Unified Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

The Schengen Area consists of 27 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. When applying for a Schengen visa, you need a photo that meets the standardized requirements accepted by all member countries.

Standard Schengen Photo Specifications

All Schengen countries follow the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards for visa photos:

Dimensions and Size

• Size: 35mm x 45mm (width x height)
• Head size: 32-36mm from chin to crown
• Photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months)
• High quality color photo on plain paper

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly
• Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes open and clearly visible
• No hair covering the eyes
• Head straight, not tilted

Background and Lighting

• Plain light background (white to light gray)
• Uniform lighting with no shadows
• No reflections or red eyes
• Sharp focus and clear contrast

Country-Specific Variations

While the core requirements are unified, some countries have minor additional preferences:

Germany

Prefers biometric photos with specific distance measurements. Very strict on neutral expression.

France

Accepts photos from approved photographers or photo booths with ANTS approval.

Italy

Requires white background only, no light gray accepted.

Spain

Must show both ears clearly visible in the photo.

Netherlands

Very strict on photo recency - prefers photos taken within 3 months.

What Not to Do

1. Don't smile: Schengen photos require neutral expression
2. Don't wear glasses: Unless medically necessary with certificate
3. Don't use filters: No digital enhancements allowed
4. Don't wear headwear: Unless for religious reasons
5. Don't use old photos: Must be recent within 6 months

Religious and Medical Exceptions

Religious Headwear

Allowed if worn daily for religious reasons, but:

• Face must be fully visible from forehead to chin
• No shadows on the face
• Clear view of both edges of face

Medical Glasses

Only allowed with medical certificate stating necessity:

• No glare or reflections
• Eyes clearly visible through lenses
• Frames not covering eyes

Digital vs Physical Photos

Most Schengen countries now accept digital uploads for online applications, but you still need:

• High resolution (minimum 300 dpi)
• File size between 20KB and 300KB
• JPEG format preferred
• Physical copies for visa appointment

Tips for Perfect Schengen Visa Photos

1. Use professional photography services familiar with Schengen requirements
2. Take multiple shots to ensure compliance
3. Check country-specific embassy websites for updates
4. Print on high-quality photo paper
5. Keep digital copies for online applications

Processing Your Application

A compliant photo is crucial for visa approval. Rejection due to photo issues can delay your travel plans by weeks. When applying for a Schengen visa:

• Submit 2 identical photos
• Ensure photos match your current appearance
• Follow the specific requirements of the country you're applying through
• Consider using specialized services for guaranteed compliance

Conclusion

While Schengen visa photo requirements are standardized, ensuring perfect compliance is essential for a smooth visa application process. Using professional services like VisaPics guarantees your photos meet all requirements for any Schengen country.