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3 min read

Schengen Area

Schengen visa photo — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric.

The harmonised Schengen visa photo specification (ICAO 9303 biometric standard) used by all 27 Schengen states. Make a print-ready 35×45 mm photo at 300 DPI, free, with no upload.

Schengen visa photo specification

PropertyRequirement
Dimensions35 × 45 mm
BackgroundPlain light grey or white, even lighting, no shadows
Head height32 – 36 mm (about 70 – 80% of the photo height)
StandardICAO Doc 9303 biometric
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, both eyes visible
Photo ageTaken within the last 6 months
GlassesGenerally not permitted; no tinted lenses

Source: European Commission Visa Code & ICAO 9303. Each Schengen consulate may apply additional checks — always confirm with the consulate handling your application.

Make a Schengen visa photo

  1. Open the studio with the EU preset and upload your photo.
  2. Remove the background — replaced with light grey for biometric compliance.
  3. Position the crop so the head fits inside the 32–36 mm biometric overlay.
  4. Choose 4 × 6 inch or A4 and print at actual size (300 DPI).

FAQ

Is the Schengen visa photo the same as a national passport photo?

The dimensions match the 35×45 mm size most Schengen states use for their own passports (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, etc.), so the same printed photo usually works for both.

How many photos do I need?

Most consulates require two recent identical photos with the application. PassportSnap prints multiple copies on one sheet by default.

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