PHOTO GUIDE
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements Summary
A quick summary of the standard photo specifications for Schengen visa applications. Use this checklist as a general reference.
Last Updated: June 2026
Quick Answer
- 35 × 45 mm (most common; varies by route)
- 70% to 80% of the photo height (32 to 36 mm)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Spain's BLS US tourist route is one exception: it requires 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) photos; other routes, such as Finland (36 × 47 mm), have their own specs, and some routes take the photo at the appointment.
Schengen visa photo size at a glance
A quick summary of the common photo specifications for Schengen visa applications. Use this checklist as a general reference, then confirm the exact values for your route.
- Print Size: 35 x 45 mm (most common format; varies by route — e.g., Finland 36 x 47 mm)
- Head Size (Height): about 70-80% of the photo height (roughly 32-36 mm)
- Face Position: centered, looking straight ahead, neutral expression
- Recency: taken within the last 6 months
35 x 45 mm is common, but not the only route
Several European official sources use 35 x 45 mm or very close biometric dimensions. France-Visas describes a photo around 35-40 mm wide with the face taking 70-80% of the photograph, while Dutch government guidance uses 35 x 45 mm with detailed face width and face length checks.
Some submission routes use different sizes. Finland specifies 36 x 47 mm, and the Spain BLS US tourist route lists 2 x 2 inch photos. Some routes take the photo at the appointment (e.g., Norway, or the Netherlands via an external provider). Check the page for your actual destination, application country, jurisdiction, and appointment center before printing.
Official Sources First
Always check the specific guidelines from the official embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center (like VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International) of your destination country. Requirements may differ based on local submission policies, digital portal specifications, and application location.
shoumei.org helps users prepare photo files based on publicly available requirements. It does not submit visa applications, and it is not an official government service, Schengen authority, embassy, consulate, VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International service. Please verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or visa application center before submitting.
Common Schengen Visa Photo Mistakes to Avoid
Many visa applications are delayed or rejected due to minor photo errors. Avoid these common mistakes:
Using a size that does not match your application route — for example, a 35 × 45 mm photo where your route requires a different size, or vice versa. The app confirms the size for your route.
Backgrounds with patterns, textures, household objects, or strong color variations.
Uneven lighting causing shadows across the face, nose, or background.
Glare or thick frames obscuring the eyes. Removing glasses is highly recommended.
Why Use the Schengen Visa Photo App?
Align your eyes, head, and chin easily with the interactive overlay guide.
Format your photo to the size confirmed for your application route — commonly 35 × 45 mm, with route-specific sizes such as Finland's 36 × 47 mm or the Spain BLS US tourist 2 × 2 inch where applicable.
Save a 4 × 6 inch or L-size layout formatted for local printing at actual size.
Your personal photo remains securely on your iPhone and is never sent to a server.
Note: shoumei.org is a helper tool to prepare your photo files. It does not submit your visa application and does not guarantee official approval. Always consult the official guidelines from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
The most common physical size is 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm), but the exact size depends on your destination, application country, jurisdiction, and provider. For example, Finland specifies 36 × 47 mm, and the Spain BLS US tourist route requires 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm). For digital uploads, pixel requirements vary by portal.
Is 35 × 45 mm always required for Schengen visas?
35 × 45 mm is the most common format, but it is not universal. The size depends on your destination, application country, jurisdiction, and provider. For example, the Spain BLS US tourist route requires 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm), and Finland specifies 36 × 47 mm. The app confirms the size for your route.
Why does Spain from US use 2 × 2 inch photos?
On the Spain tourist visa route applied through BLS centers in the United States, US passport-size photos (2 × 2 inch / 51 × 51 mm) are required instead of 35 × 45 mm. This is specific to that provider and visa category, not all Spain or all US applications. The app confirms whether your route needs this size.
Can I use a passport photo for a Schengen visa?
Only if the passport photo meets the Schengen requirements for your specific route, including the correct size and being taken within the last 6 months. A US passport photo (2 × 2 inch) does not meet the common 35 × 45 mm Schengen format, but matches the Spain BLS US tourist route requirement.
Official and submission sources
- France-Visas - Photo FAQ Checked: 2026-08-20
- France-Visas - Photograph quality PDF Checked: 2026-06-30
- Government.nl - Requirements for ID photos Checked: 2026-08-20
- BLS Spain Visa USA - New York tourist visa photo specification Checked: 2026-08-20
shoumei.org helps users prepare photo files based on publicly available requirements. It does not submit visa applications, and it is not an official government service, Schengen authority, embassy, consulate, VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International service. Please verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or visa application center before submitting.
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