Schengen visa photo 2026: 35×45 mm requirements for Ukrainians
In short. A Schengen visa requires a colour biometric photo of 35×45 mm: the head fills 70–80% of the frame, an even light grey or off-white background, a neutral facial expression, no glasses, taken no more than 6 months ago. One such photo works for all 29 Schengen countries.
- Photo size — exactly 35×45 mm, in colour, with the head height (from chin to crown) taking up 70–80% of the frame.
- Background — even light grey or milky white, with no patterns, shadows or tints.
- Facial expression neutral, mouth closed, no smile; look straight into the camera.
- It is best to remove glasses: this is the safest option for all 29 Schengen states.
- The photo must be taken no more than 6 months ago; the consulate usually asks for 2 identical prints.
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
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | exactly 35×45 mm, colour only |
| Head in the frame | 70–80% of the height (from chin to crown, roughly 32–36 mm) |
| Background | even light grey or milky white, with no patterns or shadows |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed, no smile |
| Gaze | straight into the camera, both eyes open and visible |
| Glasses | better to remove them (no glare or shadows if you keep them on) |
| Age | no more than 6 months old |
| Resolution | from 400 dpi for printing |
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
- Stand straight against a plain light grey wall, looking straight into the camera.
- Pull your hair back so the oval of your face is visible; remove your glasses.
- Take the photo in even daylight with no harsh shadows.
- Check: head 70–80% of the frame, background even, expression neutral.
- 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.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- Can one photo be used for all Schengen countries?
- Yes. The 35×45 mm standard, neutral expression and light background are the same for all 29 states under the EU Visa Code and ICAO norms, so one quality photo is suitable for any application.
- What is the photo size for a Schengen visa?
- Exactly 35×45 mm, in colour, where the head from chin to crown takes up 70–80% of the frame height (roughly 32–36 mm).
- Can I be photographed wearing glasses?
- The safest option is to remove the glasses. If you keep them on, both eyes must be fully visible, with no glare, reflections or shadows; tinted and sunglasses are prohibited.
- How recent must the photo be?
- The photo must be taken no more than 6 months ago so that it matches your current appearance.