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Schengen visa photo: size, background and print sheets

Quick answer

The usual physical format is 35 × 45 mm. Background, photo count and live capture depend on your country, residence and appointment channel.

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Reviewed 8 Oct 2026 against EU ICAO photo guidance · Schengen requirements

In this guide
  1. Official screenshots and examples
  2. Questions

Visual guide · reviewed 9 Oct 2026

Official screenshots and examples

Published EU photo examples, captured 9 October 2026. The linked PDF is older guidance; your destination mission’s current size, background and child-photo instructions take priority.

  1. 1. Check clarity and framing

    Compare sharpness, natural colour and head position. Follow your mission’s specified dimensions rather than treating this general example as universal.

    EU photo guide · captured 9 Oct 2026 · p. 1.

    Full image Official source

  2. 2. Check light and background

    Look for even lighting, visible eyes and a plain background. Check whether your mission specifically requires white.

    EU photo guide · captured 9 Oct 2026 · p. 2.

    Full image Official source

  3. 3. Check glasses, coverings and children

    Keep the face and eyes visible. Read your mission’s exceptions before using the general child-photo or head-covering examples.

    EU photo guide · captured 9 Oct 2026 · p. 3.

    Full image Official source

Printed or captured at the centre?

Most short-stay journeys use printed photos or a live photo at the appointment. Netherlands tourism applicants using an external provider do not need to bring a photo. Check your centre’s appointment letter.

Our 300 DPI digital copy is 413 × 531 pixels, under 500 KB. These are our export settings, not a universal upload specification. Face coverage is an estimate of the source’s 70–80% wording.

Germany-India asks for a white background and a photo no older than six months. Germany-Doha specifies three months. Mission-specific rules are kept separate.

Questions

Do document copies replace my originals?

No. Bring the original passport and evidence requested by your consulate. Prepared copies and print packs are convenience files; they are not official forms or a visa application.

Are these files guaranteed to be accepted?

No. File dimensions and size are only part of the requirement. The consulate or provider checks the photo, evidence and application. Check its current instructions.

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