Schengen Visa Photo Size and Requirements: 35 x 45 mm Guide for US Applicants
Passport Photo Guide · Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa photo is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, with the face 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain light background. The standard is shared across Europe, but each consulate adds its own details.
Checked against German, French, Italian and Spanish consular guidance on October 14, 2026.
How big the face should be
The German missions in the US publish the most detailed version of the standard. The face is measured from the bottom of the chin to the crown, meaning the top of the head, not the top of the hair.
Schengen visa photo requirements
| Requirement | What the consulates ask for |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 mm wide by 45 mm high |
| Face size | 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown, 70 to 80 percent of the photo, centred, with both sides of the face visible |
| Background | Plain, light and one color, contrasting with your face and hair. Germany suggests neutral grey; Italy's New York consulate asks for white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at the camera, head neither tilted nor turned |
| Eyes | Open and clearly visible, not covered by hair or frames |
| Glasses | Allowed if the eyes are clearly visible: no tinted lenses, sunglasses, reflections or frames over the eyes |
| Head coverings | Not allowed, with exceptions mainly for religious reasons; the face must show from chin to forehead |
| Uniforms | No parts of uniforms visible |
| Quality | Sharp, even lighting, natural skin tone, printed on high-quality paper at 600 dpi or more, clean and uncreased |
| Age of photo | No more than 6 months old |
ThisPix · Midtown Manhattan
Get your Schengen visa photo in NYCWalk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We photograph to the 35 × 45 mm size, measure the face to the 32 to 36 mm range, and print while you wait.
Book your visa photo212-753-4671What each consulate says
You apply to the consulate of your main destination, usually where you will stay longest. Every one of them uses the 35 × 45 mm format, with small differences in wording.
| Country | Photo notes |
|---|---|
| Germany | One recent biometric photo, 35 × 45 mm. Face 32 to 36 mm; light background, ideally neutral grey; color or black and white |
| France | No more than 6 months old, face square to the camera, even lighting, plain light-colored background, following the ICAO standard |
| Italy | Recent passport-style photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, full front, white background, no more than 6 months old |
| Spain | Recent passport-size color photo on a light background, facing forward, no dark or reflective glasses, nothing covering the oval of the face. New York applications go through BLS International |
A light grey background suits Germany, while Italy's New York consulate asks for white. When you come in, tell us the consulate and we will set up the background it asks for.
Children and babies
- Ages 9 and under. The face can take up 50 to 80 percent of the photo, 22 to 36 mm from chin to crown.
- Ages 5 and under. No neutral expression needed, the child does not have to look straight at the camera, and the head does not have to be centred.
- Under one year. The baby's eyes do not need to be open.
- Always. Only the child in the photo: no second person, no toys or objects.
Common reasons photos are refused
These come from the German missions' sample photos.
- Too close, too far or not centred
- Blurred, too light, too dark or low contrast
- Flash reflection or shadow across the face
- Shadow behind the head or a busy background
- Unnatural color, creases or ink spots
- Mouth open, head tilted or portrait style
- Eyes closed, looking away or hair across the eyes
- Frames over the eyes, tinted glasses or glare
- A hat or covered face
- Another person or object in the photo
Since 1986
Photos for every Schengen consulate in New YorkFor 40 years ThisPix has photographed New Yorkers to the size and rules of consulates around the world. ThisPix is also the only studio in the New York area recommended by the Netherlands consulate.
Get your photo at ThisPix212-753-4671Questions, answered
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the face 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, about 70 to 80 percent of the photo.
Can I use a US 2 by 2 inch photo for a Schengen visa?
No. Schengen consulates ask for 35 by 45 mm, which is narrower and taller than a US passport photo.
What background color does a Schengen visa photo need?
A plain, light, single color that contrasts with your face. Germany suggests neutral grey, Italy's New York consulate asks for white, and France and Spain ask for a light background.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible, with no tinted lenses, reflections, or frames covering the eyes.
Can I smile?
No. The expression must be neutral, with the mouth closed and the eyes looking at the camera. Children aged 5 and under do not need a neutral expression.
How old can the photo be?
No more than 6 months, according to France and Italy, and it should show how you look today.
Where can I get a Schengen visa photo in Manhattan?
At ThisPix, 805 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, at East 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Sources. Requirements vary by consulate and change, so confirm with the consulate or visa centre you are applying to. Last checked October 14, 2026.