Schengen Area passport photo size & rules
The Schengen visa, valid across the 20-plus European countries in the Schengen Area, uses a standardised 35x45mm photo, equal to 413x531 pixels at 300 dpi. Because a single photo standard applies whether you apply through the German, French, Italian, or Spanish consulate, the ICAO-based biometric rules are consistent: the face should occupy about 70-80% of the frame, with the head measuring roughly 32-36mm from chin to crown.
The background must be plain and light, either light grey or white, evenly lit with no shadows or objects behind the head. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible, and keep the head straight rather than tilted or turned. Individual consulates and their outsourced visa centres (such as VFS Global or TLScontact) may apply slightly different checks, but all follow the same core biometric standard. Glasses should ideally be removed; if worn, there must be no glare, tint, or frames blocking the eyes, and head coverings are only accepted for religious reasons with the full face visible.
Pixohub formats your Schengen visa photo to 413x531 pixels according to the shared biometric standard entirely within your browser, so your image is never uploaded and remains private on your own device, and the service is free. The exact checks can vary between member states and visa-centre operators, and the rules are updated over time. Always confirm the current requirements with the specific consulate or visa centre handling your application before printing or submitting your photo.