Schengen area document photo requirements
Schengen area has 6 verified document photo formats covered on this site. Pick the document you need — each page lists the exact size, background, head ratio, and the official source it was verified against.
6 verified formats
Last update
Choose a document
EU Blue Card
35 × 45 mm · Plain light · Head 70-80%
Verified · 2026-05-17
EU ID Card
35 × 45 mm · Plain light · Head 70-80%
Verified · 2026-05-17
EU Passport
35 × 45 mm · Plain light · Head 70-80%
Verified · 2026-05-17
National Visa (Type D)
35 × 45 mm · Plain light · Head 70-80%
Verified · 2026-05-17
Residence Card
35 × 45 mm · Plain light · Head 70-80%
Verified · 2026-08-19
Schengen Visa
35 × 45 mm · Plain light · Head 70-80%
Verified · 2026-05-21
What most Schengen area documents share
- Photos taken within the last 6 months in most cases.
- Plain, evenly-lit background — colour varies by document; check each page.
- Head centred, looking directly into the lens, neutral expression.
- No glasses glare; tinted lenses not accepted.
- Digital uploads typically require JPEG with a per-portal weight limit.