Photo for a national D visa and a Schengen C visa to Romania: requirements 2026
Romania
In short. The size depends on the type of visa: a Schengen C visa requires 35×45 mm (the ICAO Doc 9303 standard and the EU Visa Code), while for a national D visa the official document list on eviza.mae.ro requires a 3×4 cm (30×40 mm) photo. Shared rules: colour photo, light plain background, neutral expression, no glasses, no older than 6 months; usually 2 paper photos, and for the e-Visa — a digital one on the portal. Always check the consulate's requirements.
- The size depends on the type of visa: a Schengen C visa requires 35×45 mm (the ICAO Doc 9303 standard and the EU Visa Code 810/2009); a national D visa requires 3×4 cm (30×40 mm) per the official document list on eviza.mae.ro. The photo is colour, on a light plain background.
- The head occupies 70-80% of the frame; the face height from chin to crown is approximately 32-36 mm.
- By default it is better to remove glasses; the expression is neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight ahead. Dark and tinted glasses are prohibited.
- The photo must have been taken no earlier than the last 6 months; usually 2 identical photos are needed, printed at 400 dpi or higher.
- Romania has joined Schengen: air and sea borders from 31 March 2024, land borders — from 1 January 2025.
Short answer
The photo size depends on the type of visa. For a Schengen C visa (short-stay, up to 90 days) a single European format of 35×45 mm applies, in line with ICAO standards (Doc 9303, Part 1) and the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009). For a national D visa (long-stay: work, study, family reunification) the official document list on the eviza.mae.ro portal requires a photo of 3×4 cm (30×40 mm). The remaining requirements (background, expression, no glasses) are the same; always check the consulate's checklist for your category.
Exact photo parameters
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | C visa — 35×45 mm; national D visa — 3×4 cm (30×40 mm) |
| Colour | Colour, with a natural skin tone |
| Background | Light plain (white or light grey), without shadows or patterns |
| Head in the frame | 70-80% of the photo area |
| Face height | approximately 32-36 mm from chin to crown |
| Facial expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smile |
| Eyes | Open, looking straight into the camera, with no hair over the eyes |
| Recency | No older than 6 months |
| Quantity (paper) | Usually 2 identical photos |
| Quality paper, resolution from 400 dpi |
Glasses and headwear
- Glasses: by default, remove your glasses — this is the safest choice in 2026. If you do wear glasses, the lenses must be fully clear, without reflections, glare or shadows, and the eyes fully visible. Dark and tinted (sun) glasses are prohibited.
- Headwear: permitted only for religious or medical reasons; the face from the bottom of the chin to the forehead must be fully uncovered, without shadows.
Where to apply
- e-Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro): an online application with upload of a digital photo; each document must not exceed 2 MB.
- Consulate / diplomatic mission of Romania: submission of paper photos and collection of biometrics (fingerprints) in person. For short-stay C visas, fingerprints already held in the Visa Information System (VIS) are usually reused for 59 months; if they are older — biometrics are taken again.
Schengen context
Romania joined the Schengen area in stages: controls at air and sea borders were lifted from 31 March 2024, with full membership and the opening of land borders — from 1 January 2025. This unified the visa photo requirements with the Schengen standard.
Typical reasons for rejection
- A size mismatch with your visa type: a Schengen C visa requires 35×45 mm, and a national D visa requires 3×4 cm (30×40 mm). Submitting a photo of the wrong format is a frequent reason for rejection.
- Dark, coloured or patterned background, shadows behind the head.
- Smiling, open mouth, tilting or turning of the head.
- Glasses with reflections or tinted lenses.
- Old photo (more than 6 months) or reuse of an old shot.
- Face obscured by hair, low resolution, red eyes.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- What size photo is needed for a national D visa to Romania?
- For a national D visa the official document list on eviza.mae.ro requires a photo of 3×4 cm (30×40 mm). A Schengen C visa uses the 35×45 mm format (the ICAO Doc 9303 standard). The photo is colour, on a light plain background, with a neutral expression; check the consulate's requirements.
- Can you have your photo taken wearing glasses?
- By default it is better to remove the glasses. If you wear glasses, the lenses must be fully clear, without reflections or shadows, and the eyes fully visible. Dark and tinted (sun) glasses are prohibited.
- How many photos are needed and what should the background be?
- Usually 2 identical paper photos, and for the e-Visa — a digital one on the portal. The background is light plain (white or light grey), without shadows, patterns or objects.
- Do the photo requirements differ for a C visa and a D visa?
- Yes, the size differs: a Schengen C visa requires 35×45 mm (the ICAO standard and the EU Visa Code), a national D visa requires 3×4 cm (30×40 mm) per the official document list on eviza.mae.ro. The remaining requirements (background, expression, no glasses) are the same.