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PHOTO GUIDE

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements Summary

A quick summary of the standard photo specifications for Schengen visa applications. Use this checklist as a general reference.

Checked: June 2026

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Schengen Visa Photo Requirements Summary

The photo requirements to check first

Schengen visa photo size at a glance

A quick summary of the common photo specifications for Schengen visa applications. Use this checklist as a general reference, then confirm the exact values for your route.

Print Size
35 x 45 mm (most common format; varies by route — e.g., Finland 36 x 47 mm)
Head Size (Height)
about 70-80% of the photo height (roughly 32-36 mm)
Face Position
centered, looking straight ahead, neutral expression
Recency
taken within the last 6 months

35 x 45 mm is common, but not the only route

Several European official sources use 35 x 45 mm or very close biometric dimensions. France-Visas describes a photo around 35-40 mm wide with the face taking 70-80% of the photograph, while Dutch government guidance uses 35 x 45 mm with detailed face width and face length checks.

Some submission routes use different sizes. Finland specifies 36 x 47 mm, and the Spain BLS US tourist route lists 2 x 2 inch photos. Some routes take the photo at the appointment (e.g., Norway, or the Netherlands via an external provider). Check the page for your actual destination, application country, jurisdiction, and appointment center before printing.

Create your photo in the browser

Prepare the photo for Schengen Visa Photo directly in your smartphone or computer browser. Creating and reviewing are free.

The photo specification this tool creates depends on your destination country and application route. Select your route in the tool.

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Also available as an iPhone appOpen the App Store

Official Sources First

Always check the specific guidelines from the official embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center (like VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International) of your destination country. Requirements may differ based on local submission policies, digital portal specifications, and application location.

shoumei.org helps users prepare photo files based on publicly available requirements. It does not submit visa applications, and it is not an official government service, Schengen authority, embassy, consulate, VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International service. Please verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or visa application center before submitting.

Common Schengen Visa Photo Mistakes to Avoid

Many visa applications are delayed or rejected due to minor photo errors. Avoid these common mistakes:

  1. Wrong size for your route

    Using a size that does not match your application route — for example, a standard-size photo where your route requires a different size, or vice versa. The app confirms the size for your route.

  2. Non-Neutral Background

    Backgrounds with patterns, textures, household objects, or strong color variations.

  3. Shadows on Face or Background

    Uneven lighting causing shadows across the face, nose, or background.

  4. Reflections on Glasses

    Glare or thick frames obscuring the eyes. Removing glasses is highly recommended.

Why Use the Schengen Visa Photo App?

Precise Face Position Guide

Align your eyes, head, and chin easily with the interactive overlay guide.

Route-matched sizing

Format your photo to the size confirmed for your application route — commonly the standard size, with route-specific sizes such as Finland's or the Spain BLS US tourist square format where applicable.

Print Layout Formatting

Save a 4 × 6 inch or L-size layout formatted for local printing at actual size.

On-Device Processing for Privacy

Your personal photo remains securely on your iPhone and is never sent to a server.

Note: shoumei.org is a helper tool to prepare your photo files. It does not submit your visa application and does not guarantee official approval. Always consult the official guidelines from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Schengen visa photo?

The most common physical size is the standard format, but the exact size depends on your destination, application country, jurisdiction, and provider. For example, Finland specifies its own size, and the Spain BLS US tourist route requires its own square format. For digital uploads, pixel requirements vary by portal.

Is 35 × 45 mm always required for Schengen visas?

The standard size is the most common format, but it is not universal. The size depends on your destination, application country, jurisdiction, and provider. For example, the Spain BLS US tourist route requires its own square format, and Finland specifies its own size. The app confirms the size for your route.

Why does Spain from US use 2 × 2 inch photos?

On the Spain tourist visa route applied through BLS centers in the United States, US passport-size photos (2 × 2 inch / 51 × 51 mm) are required instead of the standard size. This is specific to that provider and visa category, not all Spain or all US applications. The app confirms whether your route needs this size.

Can I use a passport photo for a Schengen visa?

Only if the passport photo meets the Schengen requirements for your specific route, including the correct size and being taken within the last 6 months. A US passport photo does not meet the common Schengen format, but matches the Spain BLS US tourist route requirement.

Official and submission sources