All photo formats / Europe
Schengen visa photo: 35 x 45 mm
Schengen visa applications need a 35 x 45 mm photo following the ICAO standard: the head from chin to crown fills 32-36 mm (70-80%) of the height, on a plain light background. This tool crops your photo to the exact 35:45 proportions with head-size guides, ready to print at 35 x 45 mm.
The official requirements
| Print size | 35 x 45 mm (this digital file is 826 x 1062 px - print at 600 dpi for exactly 35 x 45 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head size | 32-36 mm from chin to crown = 70-80% of the photo height |
| Background | One colour, bright (ideally neutral grey), contrasting with face and hair; no shadows |
| Print quality | At least 600 dpi, high-quality paper, natural skin tones |
| Other rules | Neutral expression, mouth closed, facing the camera; no head covering except religious; no tinted glasses; taken within 6 months |
| Children | Under 9: the face may cover 50-80% of the photo |
Checked against the official sources below on 7 Nov 2026.
Schengen consulates and VFS centres often photograph you on site for biometrics; check whether your application still needs a paper photo. Where it does, print this file at exactly 35 x 45 mm.
How to do it
- Take a photo against a plain light wall, facing the camera.
- Upload it below; place the crown at the top line and the chin at the lower line so the head fills 70-80% of the height.
- Create the file, download it, and print at 35 x 45 mm (600 dpi) on photo paper - or show the file at a photo shop.
Common questions
Is a Schengen visa photo the same as an EU passport photo?
They share the ICAO 35 x 45 mm standard and head-size band, so the same compliant photo usually works for both.
Can I print the file at a kiosk?
Yes - choose a 35 x 45 mm or 10 x 15 cm print setting with no scaling, so the head size stays 32-36 mm.