Schengen visa photo size and rules
1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm), head height about 1¼–1⅜ in, and background colour — the checks that prevent a visa refusal.
Why size causes refusals
For a Schengen short-stay visa the photo is checked against ICAO biometric rules. Even if the outer size looks right, a small head, a shadowed background or a non-neutral expression can send the file back at the counter or at VFS/BLS.
Use our AI-powered Germany Passport Photo Tool to auto-crop your image in 3 seconds.
Most consulates still want a 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm) print. Where a digital upload exists, the same crop and head height apply — confirming the inch size is the fastest way to avoid a refusal.
Official photo requirements
- Document size applied
- Face alignment checked
- Background prepared
Size
35 × 45 mm
Background
Light grey
Digital photo
413 × 531 px
The exact 1.38 × 1.77 in size
The standard Schengen ID size is 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm). At 300 dpi that is roughly 413 × 531 pixels, a 7:9 portrait ratio.
Do not mix this up with the US 2 × 2 in square. Schengen is a rectangle. Squashing a wrong-ratio crop into this frame distorts the face and raises rejection risk.
Head size: about 1¼–1⅜ in
From chin to crown (top of the skull, not the hair volume) head height must be about 1¼–1⅜ in (32–36 mm) — 70–80% of the 1.77 in frame. Too small reads as “shot from too far”; too large clips ears or shoulders.
The eye line is typically 1.18–1.42 in from the bottom edge. Look at the camera, head straight, shoulders visible. FotoPass applies the crop for the document — you do not need a tape measure.
Background colour
The rule is a plain, light, shadow-free backdrop. Many Schengen consulates accept light grey or off-white; some checklists (e.g. Poland, Italy) say white. Patterns, wall clocks, hair shadows and gradients cause refusals.
Some states, including France, prefer light grey for scanner contrast. When unsure, keep it plain, light and even; FotoPass applies the official background for the document you pick.
Pose, expression and other rules
Colour photo taken within the last 6 months. Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. Glasses are banned at most posts; lens glare is a refusal. A religious head covering must not hide the face; hair must not cover the eyes.
You usually need two identical prints on matte photo paper — no scans or photocopies. If a digital gate exists, use JPEG, sRGB and stay inside the consulate’s file-size cap.
Make the photo with FotoPass
Pick the Schengen / relevant EU visa in the document selector and upload a sharp selfie. AI applies size, head ratio and background — no oval overlay or 16–20 in ritual.
Download a 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm) print sheet or a digital file. Confirm white vs light grey on your consulate checklist via the document page.