Schengen Visa Photo Requirements in 2026
You plan a trip to a Schengen country, but are now overwhelmed with the term biometric passport photo, the requirements for the photo or even where to get the photo from?
Congrats, you are exactly at the right place to find the answer to your questions! To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to provide a biometric photo that meets specific requirements. But what exactly are these requirements, and why are they so crucial?
✓ Automatic Background Removal ✓ Compliance Guarantee
What is the deal with those biometric photos?
A biometric photo is a digital photo that meets international standards for facial recognition. It is used for identification purposes. From the size and dimensions to the background color and facial expression, every detail matters.
But where can you get such a photo? Many professional photo studios offer services specifically for visa photos. If going to a photo studio is too much of a hustle, or you even need a photo for your baby or kids we recommend to use our website which always makes sure you meet all requirements.
Ready to dive into the specifics? Let’s break down each requirement so you can confidently submit your Schengen visa application and start packing for your European adventure!
What are the requirements for a Schengen Visa Photo?
Essential criteria checklist
- ✓ Dimensions: 35 mm x 45 mm (Width x Height)
- ✓ Head height: Face must take up 70% – 80% (32mm – 36mm)
- ✓ Background: Plain, light grey or light blue (no shadows)
- ✓ Expression: Neutral expression, lips closed, looking directly at camera
- ✓ Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
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What should I wear for my photo?
When taking a passport photo, it's sometimes not clear what to wear on your photo. Follow those reccomendations to make sure your photo is accepted:
- Clothing: Wear casual, everyday clothes in dark colors. Avoid white clothing as it can blend with the background. Uniforms, camouflage, and excessive accessories are also not recommended.
- Jewelry and Makeup: Keep jewelry and makeup simple and minimal. Avoid anything that might obscure your face.
- Hairstyle: Ensure your hair does not cover your face. Bangs are fine as long as your eyes are visible.
Following these tips will help you get a passport photo that meets the necessary requirements. 📸
Which Schengen country does this apply to?
The following countries belong to the Schengen zone and accept standard biometric photos (35x45 mm):
| Country | Requirement | Photo Size |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇹 Austria | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇫🇷 France | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇮🇸 Iceland | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇲🇹 Malta | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇸🇮 Slovenia | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Biometric Photo | 35mm x 45mm |