France Schengen visa photo requirements
France uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how France consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Photo format
35 × 45 mm
In this article · 7 sections
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · TLScontact in most markets; VFS Global and Capago in selected countries · €90
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through France-Visas portal + TLScontact / VFS Global / Capago by market. Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | France-Visas portal + TLScontact / VFS Global / Capago by market |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | TLScontact in most markets; VFS Global and Capago in selected countries |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review |
| Standard fee | €90 |
| Reduced fee | €45 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | French, English |
| Official portal | France short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. France-Visas publishes a separate ISO/IEC photo requirements sheet alongside the shared Schengen specification.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of frame height (32–36 mm chin-to-crown) |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Glasses | Strongly discouraged; remove for the shot. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Checked against primary sources. Updated . | |
France consulate handling
France-Visas publishes its own photo requirements sheet based on the ISO/IEC standard; it is more detailed than the general Schengen description.
France national document photos
Frequently asked questions about France Schengen visa photos
01What size is the France Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. France uses the shared Schengen biometric photo standard — the same as every other Schengen state. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame height with a plain light background.
02Where do I apply for a France Schengen visa?
Apply through the France-Visas portal + TLScontact / VFS Global / Capago by market. France-Visas publishes its own photo requirements sheet based on the ISO/IEC standard; it is more detailed than the general Schengen description.
03How long does France take to process a Schengen visa?
For France, 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
04What does the France Schengen visa cost?
France's standard fee is €90, €45 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to TLScontact in most markets; VFS Global and Capago in selected countries.
05Can I wear glasses in a France Schengen visa photo?
France follows the shared Schengen baseline: glasses are strongly discouraged because of glare and frame-related rejection risk. The safest choice at every consulate is to remove glasses before the shot.
Compare other Schengen countries
Prepare your France Schengen visa photo
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