.
Verified 4 Jun 2026eur-lex.europa.eu
Report outdated informationSchengen / ICAO photo specification
Schengen visa photos are 35×45mm, taken recently, with the face filling roughly 70–80% of the frame and measuring 32–36mm chin to crown. The ICAO biometric standard requires a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and visible, and no glasses. Even lighting with no shadows is essential.
Background: light grey, not white
Some states officially accept white (France, for example), but others are stricter. Switzerland requires a grey background and rejects pure white. A plain light grey is the safest universal choice across the Schengen area, and this maker defaults to it so one photo works for any member state.
One photo for any Schengen country
Many Schengen applications use the same 35×45mm frame, but background and composition instructions can vary by member state and consulate. Prepare the selected light-grey version here, then check the destination consulate's current notes before submitting.
Meeting the Schengen Visa upload file-size limit
If your portal needs a smaller file, compress the finished photo to an exact size. Your image stays in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35×45mm, following the ICAO biometric standard, with the head 32–36mm from chin to crown and the face filling about 70–80% of the frame.
What background colour should a Schengen visa photo have?
Light grey is the safest choice. Some states accept white (e.g. France), but Switzerland requires grey and rejects white, so the tool defaults to light grey, which meets the requirement across the Schengen states. Confirm your consulate's current guidance before submitting.
Does the same photo work for every Schengen country?
Do not assume one file works everywhere. Many Schengen applications use a 35×45mm frame, but each destination consulate can publish additional background or composition instructions. Confirm each application before reusing a photo.
Are glasses allowed in a Schengen visa photo?
No. The ICAO biometric standard requires glasses to be removed, with both eyes clearly visible and no glare.
What size is a visa photo for Schengen Visa?
A visa photo for Schengen Visa is 35×45mm. EasyPhoto sets this size automatically.
What background colour does a visa photo for Schengen Visa need?
Light, uniform. Light grey is the safest universal choice; white is officially accepted by some states (e.g. France) but NOT by Switzerland, which requires a grey background.. The tool applies the correct colour for you.
What is the head size in a visa photo for Schengen Visa?
Your head should measure 32–36mm from chin to crown. We size it to that band and flag it if it's off.
Can I wear glasses or smile in a visa photo for Schengen Visa?
Glasses: strongly discouraged. Expression: neutral only.
What file size does the Schengen Visa online visa upload need?
The online file-size limit varies by portal, so check the limit on your form, then compress to fit.
Is the Schengen Visa visa photo maker free and private?
Yes. It's free, with no watermark, and processed entirely in your browser. Your photo is never uploaded.