What background is required for a Schengen visa photo?

The background must be plain white or very light grey. Patterned, coloured or off-white backgrounds are not accepted. The background must be uniform with no shadows.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Background, Rules

Q: What size photo is required for a Schengen visa?

The standard Schengen visa photo size is 35mm wide by 45mm tall (35x45mm). The face should occupy between 70% and 80% of the photo height. Some consulates may accept 30x40mm but 35x45mm is the universal standard. Always check the specific requirements of the consulate processing your application.

Q: Can I wear glasses in my Schengen visa photo?

No. Since ICAO standards were updated, glasses are generally not permitted in biometric passport and visa photos. Most Schengen consulates follow this rule. Remove glasses for your photo to be safe.

Q: How recent does my Schengen visa photo need to be?

Your Schengen visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It must accurately represent your current appearance. A photo taken more than 6 months ago may be rejected.

✅ Complete Photo Requirements Checklist

✅ Size 35 × 45 mm — width 35mm, height 45mm. This is the universal Schengen standard.

✅ Plain white or very light grey background — uniform, no patterns, no shadows, no colour tints.

✅ Face occupies 70–80% of photo height — head from top of hair to bottom of chin, centred.

✅ Full frontal face, looking straight at camera — no tilting, no turning to the side.

✅ Neutral expression, mouth closed — no smiling, no frowning. Eyes fully open and looking forward.

✅ Taken within the last 6 months — must accurately represent your current appearance.

✅ Colour photo on photo-quality paper — not black and white, not printed on plain office paper.

✅ No glasses — glasses are not permitted under current ICAO biometric standards.

✅ No headwear — except for religious reasons (headscarf, turban, etc.), in which case the face must be fully visible.

✅ No shadows on face or background — even lighting, no dark areas around chin or background.

✅ Eyes open, clearly visible — no hair covering eyes, no tinted contact lenses.

✅ Sharp and in focus — not blurred, pixelated or digitally altered.

❌ Why Photos Get Rejected — Most Common Reasons

❌ Wrong size — photo is not 35×45mm, or face is too small/large in frame.

❌ Coloured or patterned background — blue, grey gradient, studio backgrounds not accepted.

❌ Wearing glasses — not permitted under current biometric standards.

❌ Smiling or unusual expression — mouth must be closed, expression neutral.

❌ Photo older than 6 months — or appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken.

❌ Shadows on face or background — uneven lighting causes rejection.

❌ Head tilted or turned — must be perfectly frontal.

❌ Photo digitally edited — altered skin tone, removed blemishes, touched up features.

❌ Printed on plain paper — must be on photo-quality matte or glossy paper.

❌ Eyes not clearly visible — hair covering eyes, heavy eye shadow obscuring eye outline.

🕌 Religious Headwear

Headwear is not permitted in Schengen visa photos except for religious reasons. If you wear a headscarf, hijab, turban, kippah or similar religious head covering, you may keep it in the photo provided:

👤 Your full face is completely visible — forehead to chin, ear to ear

🎨 The headwear does not cast shadows on your face

📋 The headwear is worn for daily religious practice (not a fashion accessory)

Hats, caps, bandanas and non-religious headwear are not permitted under any circumstances.

✅ Accepted

• White/light grey background
• Neutral expression
• No glasses
• Face straight to camera
• Taken within 6 months
• Colour, photo paper
• Religious headwear (face visible)

❌ Not Accepted

• Coloured background
• Smiling or open mouth
• Glasses (any type)
• Head tilted or turned
• Photo over 6 months old
• Black and white / plain paper
• Hat, cap, non-religious headwear

✅ Before You Have Your Photo Taken

📋 Remove glasses before the session

📋 Wear a top that contrasts with white — avoid white or very light clothing (your shoulders may blend into the background)

📋 Check that the studio knows the Schengen 35×45mm standard

📋 Ask for 2 identical prints (some consulates require 2)

📋 Check the print is on photo paper, not regular paper

📋 Do not take the photo more than 6 months before your application date

📋 Ensure eyes are fully open and expression is neutral

❓ Schengen Visa Photo — FAQ

What size photo is required for a Schengen visa?

35mm wide × 45mm tall (35×45mm). The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo height. This is the standard across all 29 Schengen countries.

What background colour is required?

Plain white or very light grey, uniform with no shadows or patterns. Coloured backgrounds — including blue studio backgrounds — are not accepted.

Can I wear glasses in my Schengen visa photo?

No. Under current ICAO biometric standards, glasses are not permitted. Remove all glasses — including sunglasses and tinted lenses — for your visa photo.

Can I wear a hijab or headscarf in my Schengen visa photo?

Yes, religious headwear is permitted. Your full face must be completely visible from forehead to chin, with no shadows cast on your face. The headwear must not obscure any facial features.

How recent does my Schengen visa photo need to be?

Taken within the last 6 months. It must accurately represent your current appearance.

How many photos do I need for a Schengen visa?

Most consulates require 2 identical photos. Some require only 1. Check your specific consulate's requirements — France, for example, typically requires 2 photos.

Can I use a phone to take my Schengen visa photo?

Some consulates accept digital photos taken with a phone if all requirements are met and the photo is printed on photo-quality paper at the correct size. However, a professional photo studio is the safest option to ensure the background, lighting, size and print quality all meet requirements.

Information current as of October 2026. Photo requirements may vary slightly by consulate. Always verify with the embassy or visa application centre processing your application. MonVisaSchengen is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or EU institution.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026

📐 Photo Dimensions at a Glance