Schengen visa photo 2026: 35×45 mm requirements for Ukrainians

A single standard applies to a Schengen visa across all 29 states: a colour biometric photo 35×45 mm following ICAO norms. The head must take up 70–80% of the frame, the background must be even light grey or milky white, the facial expression neutral, with no glasses, and the photo itself no older than 6 months. One such photo is suitable for an application to any Schengen country, because the requirements are set by the EU Visa Code (810/2009) and ICAO standards.

Photo requirements

Where to apply

Documents for a Schengen visa are submitted at the consulate of the relevant country or at a VFS Global visa centre or its equivalents. They usually ask for 2 identical paper photos: one is attached to the form, the other is scanned into the Visa Information System (VIS). Biometrics are often taken right at the counter, but a quality photo to standard is still mandatory.

Why photos are rejected

The most common reasons for rejection:

• background tint — bluish, beige or with a shadow instead of an even light grey;
• incorrect head scale — the face too small or too large, outside the 70–80% range;
• glare on glasses or a flash reflection on the forehead and cheeks;
• a smile, an open mouth, a tilt or turn of the head;
• an outdated photo (older than 6 months) or black and white.

How to prepare your photo

1. Stand straight against a plain light grey wall, looking straight into the camera.
2. Pull your hair back so the oval of your face is visible; remove your glasses.
3. Take the photo in even daylight with no harsh shadows.
4. Check: head 70–80% of the frame, background even, expression neutral.
5. Crop to the 35×45 mm format and print 2 identical copies.

Following these simple steps will save you a repeat visit to the visa centre.