Is one Schengen photo valid for every member state?

The Visa Code biometric size is shared, but some consulates publish stricter file-size or background notes. Always confirm the receiving mission and pick the matching catalog document in PicsForm.

Does PicsForm certify Schengen photos for governments?

No — PicsForm maps catalog dimensions and appearance rules so you can crop and check before submission. Final acceptance is always up to the consulate or VFS centre.

🇪🇺 Schengen / EU Visa

Schengen visa photo requirements (EU Visa Code)

Schengen short-stay visas follow EU Visa Code biometric photo standards at 35×45 mm with a light grey background. PicsForm maps this catalog entry to published millimetre, pixel, and head-height rules — this is a requirements mapping for cropping and checks, not a government certification service. Specs last verified 2026-08-18 against the Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009).

Create photo for Schengen / EU Visa

Schengen Visa

35×45 mm · light grey bg

Documents covered in this hub

Use this hub when applying for a short-stay Schengen visa through any member-state consulate that cites EU Visa Code photo rules. Some missions still publish their own example PDFs — pick the exact document in PicsForm when a national visa ID exists.

Schengen Visa — 35×45 mm (413×531 px @ 300 DPI), light grey (#E6E6E6), face ~70–80% of height

Key Schengen photo rules

Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, no glasses. Plain light grey background with no shadows or objects. Head must fill roughly 70–80% of the image height with eyes in the middle band of the frame.

Common rejection reasons

White studio backdrop when light grey is required
Head too small (under ~70% of height)
Shadows on face or background
Smiling or open mouth
Glasses glare or tinted lenses

Quick links

Open the Schengen document guide or jump to related national Schengen hubs.

/schengen-visa-photo — Schengen / EU Visa specs
/countries/germany — Germany passport & Schengen visa hub
/countries/france — France passport & Schengen visa hub

Schengen Visa — catalog specs

Size: 35×45 mm (413×531 px @ 300 DPI)
Head height: 70–80% of frame height
Eye line: 55–70% from bottom
Background: light grey (#E6E6E6)
Smile: not allowed — neutral expression
Glasses: not allowed
Head coverings: not allowed (except religious/medical where permitted)
Max file size (when specified): 5000 KB
Print size: 1.38×1.77 in

Create Schengen Visa photo →

FAQ

Is one Schengen photo valid for every member state?: The Visa Code biometric size is shared, but some consulates publish stricter file-size or background notes. Always confirm the receiving mission and pick the matching catalog document in PicsForm.
Does PicsForm certify Schengen photos for governments?: No — PicsForm maps catalog dimensions and appearance rules so you can crop and check before submission. Final acceptance is always up to the consulate or VFS centre.

Other country hubs

PicsForm matches photos to published requirements. This is not legal or immigration advice and does not guarantee application approval. Always confirm current rules on the official portal.