Every Schengen country uses the same biometric photo standard, set by the EU Visa Code and ICAO: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head taking up 70–80% of the picture — 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown. This maker crops your photo to that exact frame, draws the head band as guide lines, and downloads it at 413×531 pixels (35×45 mm at 300 DPI) with a printable 4×6 sheet.
The tool only sizes and crops; it does not replace backgrounds or retouch your face, and Schengen rules require an unaltered photograph. One caution: the format is shared, but the consulate of the country you apply to has the final say, and small national preferences (for example, how light the background should be) exist. Photograph yourself against a plain light wall and check the consulate’s current checklist before your appointment — rules change.
The official Schengen visa photo requirements
| Photo size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high |
|---|---|
| This download | 413 × 531 px JPEG at 300 DPI |
| Head height | 32–36 mm chin to crown — 70–80% of the photo height |
| Background | Plain and light: light grey recommended; white/off-white accepted by most consulates |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity | Usually two identical photos |
| Format | Colour only — black and white is not accepted |
The standard comes from Annex II of the EU Visa Code and ICAO Document 9303, the same biometric specification most European countries also use for their own passports — so this crop doubles as a 35×45 passport crop for many EU/EEA documents, though you should always confirm the exact document rules you are applying under.
Pose, background and glasses
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking directly at the camera, head centred and not tilted. Glasses are the biggest grey area: the safest choice is to remove them. If you keep them, the frames must be thin, there must be no reflections and your eyes fully visible — tinted lenses and sunglasses are always refused. Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons and must not shadow or cover any part of the face. No uniforms, no other people, no shadows on the face or background.
How to take the photo at home
- Stand before a plain light wall — light grey is the classic Schengen choice — in soft, even light.
- Have another person take the photo at eye level from about a metre away, head and shoulders in frame.
- Remove glasses if you can, close your mouth, look straight ahead; take several versions.
- Upload the sharpest shot here and drag it until the top of your head reaches the red line.
- Zoom so your chin lands between the green lines — the 32–36 mm (70–80%) band.
- Download the single photo or the six-copy print sheet.
Why Schengen visa photos get rejected
- Head smaller than 70% of the frame — the most common Schengen refusal.
- A dark, coloured or patterned background, or shadows behind the head.
- Smiling or an open mouth.
- Thick glasses frames, reflections on lenses, or tinted glasses.
- A black-and-white or heavily filtered photo.
- An old photo, or one already used for a previous application.
Printing your photos
The print sheet download places 6 copies on a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) print at exactly 300 DPI. Print it at 100% scale — never “fit to page” — on glossy or matte photo paper, then cut along the light outlines. Measure one photo with a ruler before you submit: it must be exactly 35×45 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Schengen photo the same as a French or German passport photo?
The dimensions and head band are the same 35×45 mm ICAO format for most EU documents, but always check the exact document and country — the consulate or authority you apply to decides.
Light grey or white background — which is right?
The Visa Code says plain and light-coloured; light grey is the traditional choice and contrasts with every skin tone and hair colour. Most consulates also accept white or off-white.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
You may, but removal is strongly recommended. If worn, frames must not cover the eyes, lenses must not be tinted and there must be no glare. Many applicants are asked to retake photos with glasses.
Does the maker guarantee my visa photo will pass?
No maker can. The file matches the EU/ICAO dimensions exactly; the consulate checks the actual photograph and can refuse it for lighting, background or expression. Confirm the current checklist of your consulate before your appointment.
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Versión en español: Foto para Visa Schengen — Creador 35×45 mm, Gratis y Online. You may also like: India Passport Photo Maker — 2×2 Inch Photo, Free & Online · Canada Passport Photo Maker — 50×70 mm Photo, Free & Online.
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