Schengen Visa Photo 35x45 mm: Size, Crop and Embassy Checks

Why the responsible mission comes first

"Schengen visa" covers applications handled by different member states and locations. Shared photograph-quality guidance exists, but local checklists can specify how many photos to bring, whether a photo is captured at the appointment, and which background or paper examples are accepted.

Begin at the official website of the country representing your main destination. Then use the instructions for the consulate, embassy or authorized centre serving the place where you apply. Commercial photo websites are not a substitute for that chain.

The common 35x45 mm print format

A 35 mm wide by 45 mm high image has an aspect ratio of 7:9. At 300 pixels per inch, the nearest whole-pixel canvas is approximately 413x531 pixels. The millimetre measurement matters on the finished print; a browser preview is scaled to fit the screen and cannot be measured with a ruler.

Do not stretch a square U.S. 2x2 image into this rectangle. Stretching changes facial proportions. Return to the original capture and crop the top and bottom while keeping the face centered according to the mission's guidance.

Shared photograph-quality principles

European Commission photograph guidance describes a recent photo, clear focus, natural skin tones, balanced contrast and a plain light background. The face should look directly at the camera, with both sides visible, a neutral expression and no shadow across the face or background.

The photograph should not be damaged, marked, blurred or heavily compressed. Printed photos need suitable photo-quality paper. The exact face area and outer width can be illustrated by the local mission's template, so use that template when one is provided.

Glasses are a good example of local detail

Some commercial summaries make absolute claims that glasses are never permitted. Official European photograph-quality guidance instead describes conditions when glasses are worn: the eyes should be clearly visible, lenses should not be tinted, and frames or flash reflection should not cover the eyes.

A particular embassy may still ask applicants to remove glasses. Follow the stricter instruction shown on your official application page. Removing optional glasses is usually the simplest way to avoid glare, but do not invent a universal rule.

Head coverings and face visibility

Head coverings generally must not hide the face. Official guidance commonly allows a covering for religious reasons when facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both side edges remain visible. The covering should not cast a shadow across the face.

Again, read the application mission's wording. Documentation or an explanation may be handled differently by different authorities.

Printed photo versus appointment capture

Some application centres collect biometrics and may capture a photograph during the appointment, while the document checklist can still request printed photos. Do not assume one replaces the other. Bring the documents and number of photos stated in the current checklist.

If a digital file is requested, do not infer its pixels or maximum file size from 35x45 mm. A digital submission needs separate technical instructions.

Using the Schengen preset

1. Open the official checklist for the mission handling your application.
2. Confirm that 35x45 mm is the requested outer size.
3. Open our photo tool and select "Schengen Visa (35x45 mm)."
4. Read the warning and official source link shown by the tool.
5. Upload the original unedited photo and crop without stretching.
6. Generate a single photo or 4x6 sheet only if this print method is permitted.
7. Print at Actual Size or 100% and measure 35x45 mm with a ruler.
8. Recheck quantity, background, paper and biometric details against the mission.

Common mistakes

• Submitting a square 2x2 photo because it is called "passport size."
• Assuming every European passport and visa uses identical details.
• Measuring the image on screen rather than the physical print.
• Using an edited white background that damages hair or facial edges.
• Ignoring a location-specific checklist from the embassy or application centre.
• Confusing a printed size with digital upload specifications.

Related guides

Read the pixels and DPI guide for the 413x531 conversion, and the background and lighting guide before taking the source photo.

Sources reviewed: European Commission photograph-quality guidance and official Schengen-state photograph instructions. The responsible embassy or consulate remains the final source. Review date: June 29, 2026.