Schengen visa photo size and rules

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.