Schengen Visa Photo Size: 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm), Printed
Official rules: 35 × 45 mm print, background: plain white or off-white. Source: uk.diplo.de, checked 28 Sep 2026.
Schengen Visa photo size at a glance
The Schengen Visa photo is a printed photo, 35 × 45 mm, on a plain white or off-white background.
| Printed size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| In other units (a conversion) | 35 × 45 mm · 3.5 × 4.5 cm · 1.38 × 1.77 in · 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI · 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI · ratio 7:9 |
| Pixels (official rule) | Print only: 35 × 45 mm (France allows 35–40 mm wide); Germany asks for 600 dpi |
| File size | No file: the rules ask for printed photos |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head size | 71% to 80% of the photo height, chin to top of head |
| Source | uk.diplo.de |
| Checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
What the official pages say about the Schengen Visa photo
Photo rules for Schengen visas differ a little between countries, so this note follows one consulate: the German Embassy in London, which takes applications from UK residents. You apply in person at the embassy, a consulate or a TLScontact visa centre, because fingerprints are taken, though exceptions may apply if you had a Schengen visa in the last 5 years. You fill in the form online, print it with its barcodes, sign it and bring it with your photos. Each person needs their own appointment, and both parents come to a child's appointment.
Germany asks for printed photos on photo-quality paper, 35 × 45 mm, no older than three months, with the face filling 70 to 80% of the photo (32 to 36 mm). The background must be white or off-white. Glasses are fine if the frames do not cover any part of your eyes. A religious head covering is accepted when your face is fully visible and the covering casts no shadow on it. Photos copied or scanned from a driving licence or other official documents are not acceptable. A photo machine at the embassy and at the TLScontact centre takes a set of four for £10.
Source, checked 5 Oct 2026: Visa FAQ (German Embassy London).
How to make your Schengen Visa photo
- Stand about an arm's length from the camera in front of a plain wall (plain white or off-white). Face a window for soft, even light.
- Add the photo on this page. It stays on your device.
- Drag and zoom until your face fills the green oval: top of the head on the top line, chin on the bottom line.
- Download the 4 × 6 inch print sheet and print it at actual size (100%).
- Cut out the photos along the grey lines.
Questions and answers
What size is the Schengen Visa photo?
The photo is 35 × 45 mm. The official rule: Print only: 35 × 45 mm (France allows 35–40 mm wide); Germany asks for 600 dpi. This document takes printed photos, so there is no file to upload. SafeResize makes a 4 × 6 inch print sheet with several copies at exactly this size.
What is the Schengen Visa photo size in cm, inches and pixels?
35 × 45 mm is 3.5 × 4.5 cm or 1.38 × 1.77 inches, in a 7:9 shape. Printed at 300 DPI it is 413 × 531 pixels, and at 600 DPI 827 × 1063 pixels. These are conversions of the official size, not extra rules.
What background colour does the Schengen Visa photo need?
Plain white or off-white. Stand in front of a plain wall with no pattern, and face a window so there are no shadows behind you. If your wall is not plain enough, the photo maker on this page can make the background white with an AI that runs on your device. Check the edges around your hair afterwards.
How big should my head be in the Schengen Visa photo?
From the chin to the top of the head, your head should fill 71% to 80% of the photo height. The face guide in the tool shows both lines.
Can I wear glasses in my Schengen Visa photo?
The official rules say: Full face, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses frames over the eyes.
What else do the Schengen Visa photo rules say?
Recent photo (Germany: no older than 3 months; Netherlands: 6 months). Full face, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses frames over the eyes. Religious head covering only if it casts no shadow. No scanned or copied photos. Netherlands visa service centres take the photo at your appointment.
Can I take this photo at home?
Yes. A photo you take yourself is fine if it follows the rules above. Download the 4 × 6 inch print sheet and print it at 100% (actual size) at a photo shop or on photo paper, then cut along the lines.
Is my photo uploaded to SafeResize?
No. The photo is processed inside your browser and never leaves your phone or computer.
Please note: Rules differ a little between countries and consulates, so check your consulate's website before you apply.
Source: uk.diplo.de, checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
More tools for this photo
- Resize a photo to 3.5 × 4.5 cm (35 × 45 mm) the same size from any photo, without the face guide
- Passport photo 4 × 6 template several copies on one 4 × 6 inch print
Related photo rules
- Ireland Visa same 35 × 45 mm size
- France Residence permit same 35 × 45 mm size
- Germany Passport / ID card (applied abroad) same 35 × 45 mm size
- Ireland Passport same 35 × 45 mm size
Related photo sizes
- UK Visa at least 600 × 750 pixels
- Oman eVisa no fixed size
- Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa 200 × 200 pixels
- Hong Kong Visa / entry permit 40 × 50 mm
- Japan Visa 35 × 45 mm
- New Zealand Visa 35 × 45 mm