Schengen Visa Photo (35×45 mm) — Size, Rules & Free Tool
Schengen visa applications use the ICAO 35×45 mm photo format. Your face, from chin to crown, should take up 70%–80% of the photo. This free tool crops your photo to the 35×45 mm shape at print resolution, ready for a 4×6 print sheet.
Free to crop and resize in your browser. Not affiliated with any government.
Drop a photo here or tap to upload
Free · Output 827×1063 px JPEG · Cropping runs in your browser
Schengen Visa photo requirements
| Photo size | 35×45 mm, printed on high-quality photo paper (German missions ask for at least 600 dpi) |
|---|---|
| Head size | Chin to crown 32–36 mm (70%–80% of the photo); 27–40 mm tolerated. Children 9 and under: 22–36 mm |
| Background | One plain, bright colour that contrasts with your face. German missions prefer neutral grey; France-Visas asks for white |
| Glasses | Allowed if the eyes are clearly visible: no reflections, no tinted lenses, frames not over the eyes |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera |
| Head coverings | Generally not allowed; religious exceptions with the face visible from chin to forehead |
| How recent | Recent; France-Visas says no more than 6 months old |
| Children | Ages 5 and under need not have a neutral expression; babies under 1 need not have their eyes open |
Sources: German missions: visa photo examples (PDF) · France-Visas: photograph requirements. Rules change; always confirm with the official guidance before you submit.
Tips to avoid rejection
- Background rules differ by country. Check the consulate you are applying to: grey for Germany, white for France.
- Print at actual size. A photo that is scaled to fit the page will be the wrong size.
- Use our 4×6 print sheet maker to get eight 35×45 mm photos on one cheap print.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Schengen visa photo size?
35×45 mm, with your head (chin to crown) measuring about 32–36 mm, which is 70%–80% of the photo height.
What background colour is needed for a Schengen visa photo?
A plain, light colour that contrasts with your face. It depends on the country: German missions prefer neutral grey and France-Visas asks for white.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible, there is no glare, the lenses are not tinted and the frames do not cover your eyes.
Is the Schengen visa photo the same as a passport photo?
For most Schengen countries the visa photo uses the same 35×45 mm ICAO format as their passports, but check the consulate's background preference.