EU Schengen Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo size: exactly 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) with no white borders
• Head height: between 32–36 mm from chin to crown, centered vertically
• Eye position: 15–20 mm from the bottom of the photo, looking directly at camera
• Background: uniformly light grey to off-white, no patterns, shadows, or objects
• Facial expression: neutral (mouth closed, no smile), both eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting & contrast: even lighting, no red-eye, no shadows on face or background
• Head orientation: straight, head and shoulders square to camera, no tilt or turn
• Glasses & headwear: no glasses unless medically required (with certificate), no hats or scarves except for religious reasons (face fully visible)
• Photo age: taken within the last 6 months reflecting current appearance
• Photo quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, no creases or damage
• Paper & finish: printed on high-quality, matte or semi-matte photo paper, no glossy reflections
• Colour & contrast: true-to-life skin tones, natural colour balance, no filters or retouching
• Digital file (if required): JPEG format, color, uncompressed or minimal compression, file size between 200 KB–500 KB
• Identification details: applicant name and date of birth lightly printed on reverse side (if specified by consulate)

Step-by-Step Process

• Prepare Setup & Frame: mount a neutral light-gray or off-white backdrop and set your camera’s aspect ratio to capture enough area for a precise 35 × 45 mm crop
• Position Subject & Crop Guidelines: place the subject 1–5 m from camera, align eyes at 1/3 height, and use on-screen guides to reserve top-of-head to chin space (32–36 mm)
• Ensure Neutral Expression & Visibility: instruct the applicant to keep mouth closed, eyes fully open, eyebrows visible and face square to the lens without tilting
• Lighting & Exposure Control: employ two softbox lights at 45° angles to eliminate shadows, maintain even illumination and avoid reflections or hot spots on skin
• Background Check & Contrast: verify the background is uniformly light gray with no patterns, textures or objects and that head clearly contrasts from backdrop
• Headwear/Glasses Rules: remove hats, scarves and tinted eyewear; permit religious head coverings only if they don’t cast shadows or obscure facial features
• Camera Settings & Resolution: shoot in color with a minimum of 600 dpi (300 dpi if digital submission), set ISO 100–200, aperture f/6–f/8 for sharp focus and depth of field
• Final Crop & Size Verification: crop image to exactly 35 × 45 mm ensuring the head height (top of hair to chin) is between 32–36 mm and eye line is 17–22 mm from the bottom
• Print & Digital File Preparation: print two identical matte or semi-matte photos on high-quality photo paper and save a JPEG copy at 300 dpi with no compression artifacts
• Label & Inspect Before Submission: write applicant’s full name and date of birth lightly on the back of each print, inspect for scratches, marks or discoloration, then include with the visa application package

Tips and Best Practices

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Conclusion

Conclusion

Adhering strictly to the 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) EU Schengen visa photo specifications is essential to ensure your application is processed without delays. By paying attention to every detail—from precise dimensions to background uniformity—you minimize the risk of rejection and avoid costly retakes or appointment postponements.

Key Points

• Size & Framing: Photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm with the head height between 32 – 36 mm and 3 mm space above the crown.
• Background: Uniform light grey or white, free of shadows, patterns, or objects.
• Head Position & Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, direct gaze into the camera.
• Image Quality: High resolution (≥ 600 dpi), true-to-life color, sharp focus, no red-eye or reflections.
• Eyewear & Head Coverings: Glasses only if medically necessary (no tinted lenses); religious head coverings permitted if they do not obscure facial features.
• Print & Finish: Matte or semi-matte paper, no borders, durable inks to prevent fading.

Next Steps

• Review each requirement carefully before your photo session.
• Use a professional service familiar with Schengen visa standards or a calibrated photo booth.
• Inspect the final prints with a ruler and light source to confirm compliance.
• Replace and retake immediately if any specification is not met.

By following these guidelines to the letter, you’ll present a compliant, high-quality photo that meets EU Schengen visa authorities’ expectations and helps secure your visa without unnecessary hurdles.