Schengen Visa photos must be 35 × 45 mm (413 × 531 px at 300 DPI) on a uniform light grey background, with your head taking up 70–80% of the frame. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open, and take your glasses off.
Last updated 2026-06-10 · Source: official EU guidance
From selfie to Schengen Visa
Take or upload any photo. PassPix swaps the background, frames your head to the EU spec, and checks every rule before you pay.
Official Schengen Visa requirements
The exact rules PassPix checks and renders to.
- Photo size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Digital resolution
- 413 × 531 px @ 300 DPI
- Background
- uniform light grey
- Head height
- 70–80% of photo
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Not allowed
Source: official EU guidance
How to make a Schengen Visa photo
- 1Pick Schengen Visa
Choose Schengen Visa so PassPix loads the 35 × 45 mm ICAO rules.
- 2Take or upload a photo
Face the camera in even light with a neutral, mouth-closed expression.
- 3Let PassPix frame it
PassPix sizes your face to about 70–80% on a uniform light grey background.
- 4Download
Get a compliant digital file plus a print-ready sheet.
Everything in your photo
A compliant digital photo and the correctly sized file for online applications, with a print-ready sheet on the print option.
Your digital photo
A single compliant photo at the exact size and resolution the document needs.
Print-ready sheet
Six photos laid out on a 4×6 sheet with cut lines. Print at CVS, Walgreens or Walmart for about a dollar.
Online-upload file
Sized to the exact pixels and file-size limit of the official portal, ready to attach.
Schengen Visa photo questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
A Schengen visa photo is 35 x 45 mm with the face taking up about 70–80% of the photo, on a uniform light background, with a neutral expression and taken within the last 6 months. This is the standard across all Schengen countries.
What background does a Schengen visa photo need?
A uniform, light-coloured background — light grey is widely advised. Some consulates prefer white, so check the specific country's embassy guidance before you apply.
Is the Schengen photo the same for every European country?
The 35 × 45 mm size, neutral expression and 6-month rule are consistent, but each member state's consulate publishes its own guidance and some differ on background and digital-file rules. Always check the country you are applying to.