Why this page converts better
35×45 mm, the size every Schengen consulate asks for
Schengen visa photo size: 35×45 mm
The ICAO-derived format accepted across all Schengen consulates. The head must fill 70–80% of the height — the guides mark exactly that, and the photo never leaves your device.
Why this page converts better
70–80% head-height guides, the rule that separates this format from the UK and US ones
Why this page converts better
Light grey, off-white and white backgrounds — the three the ICAO standard treats as plain
Why this page converts better
413×531 px at 300 DPI, which is what a print shop needs to produce a correct 35×45 mm print
About this tool
A Schengen visa photo is 35×45 mm and follows the ICAO 9303 standard, which is why the same photo is usually accepted by all 29 Schengen countries as well as for many national ID cards and passports across Europe.
The distinguishing rule is head height: the face, from chin to crown, must fill 70 to 80 per cent of the frame. That is noticeably tighter than the UK's 64–76% and much tighter than the US 2×2, so a photo made for one of those will usually be rejected here. The tool's guides move to the Schengen band as soon as you pick this size.
The background must be plain and uniform — light grey is the safest choice, and off-white and white are also accepted — with no shadow behind the head and no texture. Glasses are allowed if the eyes are fully visible with no reflection, the frames do not cross the eyes, and the lenses are not tinted.
Common use cases
Short-stay visa application
Most consulates ask for one or two printed photos taken within the last six months, stapled or clipped to the form rather than glued.
Residence permit and national ID
Because the format follows ICAO, the same 35×45 mm crop generally works for residence cards and many European national ID applications.
Applying from outside Europe
If a local photo studio does not know the Schengen head-height band, exporting at 413×531 px and printing to exact size is more reliable than asking for a passport photo and hoping the ratio matches.
Official spec
The Schengen visa photo is 35×45 mm with the head filling 70–80% of the frame. Make one in your browser at 413×531 px on a light grey background, nothing uploaded.
Photo size
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head height
70–80% → 31.5–36 mm
Eye line
65% → 29.3 mm
Accepted background
Light grey / Off-white / White / Grey gradient
At 300 DPI
413 × 531 px
On 4×6in photo paper
6 copies (3 × 2)
These dimensions, head ratios and backgrounds follow the issuing authority's published specification. The tool cannot judge expression, lighting, headwear or clutter behind you, so this is guidance rather than a guarantee of acceptance — check the authority's own checklist before you submit.
Finish in 3 steps
Open the tool1
Upload a straight-on photo with an even, plain background and no shadow behind your head.
2
Pick Schengen / EU 35×45mm — the head-height guides move to the 70–80% band this format requires.
3
Frame until the crown and chin sit inside the guides, then export at 413×531 px or print a sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses for a Schengen visa photo?
Yes, provided your eyes are fully visible, there is no reflection on the lenses, the frames do not cover any part of the eyes, and the lenses are not tinted. If in doubt, take them off — a photo without glasses is never rejected for that reason.
Is the same photo valid for every Schengen country?
The 35×45 mm ICAO format is what all of them specify, so in practice yes. Individual consulates can still add their own requirements about age of the photo or the number of copies, so check the one you are applying to.
What background colour should I use?
Light grey is the safest and what most consulates illustrate. Off-white and white are also accepted. What matters more than the exact shade is that it is uniform, with no gradient from a lamp and no shadow behind your head.
Why is my head too large after using a US passport photo?
Because the US format asks for a head between 50 and 69% of the frame and Schengen asks for 70–80%. They are genuinely different crops; re-frame with this size selected rather than resizing the US photo.