CropPass
DE · 35×45 mm · 413×531 px · Head 71–80%

Schengen visa photo: a 35×45 mm print with a 32–36 mm head

A Schengen visa application takes a printed photo that meets the ICAO standard, as Article 13 of the EU Visa Code requires. The EU guidelines leave the exact height open, so the size most consulates ask for is the 35×45 mm photo with a 32–36 mm head that German missions specify.

The same rules apply to applications for Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland and Portugal.

Schengen visa photo (35x45 mm print): photo requirements
Size35×45 mm print · 413×531 px at 300 DPI
File sizeNo file limit: you hand in a printed photo
FormatPrinted photo · CropPass gives you a 300 DPI JPEG and print sheets
Head height71–80% of the photo height (32–36 mm), chin to crown
BackgroundPlain and light; the exact colour varies by consulate
Digital editingNot allowed · CropPass only crops and resizes

Last verified 12 October 2026 against the source: uk.diplo.de ↗

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Head 71–80% of frame height. 35×45 mm, 413×531 px, light grey background.

Official requirements ↗

How to make your Schengen visa photo (35×45 mm print)

  1. Take or choose a photo. Face the camera in even light, against a wall that fits the background rule: plain and light; the exact colour varies by consulate. Upload it as a JPEG, PNG or HEIC file; it stays on your device.
  2. Line up the frame. CropPass crops to a 35×45 mm photo and marks where your head goes (71–80% of the height). Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guides.
  3. Download and print. Click "Download Schengen visa photo (35x45 mm print)" for a 300 DPI JPEG, or download a 4×6 in or A4 sheet with several copies. Print at 100% scale so each photo comes out at 35×45 mm. The preview is free; downloading needs a pass.

Questions and answers

What size is a Schengen visa photo?

35×45 mm. The EU guidelines allow a width of 35–40 mm and set the face at 70–80% of the photo without giving a height; 35×45 mm is the size German missions ask for, and the most common one.

How big should the head be on a Schengen photo?

32–36 mm from chin to crown on a 45 mm photo, which is 71–80% of the height. The guided frame marks that band.

Does every consulate want the same background?

No. The EU text asks for a plain light background, but the exact colour, and how recent the photo must be, vary by consulate. Check the checklist of the consulate you apply to.

Is retouching allowed for a Schengen visa photo?

The EU text does not say, but German sample sheets reject retouching and filters, so CropPass treats editing as not allowed and only crops and resizes.

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