Schengen visa photo maker (35×45 mm)
Updated Nothing is uploaded
All Schengen states follow the ICAO biometric standard: 35 × 45 mm, with the face (chin to crown) taking up 70–80% of the height — 32 to 36 mm. Use it for visas to France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the rest of the Schengen area.
- 35×45 mm
- Head 32–36 mm
- light, uniform (white to light grey)
Rules from ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents (photo standard). Final acceptance is always up to the issuing authority.
How to make your Schengen visa photo online
- Choose the size and upload a front-facing photo (JPG, PNG or iPhone HEIC).
- Click the top of your head and then your chin. The photo is scaled so your head is exactly the required height.
- Fine-tune by dragging and zooming until every check is green. Adjust brightness or lighten the background if needed.
- Download the single photo for online forms, or a 4×6 in print sheet (or A4/Letter) and print it at a photo lab or at home.
Schengen / EU photo requirements
| Size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high. |
|---|---|
| Head size | 32–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of the photo height), centred. |
| Background | Uniform light colour — white, light grey or light blue depending on the consulate — without shadows. |
| Glasses | Allowed only if the eyes are clearly visible, with no tinted lenses, heavy frames or reflections. Removing them is recommended. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera. |
| How recent | Taken within the last 6 months. |
| Head coverings | Not allowed except for religious reasons; the face from chin to forehead must be visible. |
- Many visa centres also take your photo and fingerprints on site — check before printing.
- The photo must be glued, not stapled, to the application form.
Size in pixels and per print
Printed photos are made at 300 DPI (dots per inch). These are the exact pixel sizes this tool exports, and how many copies fit on one 4×6 in (10×15 cm) print:
| Photo | Size | 300 DPI | 600 DPI | Per 4×6 print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa (35×45 mm) | 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) | 413×531 px | 827×1063 px | 8 |
How to take a passport photo at home
- Light: face a window in daylight, or use two lamps either side of the camera. Avoid a single overhead light — it casts shadows under the eyes and chin.
- Background: stand about 1 m (3 ft) in front of a plain white or light-grey wall so your shadow falls behind you, not on the wall.
- Camera: ask someone to hold the phone at eye level about 1.2–1.5 m away and use the normal 1× lens. Selfies at arm's length make noses look bigger and can be rejected.
- Pose: shoulders square, head straight, hair behind the ears, no hat. Take several shots and pick the sharpest.
- Leave room: include your shoulders and space above your head. The tool crops it down — it can't add what isn't there.
Official source
- ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents (photo standard)
- European Commission — Schengen visa
Requirements change. We checked these in October 2026, but always confirm with the issuing office before printing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a Schengen visa photo the same as a passport photo?
In most EU countries, yes — both use the 35×45 mm ICAO biometric format with a 32–36 mm face.
What background color for a Schengen visa photo?
A plain, light background. White and light grey are accepted almost everywhere; France prefers light grey or light blue over pure white.
Can I wear glasses?
It's allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no reflections, but many consulates recommend removing them.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping, adjustments and the print sheet are all made in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device and nothing is stored.
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