Switzerland Schengen visa photo requirements
Switzerland uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how Switzerland consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global in most markets; TLScontact in selected countries · CHF 80
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) + VFS Global / TLScontact by market. Standard fee CHF 80, CHF 40 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) + VFS Global / TLScontact by market |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | VFS Global in most markets; TLScontact in selected countries |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days standard; up to 30 days during peak season |
| Standard fee | CHF 80 |
| Reduced fee | CHF 40 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | German, French, Italian, English |
| Official portal | Switzerland short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. The Swiss SEM applies the shared Schengen photo standard for short-stay visa applications.
| 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 |
Switzerland consulate handling
Switzerland is Schengen but not EU. The Swiss visa fee is set in Swiss francs (CHF 80) rather than euros, but the photo specification is identical to the rest of Schengen.
Switzerland national document photos
Frequently asked questions about Switzerland Schengen visa photos
What size is the Switzerland Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. Switzerland 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.
Where do I apply for a Switzerland Schengen visa?
Apply through the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) + VFS Global / TLScontact by market. Switzerland is Schengen but not EU. The Swiss visa fee is set in Swiss francs (CHF 80) rather than euros, but the photo specification is identical to the rest of Schengen.
How long does Switzerland take to process a Schengen visa?
15 calendar days standard; up to 30 days during peak season. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
What does the Switzerland Schengen visa cost?
Standard fee CHF 80, CHF 40 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to VFS Global in most markets; TLScontact in selected countries.
Can I wear glasses in a Switzerland Schengen visa photo?
Switzerland 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 Switzerland Schengen visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the 35 × 45 mm Schengen biometric frame and checks the background automatically.