Schengen Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Background, Rules, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing a Schengen visa application, many applicants focus on bigger documents like bank statements, travel insurance, or accommodation proof.

But your visa photo can be just as important.

Even a small issue like the wrong size, poor lighting, glare on glasses, or an incorrect background can create unnecessary delays. If you want to check the format early, you can use our Free Schengen Visa Photo Tool to prepare and crop your photo before printing or uploading.

That way, you are not just guessing whether the photo looks “good enough.” You already have a practical starting point before moving on to the full requirements.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the standard Schengen visa photo rules, the mistakes applicants make most often, and what to double-check before submission.

What Size Should a Schengen Visa Photo Be?

The standard Schengen visa photo size is usually:

• 35 Mm X 45 Mm

• Color Photo

• Recent Photo Taken Within The Last 6 Months

• Face Forward And Centered

• Plain White Or Light-Colored Background

Your face should be clearly visible and large enough for identification. In many examples, the face should take up most of the frame without being cropped too tightly.

Basic Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

As a safe baseline, your photo should be:

• Sharp And Clear

• Printed In High Quality

• Free From Shadows

• Neutral Expression

• Mouth Closed

• Eyes Open And Clearly Visible

• Looking Straight At The Camera

• Not Overedited

• Not Blurry Or Pixelated

Even if the photo looks acceptable on your phone, that does not always mean it is safe for visa submission.

Background, Lighting, and Quality Matter More Than People Think

A lot of applicants get the size right but still run into problems because the final photo looks too dark, too soft, or unevenly lit.

Common issues include:

• Shadows On The Face

• Shadows In The Background

• Textured Or Busy Background

• Overexposed Skin Tone

• Blurry Print Quality

• Visible Creases Or Smudges

This is why a photo that seems “good enough” can still be rejected.

Can You Wear Glasses, Head Coverings, or Makeup?

Glasses

Glasses may be accepted, but only if:

• Your Eyes Are Fully Visible

• There Is No Glare On The Lenses

• The Frame Does Not Cover Your Eyes

• The Lenses Are Not Tinted

If possible, taking the photo without glasses is usually the safer option.

Head Coverings

Head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Even then, your full face must remain clearly visible.

Makeup and Accessories

Light makeup is usually fine. The main rule is simple: the photo should still look like you.

Avoid:

• Heavy Beauty Filters

• Overediting

• Large Accessories

• Anything That Distracts From The Face

Do You Need One Photo or Two?

This is one of the most confusing parts.

Some embassies or visa centers ask for one recent photo, while others may still ask for two identical photos. In some cases, the visa center may even capture your photo digitally during the appointment.

That is why the safest approach is:

• Check The Exact Embassy Or Visa Center Checklist

• Do Not Assume Every Schengen Application Uses The Same Photo Process

• Bring Extra Prints If You Are Not Fully Sure

Printed Photo vs Digital Photo

Many applicants still need to submit a printed photo. But depending on the visa center, you may be asked to upload a digital version or have your photo taken on-site.

If you are preparing the image yourself, make sure the size, crop, and framing are correct before submission. To make this easier, you can use our [Visa Photo Tool For Schengen Applications] to adjust your photo before printing or uploading.

Common Mistakes That Delay Schengen Visa Applications

These are the mistakes that happen most often:

• Wrong Photo Size

• Old Photo That No Longer Matches Your Current Appearance

• Background That Is Too Dark Or Distracting

• Smiling Or Non-Neutral Expression

• Hair Covering Part Of The Face

• Glare On Glasses

• Poor Lighting

• Low-Quality Print

• Overedited Photo

• Assuming Any Passport Photo Automatically Matches Schengen Standards

These mistakes are small, but they can still create unnecessary delays.

What About Photos for Children?

For children, the general requirements are still similar. The photo should be recent, clear, and usable for identification.

Try to make sure:

• The Child’s Face Is Fully Visible

• The Background Is Plain

• No Other Person Appears In The Frame

• No Toys Or Hands Are Visible

• The Photo Is Sharp And Recent

How to Get Your Schengen Visa Photo Right the First Time

If you want the simplest approach, do this before your appointment:

• Use A Photo Studio Familiar With Visa Or Passport Photos

• Ask For A 35 X 45 Mm Schengen Visa Photo

• Avoid Glasses If You Can

• Wear Clothing That Does Not Blend Into A White Background

• Check That Your Face Is Centered

• Avoid Heavy Editing

• Review The Embassy Or Visa Center Checklist Again

• Use Our [Free Visa Photo Tool] If You Want To Check The Crop And Format Before Submission

That last step is especially useful if you are preparing the image digitally and want to reduce the risk of retaking the photo later.

FAQ

What Is the Standard Schengen Visa Photo Size?

Usually 35 x 45 mm.

Does the Photo Have to Be Recent?

Yes. In most cases, it should be taken within the last 6 months.

Can I Smile in My Schengen Visa Photo?

It is safer to keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.

Can I Wear Glasses?

Sometimes, yes. But if there is glare or your eyes are not clearly visible, the photo can be rejected.

Do I Always Need Printed Photos?

Not always. Some visa centers may use digital capture during the appointment, but many still require printed photos.

Final Takeaway

A Schengen visa photo may look like a small detail, but it is one of the easiest places for an application to run into avoidable problems.

The safest approach is not just remembering “35 x 45 mm.” It is making sure the photo is recent, clear, well lit, properly cropped, and aligned with the checklist used by the embassy or visa center handling your application.

And if you want to make the process easier, you can use our free Schengen visa photo tool to prepare the image before printing or uploading.

Need More Help With Your Schengen Visa Application?

If you want more confidence before you apply, Visa Concierge offers hands-on support for travelers who need expert guidance, document review, or help understanding the visa requirements for their case.

And if you are still comparing requirements, reading similar cases, or looking for practical answers, you can also visit our forum, where questions are answered by visa experts.

Official Sources

• European Commission: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en

• European Commission Implementing Decision (2024): https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/1d79f44d-49ba-4847-951e-129f924b1051_en?filename=Commission%20Implementing%20Decision%20C%282024%29%204319-annex_en.PDF

• Netherlands Worldwide: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/checklist-schengen-visa-tourism

• German Federal Foreign Office / Germany Visa Guidance: https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/visa/what-documents-do-i-need-for-a-c-visa-2442164