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

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (±1 mm), printed on high-quality photo paper
• Head size: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of photo height), centered vertically
• Eye position: eyes 15–20 mm from the bottom edge of the photo, level and clearly visible
• Background: plain light grey or off-white, uniform tone, no shadows, textures or objects
• Facial expression: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, direct forward gaze
• Head orientation: head straight and centered, no tilt or turn, both ears visible
• Lighting: even, diffused lighting with no shadows on face or background, no red-eye
• Glasses: allowed if non-tinted lenses, frames must not cover eyes, no glare reflections
• Head coverings: permitted only for religious reasons, must not obscure hairline, forehead, cheeks or chin
• Clothing: everyday attire, no uniforms, military or camouflage patterns, avoid white tops that blend with background
• Photo quality and print count: sharp focus, high resolution (min 600 dpi), no creases or marks, two identical matte or semi-matte prints
• Recentness: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance

Step-by-Step Process

• Measure and crop: ensure the final print size is exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with the head height (chin to crown) between 32 – 36 mm and a top margin of 3 – 5 mm using a certified Schengen photo template.
• Background selection: use a plain, uniform light-grey, light-blue or white background free of patterns, textures or shadows to guarantee clear facial contrast and automated facial recognition.
• Pose and expression: face the camera directly with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight ahead, no head tilt or sideways glance to meet biometric standards.
• Visibility and accessories: remove all eyewear unless medically required (attach prescription certificate), no hats or head coverings except for documented religious reasons, ensure hair does not obscure forehead or cheeks.
• Lighting and exposure: apply even frontal lighting to eliminate shadows on face and background, avoid red-eye, harsh highlights or underexposure; review the image histogram to confirm balanced exposure.
• Digital capture settings: shoot at high resolution (min. 600 dpi), 24-bit color depth, neutral white balance, save in uncompressed TIFF or high-quality JPEG to preserve detail.
• Print quality and finish: produce on professional-grade photographic paper with matte or semi-matte finish, no borders, no creases or reflections, using a calibrated printer no older than 12 months.
• Framing and headroom: center the face both vertically and horizontally, ensure head occupies 70 – 80% of image height, leaving 5 mm margin above the highest hair point.
• Quantity and age: submit two identical prints taken within the last six months, free of stamps, scratches or glue marks, each matching in color and density.
• Final compliance check: use the Embassy or Consulate’s online photo validator or VisaPics checklist to verify all specifications before attaching to your visa application to avoid rejection and delays.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Dimensions: ensure the photo is exactly 35×45 mm with the head height between 32–36 mm and centered – incorrect sizing or cropping leads to automatic rejection
• Plain Background: use a uniform light grey, cream or white background free of shadows or patterns – backgrounds that are too dark or textured will not meet biometric standards
• Neutral Expression & Pose: face the camera straight-on with eyes open, mouth closed and a relaxed expression – tilted heads or smiling broadly invalidate the biometric face-recognition process
• No Glasses or Obstructions: remove eyeglasses (unless medically required) and ensure no hair covers your eyes or face – reflections, tinted lenses or stray hair can obscure facial features and cause refusal
• Recent, High-Quality Image: submit a color photo taken within the last 6 months printed on high-quality photo paper at 600 dpi – outdated, blurry or pixelated images may not accurately represent your current appearance

Conclusion

The brief conclusion of the EU Schengen Visa 35×45 mm Photo Requirements Guide:

• Size & Dimensions: Photo must be exactly 35×45 mm with the head height between 32–36 mm from chin to crown
• Background & Contrast: Plain, light‐colored (white or off‐white) background with no shadows or patterns
• Facial Expression & Position: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and directly facing the camera
• Lighting & Quality: Even, diffused lighting; no red‐eye, reflections, under‐ or over‐exposure
• Glasses & Headgear: No tinted lenses; non‐reflective frames; head coverings only for religious reasons and not obscuring facial features
• Recency & Authenticity: Photo taken within the last six months; no alterations, filters or digital retouching beyond minor color correction
• Print & Digital Specs: High‐resolution (minimum 600 dpi for print or JPEG at 300 dpi for digital); matte or semi‐gloss finish for physical prints
• Borders & Margins: No borders; minimal margin around the head to meet sizing requirements

Adhering strictly to these specifications ensures your Schengen visa application photo will be accepted without delays.