head 70–80 %
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceEuropean Parliament and Council of the EU
Verified
Quick answer: The recommended Schengen area residence 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 residence permit card photos follow the harmonized EU/Schengen biometric standard with each member-state implementing nationally. Common format: 35×45mm following ICAO 9303 baseline, head 32-36mm, background light grey (preferred Schengen biometric standard, varies by member-state).
The EU residence permit card replaced national residence permits with EU-wide harmonized chip card format since 2008 (Regulation 1030/2002). Storing biometric data (photo + fingerprints since 2011 amendment).
Issued by each member-state migration authority.
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons Schengen area residence card photos get rejected.
Common reasons a document photo is rejected, checked against the requirements European Parliament and Council of the EU publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Photo not 35×45mm | Reprint at EU standard size |
| Head outside 32-36mm | Re-shoot at correct distance |
| Background non-uniform | Re-shoot against member-state-specific backdrop |
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.
Questions
The recommended size for the Schengen area residence card photo is 35 × 45 mm. The head occupies 70–80% of the photo height.
Usually no older than six months; some immigration offices ask for a more recent one. Take a new photo that looks like you on the day you apply.
Plain light background. A plain, evenly lit wall without shadows or pattern is enough — the tool sets the required background colour.
Only if the size and rules are the same and the photo is still recent. Otherwise take a new one: the same selfie can be turned into photos for both documents.
Take a new photo: it should show how you look now — hairstyle, beard, glasses.
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 immigration office.
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 ID card, EU passport, national visa (Type D), Schengen visa.