What size is a Schengen visa photo?
TL;DR A Schengen visa photo is 35 × 45 mm on a plain light-coloured — light grey or white background, supplied at 413 × 531 px (300 DPI). The expression must be neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at camera, and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Specification at a glance
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI |
| Background | plain light-coloured — light grey or white (#F0F0F0) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Gaze | Directly at camera |
| Maximum age of photo | 6 months |
Rules that apply to this document
- The Commission's document checklist asks for "a photo in compliance with ICAO standards"
- 35-40 mm wide; 45 mm high is the height Schengen consulates use
- Your face must take up 70-80% of the photograph
- No more than 6 months old
- Plain light-coloured background, uniform lighting, no shadows and no flash reflections
- Glasses allowed if the eyes show clearly — no tinted lenses, no glare, avoid heavy frames
- Head coverings only for religious reasons, and chin to forehead and both edges of the face must show
- The consulate of your main destination country decides — check its own page as well
Can I wear a head covering?
A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
Where these figures come from
Checked against the issuing authority's own page on 2026-09-06. Published by the issuing authority: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu. SGfoto is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority, and does not guarantee acceptance. Final acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Common questions
- What size is a Schengen visa photo?
- A Schengen visa photo is 35 × 45 mm, printed or supplied digitally at 413 × 531 pixels (300 DPI), on a plain light-coloured — light grey or white background.
- Can I take a Schengen visa photo with my phone?
- Yes. Take a plain, front-facing photo in even light and SGfoto reformats it to 35 × 45 mm on a plain light-coloured — light grey or white background. Hold the phone at eye level — a shot from above or below looks less like you.
- How recent must a Schengen visa photo be?
- It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
- Can I wear a head covering in a Schengen visa photo?
- A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
- How much does a Schengen visa photo cost on SGfoto?
- The watermarked preview is free, so you see the result before paying. The full-resolution file is S$1.99.
Make a Schengen visa photo →
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