head 70–80 %
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceEuropean Union / Schengen authorities
Verified
Quick answer: The recommended Schengen area EU ID card photo size is 35 × 45 mm. Plain light background. Head occupies 70–80% of photo height. Neutral expression, clear lenses only, no glare. Last verified .
Requirements
| Format | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of photo height |
| Background | Plain light background. |
| Pose | Full face, head centred, no tilt. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Glasses | No tinting or reflections; eyes must be fully visible. See full rules → |
| Lighting | No shadows on the face or background. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing, without unnecessary accessories. |
| File format | JPEG · sRGB / 24-bit |
| Millimetres | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.77″ |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels at 600 dpi | 827 × 1063 px |
EU national ID cards follow the harmonized EU ID card biometric standard (Regulation 2019/1157, in force August 2021). All new EU ID cards must include a biometric chip with photo and fingerprints, machine-readable zone, and ICAO 9303 photo format: 35×45mm, head 32-36mm.
Background varies by member-state (DE/AT light grey, BE flexible, IT light grey, ES strict white at 26×32mm unique). Older non-biometric EU ID cards remain valid until expiry (latest by Aug 2031).
Valid as EU travel document within EU/EEA/Schengen.
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons Schengen area EU ID card photos get rejected.
Common reasons a document photo is rejected, checked against the requirements European Union / Schengen authorities publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Photo not 35×45mm (except ES 26×32) | Reprint per member-state size |
| Head outside 32-36mm | Re-shoot at correct distance |
| Background not member-state-specific | Re-shoot per local spec |
How to take it
Background: plain light
The tool puts in the required background. Stand half a metre from a plain light wall, face a window and shoot without flash — then there are no shadows on your face or on the wall.
Head: 70–80 % of the photo height
Camera at eye level, about a metre away; head and shoulders in the shot. The tool crops it to 35 × 45 mm.
Clear lenses only, no glare
If you wear glasses, check the shot: no glare on the lenses, eyes clearly visible.
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Look straight into the lens with your head level; keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows.
An ordinary selfie will do: we fix the background, light and framing ourselves — to this document's rules. The preview is free.
Head straightHold the phone at eye level and your head straightens by itself.
Face uncoveredMove your hair away so your eyes and eyebrows show.
No glare on glassesStand so that no light reflects in the lenses.Printing and submission
| 10 × 15 cm · 4 × 6″ | 8 (4 × 2) |
|---|---|
| A4 · 21 × 29.7 cm | 36 (6 × 6) |
Print at 100% scale, borderless, and turn off fit-to-page so each photo keeps its exact size.
| Authority | European Union / Schengen authorities |
|---|---|
| Source | Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1208 |
| Verified |
Questions
The recommended size for the Schengen area EU ID card photo is 35 × 45 mm. The head occupies 70–80% of the photo height. The photo should look like you do day to day.
Plain light background. A plain, evenly lit wall without shadows or pattern is enough — the tool sets the required background colour.
Yes. Stand against a plain light wall facing a window, and take the photo with a timer or ask someone to help. The tool crops it to size, fixes the background and checks the framing.
Most offices accept a photo taken within the last six months. If your hair, beard or face has changed noticeably since then, take a new one.
No tinting or reflections; eyes must be fully visible. If you keep them on, tilt them slightly downwards by lifting the arms a little above your ears: this usually moves reflections of a window or lamp off the lenses.
We refund the payment in full. Email us within 14 days of purchase with your order number and the rejection notice from the Schengen area authority.
35 × 45 mm = 3.5 × 4.5 cm = 1.38 × 1.77 inches. At 300 dpi that is 413 × 531 pixels; at 600 dpi, 827 × 1063 pixels.
Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. The face must stay fully visible from chin to forehead and on both sides, with no shadow across it.
Yes. The same 35 × 45 mm format and head size apply to: EU blue card, EU passport, national visa (Type D), residence card, Schengen visa.