Schengen visa photo requirements (35×45 mm)

Educational summary for travelers and applicants; not legal advice. Compare every detail with the issuing authority’s current checklist before you submit.

This guide summarizes common Schengen-area practice. Always follow the embassy, VFS, or TLS checklist for your destination country. The My New ID Photo preset for this document is 35×45 mm, matching the dimensions in our built-in specification table.

Standard measurements

Use a 35 × 45 mm color photograph taken within the last six months. Your face must cover 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

The following links point to official or primary sources we use to summarize size, composition, and quality rules. Third-party pages are listed only when they reproduce the same standards (for example ICAO). Always read the latest version on the authority’s site before you submit an application.

Disclaimer: Requirements change. Verify dimensions, file format, and expression rules on the official source linked from your application portal before submission.

Open the generator, browse all country guides, or read the general requirements overview.