When applying for a Schengen Visa, it’s important to navigate the process without errors. In addition to submitting the required documents, you’ll need to include two passport-size photos. However, the Schengen Visa Photo Requirements often leave applicants confused.
To ensure a smooth application, it’s essential to be familiar with the guidelines, especially concerning the size, format, background color, facial expression, and clothing for Schengen Visa photos. This guide provides you with all the necessary information to help you capture and submit the correct photos for your Schengen Visa application.
If you are looking for assistance for Schengen Visa for Indians, Itzeazy is here to help you. Itzeazy is India’s no.1 visa service provider .
Schengen Visa photo Requirements
The European Union has adopted a common standard for Schengen visa photos while application. That are the same as the mandatory specifications for passport photos that the international civil aviation organization has specified.
The Schengen visa photo requirements are given below:
- Captured within the last 6 months
- The Schengen visa photo size needs to be 35*45mm. A close-up of your head and top of your shoulders need visible so, that your face takes 70-80% of the photo space.
- The photo should be a color photograph not in black and white.
- Take with a plain and light color background.
- Your facial expressions should be neutral.
- Take it with uniform lighting. Your face should clearly visible.
- Need proper brightness and contrast.
- Your eyes should be open and visible.
- No ink marks or creases on a photograph.
- Shows both edges of your face clearly
- No hair across your eyes in a photo.
- Digital makeup is not allowed in photographs.
- No red eyes
- Sunglasses not allowed
- Caps are not allowed
- Big accessories that cover your face are not allowed.
- Colored lenses are not allowed.
- In photo shadows and reflections are not allowed.
Guidelines for Schengen visa photo requirements
Format for Schengen visa photo:
To increase your chances of Schengen visa approval, it’s vital to adhere to the specified format for your passport photo. Ensure the photo meets the required standards to prevent any rejection. Start by guaranteeing that the image is of high quality. The Schengen visa photo size for 2024 is 35mm in width and 45mm in height.
Here are the key specifications:
- Face Proportions: The face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, with full visibility from the chin to the top of the head.
- Side Visibility: Both the left and right sides of the face must be visible, with vertical face visibility between 32-36mm.
- Width: The face width should be between 27mm and 40mm to avoid rejection.
- Centered Face: Ensure the face is centered in the photo, with the entire head, including hair, fully visible.
- Clarity: The photo must be clear, ensuring that facial size is not reduced.
Glasses:
If you wear glasses in a photograph there should be your eyes need to be clear. And no flash reflection of glasses needs to be in photographs. Avoid heavy frames and if possible try to wear light glasses. Make sure glasses do not cover your face in photo. And if possible remove glasses. Sunglasses are not allowed in the photograph for Schengen visa photo requirement.
Head covering and Hat:
No head covering and hat is not allowed in photographs. Any type of facial covering is not allowed. Your face needs to be visible from the forehead to the bottom chin needs to visible. And also both edges of the face need to be visible.
Background and quality of a photograph
The background should be clear and one colored color needs to be light. In the photo, you need to be alone no other person or things should not be allowed. You need to look at a camera with neutral expressions on your face.
The photo needs to be taken with a digital camera with high-quality colors. And need to print on high-quality paper with high resolution.
Facial expression in the Schengen visa photo
When taking your Schengen visa photo, follow these simple guidelines for facial expressions:
- Face the Camera: Look directly into the camera with your head centered in the photo. Avoid tilting or turning your head.
- Clear Eyes: Ensure your eyes are fully visible without any obstruction from hair or eyeglass frames.
- Mouth Position: Keep your mouth closed for the photo. While a slight smile is acceptable, maintain a closed-mouth position.
Schengen visa photo resolution:
To ensure a high-quality Schengen visa photo that meets resolution standards, follow these guidelines:
- Resolution Range: Maintain a resolution between a minimum of 600 dpi and a maximum of 1200 dpi for the photo.
- Optimal Capture: For the best results, use a digital camera to capture the image.
- Printing Quality: When printing the photo, use high-quality photo paper to preserve clarity and detail.
- Size Specifications: The Schengen visa photo size should be 35mm in width and 45mm in height.
Schengen visa photo specifications for Children:
When talking about the children’s photos for Schengen visa. There is no agreed standard between the Schengen countries. Because it’s very difficult to look at camera photo in case of children under one-year-old.
When taking a Schengen visa photo for children, keep these simple requirements in mind:
- Face Proportion: Ensure the child’s face occupies 50-80% of the photo.
- Vertical Face Height: Measure the vertical face height from the chin to the top of the head (excluding hair), maintaining a range of 22-36mm.
- Size Consistency: The Schengen visa photo size for children is the same as for adults.
- Under 6 months old children: Children under 6 months can photograph when lying down or sitting in the baby chair. It is not mandatory for should the eyes of the baby needs to be open. And if he did not look at the camera it’s also okay. The background should of one color and any support like hands are not accepted.
- Under 5 years old children :For Under 5 years old children also some rules are relaxed. Their head is not straight is acceptable and also do not have neutral expressions it’s also acceptable. But the color of the eyes needs to be visible. If a child is not looking at the camera it’s acceptable.
Where can I take a Schengen visa photo?
- For Schengen visa photo requirements you can take photographs at any photo studio near you. Maximum photo studios have all the equipment for taking clear and high-resolution photos.
- If you want you can take photos at your home and also make sure all the requirements get fulfilled.
- Application photos that do not match the standard will probably be rejected by the consulate or embassy officials.
- If you apply online for the Schengen visa then you need to scan or upload the photograph. For that, you need to take the same requirements need to consider.
DIY Schengen Visa Photo: Click Your Own Photo
Taking your own visa photo is easy. You just need your smartphone or camera. Find an even spot indoors nearby a window or outdoors in the shade. Have a friend who can click your pics. Remember to take pictures in front of plain and light color wall. And, you face occupy 70-80% in photo!
You can also use prop with your phone or camera on some books on a table! Use a timer to take the shot so no one has to press the button. Take multiple pics to choose from later on your laptop or tablet. Zoom in and make sure your eyes are open, there is no shadows or hair across your relaxed face.
Once selected, upload the photo to a 123PassportPhoto. You can crop and adjust it perfectly to the picture size for Schengen visa and specifications. Download the finished file and voila! You have got your perfect Schengen visa photo.
Tip: If you are not quite getting it right on your own, ask a knowledgeable friend to lend a hand. An extra pair of eyes can spot little issues.
The most important thing is checking that your finished Schengen visa photo dimensions are 35×45 mm and has a plain background, centered face with visible eyes, and neutral expression. Schengen Visa Checker: PhotoGov let you verify if your selfie meets all the requirements. With a easy tools and steady hand, anyone can take visa-ready photos!
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FAQs
Is white background suitable for the Schengen visa photo requirement?
It is suggested to avoid the white color background in the visa photo. You can use light gray or any other light color.
What if now I do not look like my photo?
If you changed your appearance from the photo. Like by growing hair or glasses or anything. But it's a biometric photo so you are still identifiable. But making drastic changes in your appearance is not a good idea.
What is the photo size for Schengen visa?
The Schengen visa photo size needs to be measuring 35mm across and 45mm in height.
Are all Schengen Visa photos the same?
Yes, the schengen visa photograph requirements and specifications are uniform across all Schengen Area member countries, which include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and others.
What does a biometric photo mean?
A biometric photo refers to standard photographs that meet specific criteria, clearly displaying your face and identifying details. These photos are used in official documents, including visa applications, and are a common requirement in many countries worldwide, including the Schengen Area.
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