Schengen Visa Photos 35×45 mm
The Schengen visa code points to the ICAO photo standard: 35×45 mm, head 70–80% of the height, plain light background. Get your photo framed to it and printed on a 10×15 cm sheet.
Free preview · 1 credit for the photo + print sheet
Schengen Visa Photo: OK vs Not OK
ICAO rules: a recent photo, face square to the camera, eyes open and visible, a neutral expression and a plain light background.
OK pictures
Facing the camera, neutral face, mouth closed, plain light wall Long hair kept behind the shoulders and away from the eyes Beards are fine — the whole face from chin to crown is visible Glasses only where allowed, with no glare or tint (not for US passports)
Not OK pictures
A shadow on the wall behind you Head tilted to one side Smiling with your mouth open Glare on glasses hiding the eyes Too close — the top of the head is cut off A patterned or cluttered background Looking away from the camera Eyes closed or half closed Beauty filters, retouching or a pasted-in background
Illustrations. Every photo must also meet your document’s size and background rules.
Schengen and ICAO Photo Requirements
35×45 mm, head 32–36 mm
The ICAO 9303 standard used by Schengen consulates sets the photo at 35×45 mm with the head taking 70–80% of its height — 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown.
Plain, light background
White to light grey, with no shadows or patterns. Some consulates prefer light grey; check the one you are applying to.
Not digitally altered
ICAO says the portrait must not be digitally altered or enhanced to change your appearance. The tool only crops and scales.
Germany is digital-only
Since the end of July 2025, German passports and ID cards need a digital photo from a certified studio or the authority. Visa consulates may still accept printed photos — check before you print.
How to Make a Schengen Visa Photo
Take the photo
Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain, light wall in even daylight. Ask someone to take it at eye level, with space above your head and your shoulders in view. Glasses off, neutral face, mouth closed.
Upload it
Open the tool, choose Schengen visa / EU (35×45) and upload the original photo from your phone or camera — not a screenshot or a copy sent through a messaging app, which loses detail.
Check the framing
Your face is found automatically and the photo is cropped so your head and eyes land inside the official bands. Drag or zoom to fine-tune, and read the checklist: head size, eye line, tilt, background, expression and sharpness.
Download and print
Download the digital file and a print sheet with several copies. Print the sheet at 100% (actual size) on photo paper at home or at a photo kiosk, and cut along the marks.
Who It Is For
Renewing by post
Make the photos for a postal renewal form without a trip to a photo booth.
Visa applications
Get the exact size a consulate asks for, plus a digital file for online forms.
Online applications
A digital file at the pixel size and file size the portal accepts.
Families
One print sheet holds several copies — enough for every form that needs one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Make Your Schengen Photo
ICAO 35×45 mm, on a 10×15 cm sheet.