What is the Schengen area?
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders. A single Schengen visa allows you to travel freely among these countries. The visa application photo requirements follow ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) biometric standards, which are used across the EU.
Schengen visa photo specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm (width × height) |
| Digital size | 413 × 531 px (at 300 DPI) |
| File format | JPEG, colour |
| Background | Plain white or very light grey |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Head height in photo | 70–80% of total frame height |
The Schengen photo size (35 × 45 mm) is the same as the standard international passport photo. If you already have a compliant passport photo, it will typically be accepted for Schengen visa applications.
Face and expression rules
The EU's biometric photo standard requires the following:
- The head (top of crown to chin) must fill 70–80% of the total photo height.
- Eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera.
- The face should be centered — not turned, tilted, or obscured.
- A neutral expression is required — mouth closed, no wide smile.
- No hair covering the eyes or significant portions of the face.
- Eyebrows clearly visible.
Background requirements
The background must be uniform white or light grey. It must be plain — no patterns, gradients, or objects. There must be no shadows from the subject falling on the background. Some consulates accept a very pale light-grey background, but white is universally safe.
Glasses and head coverings
Following the EU's adoption of ICAO biometric standards:
- Glasses are not permitted in biometric photos for most Schengen countries.
- Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not obscure the face or create shadows.
- Medical head coverings (e.g. post-surgery) may be accepted with supporting documentation.
While the Schengen standard applies across the zone, individual consulates (German, French, Italian, etc.) may have slightly different submission procedures. Always check the specific requirements of the country's embassy where you are applying.
Schengen vs Standard Passport photo — comparison
| Feature | Schengen Visa | Standard Passport | US Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size (mm) | 35 × 45 | 35 × 45 | 51 × 51 |
| Digital (px) | 413 × 531 | 600 × 750 | 600 × 600 |
| Background | White / light grey | White | White |
| Glasses | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Shape | Portrait (7:9) | Portrait (7:9) | Square (1:1) |
How to make a Schengen visa photo free online
The Bisnep Passport & Visa Photo Generator includes a dedicated Schengen preset that outputs 413 × 531 px — the correct digital size at 300 DPI for a 35 × 45 mm print.
Take a suitable photo
Stand in front of a white wall in good natural light. No glasses, neutral expression, face straight at the camera.
Open the Passport Photo tool
Visit bisnep.com/passport-photo and upload your image. Nothing is sent to any server.
Select "Schengen Visa"
The crop frame locks to the 35 × 45 mm portrait ratio. Drag and zoom to position your face so it fills 70–80% of the height.
Download your photo
Select white background, click Download. You receive a JPEG at 413 × 531 px, ready to print at 300 DPI or attach digitally.
Your photo never leaves your browser. All processing is done locally in your device — no server upload, no storage, no account required.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same photo be used for multiple Schengen countries?
Yes. A photo that meets the general ICAO biometric standard (35 × 45 mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses) will be accepted by all Schengen member countries.
How recent must a Schengen visa photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. If you've made significant changes (new glasses-free look, hairstyle change, weight change) you should take a new photo.
Is a light grey background acceptable?
Yes, for most Schengen consulates. The ICAO standard specifies white or very light grey. However, plain white is universally safe and eliminates any ambiguity.