Schengen visa photo requirements (35×45 mm)
Last reviewed May 21, 2026 by the My New ID Photo editorial team. Rules change—confirm details with the issuing authority before you apply.
Written and reviewed by the My New ID Photo editorial team.
Practical notes for applicants and travelers. This is not legal advice—compare every requirement with the official checklist linked below.
This guide summarizes common Schengen-area practice. Always follow the embassy, VFS, or TLS checklist for your destination country.
Standard measurements
Use a 35 × 45 mm color photograph taken within the last six months. Head height from chin to crown must be 32–36 mm, with the face occupying roughly 70–80% of the image height; the eye line must sit within the band shown on ICAO diagrams. Provide two identical prints when the checklist asks for two.
Expression, glasses, and head coverings
Face the camera directly with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Avoid large smiles. Eyes must be clearly visible—no hair across the eyes. Prescription glasses are usually allowed if there is no glare and the frame does not hide the eyes; sunglasses are not allowed. Religious head coverings are permitted only if your face is fully visible from chin to forehead without shadows.
Background and lighting
Use a plain light grey or very light cream background without patterns, shadows, or gradients. Lighting should be even across the face—soft frontal or 45° lighting helps avoid harsh shadows. Do not use decorative borders or heavy filters that change skin tone.
Making this photo in My New ID Photo
Use this article with Germany and Visa, or any Schengen country whose checklist specifies 35×45 mm. In My New ID Photo, pick the destination country and Visa when available so the crop matches that mission; otherwise align to 35×45 mm manually. Print two identical copies when required and never add filters that alter skin tone or facial geometry.
Official sources
We link to primary sources where possible. Embassy pages, PDF checklists, and ICAO references are listed so you can read the wording yourself—not rely on a summary alone.
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), including Annex VI (photographs)
- European Commission — Schengen visa policy
- European Commission — Applying for a Schengen visa
- ICAO — Machine Readable Travel Documents (Doc 9303)
Related guides for this country
Reminder: Embassies and motor vehicle offices update photo rules without notice. Re-read the official page on the day you submit.
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