Schengen Visa Photo Size & Requirements — Complete Guide (2026)
If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit Europe, you will need a Schengen visa. One of the most common reasons for Schengen visa rejection is an incorrect photograph. The visa photo must comply with strict ICAO standards that are enforced by VFS Global and all Schengen member embassies.
This guide covers the exact Schengen visa photo size, DPI, background rules, and common mistakes to avoid when applying for your EU travel visa.
Schengen Visa Photo Specifications
Dimensions35 × 45 mm
Pixel Equivalent827 × 1063 px
Resolution600 DPI
FormatJPEG
Max File Size500 KB
BackgroundPlain white
Need a Schengen visa photo?
Convert your photo to 827×1063 px at 600 DPI instantly.
Convert My Schengen PhotoSchengen Visa Photo Rules
- 35×45 mm with face height between 32–36 mm
- White background — no patterns, gradients, or shadows
- Recent photo — less than 6 months old
- Face forward, centred, both eyes visible
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smiling
- No glasses — Schengen rules strictly prohibit glasses in visa photos
- No head coverings unless for religious reasons, and even then face must be fully visible
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Upload your photo to ilovephoto.in.
2
Select "Schengen Visa" preset — auto-applies 827×1063 px at 600 DPI.
3
Set background to white using the background colour tool.
4
Crop using 35:45 aspect ratio for perfect face framing.
5
Download your JPEG file under 500 KB.
How to Take a Good Schengen Visa Photo at Home
Schengen visa photos require high resolution (600 DPI) and precise framing. Here are tips to get it right at home:
- Start with a high-quality source photo — 600 DPI output needs a sharp, well-lit original; avoid phone cameras with poor sensors.
- Avoid heavy makeup — your natural skin tone must be clearly visible without colour casts or filters.
- Remove hair accessories — no headbands, clips, or barrettes that obscure the face or hairline.
- Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame — the distance from chin to crown should fill most of the photo height.
- No glasses or tinted lenses — Schengen rules strictly prohibit glasses even for prescription wearers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Low resolution (below 600 DPI) | Use our tool's Schengen preset which automatically outputs 827×1063 px at 600 DPI. |
| Coloured or patterned background | Use the background tool to replace with a plain white background. |
| Head too small in the frame | Crop using the 35:45 aspect ratio so your face fills 70–80% of the photo height. |
| Shadows on face or background | Take the photo in a well-lit room with diffused lighting from multiple directions. |
| Retouching or filters applied | Submit an unedited original photo — beauty filters, skin smoothing, or colour edits will lead to rejection. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schengen visa photo size in mm?The official Schengen visa photo size is 35 mm × 45 mm (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
Can I wear glasses in my Schengen visa photo?No. Schengen visa rules strictly prohibit glasses in the photo, even prescription glasses. This differs from Indian passport rules.
What is the DPI requirement for Schengen visa photo?600 DPI is recommended for Schengen visa photos to ensure high-quality print at 35×45 mm.
Can I smile in my Schengen visa photo?No. A neutral expression with mouth closed is required for Schengen visa photos.
Is the Schengen photo the same as the Indian passport photo?While both are 35×45 mm, Schengen photos require higher resolution (600 DPI vs 300 DPI) and do not allow glasses.
What is the 70:30 face rule for Schengen visa photos?The 70:30 rule means your face must occupy 70–80% of the photo height. The distance from the bottom of the chin to the crown of the head should be between 32–36 mm on a 45 mm tall photo.
Can I wear headphones or earphones in my Schengen photo?No. Any accessories on your head or ears, including headphones, earphones, Bluetooth headsets, or hearing aids (unless medical), are not allowed.
Is the photo requirement the same for all Schengen countries?Yes. All 27 Schengen member countries follow the same ICAO-standard photo requirements (35×45 mm, white background, 600 DPI) enforced through VFS Global and TLScontact.