Schengen Visa passport photo size & rules
Applying for a Schengen visa means submitting your application to the consulate or visa center of the main destination country among the Schengen area states. All Schengen consulates follow the harmonized ICAO-based photo standard, which requires a 35x45mm portrait, equal to 413x531 pixels at 300 dpi. The photo must be recent, taken within the last six months, and show your true current likeness for the Schengen short-stay visa.
Schengen photo rules call for a light grey or plain white background with soft, even lighting and no shadows on the face or behind the head. Your face should be centered and take up roughly 70% to 80% of the frame, measured from chin to crown, typically between 32mm and 36mm of head height. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed, look straight at the camera, and avoid glasses glare, reflections, or hair covering the eyes. Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons and must not obscure facial features.
Pixohub creates your Schengen visa photo entirely in your browser with no upload, keeping your image private on your own device, and it is completely free to use. Because each Schengen member state consulate may apply slightly different practical checks, always verify the current official Schengen visa photo requirements with the relevant consulate or visa center before you submit your application.