Submitting your recent photo is part of the requirement if you need to apply for a Schengen visa. The photo must meet certain specifications. Also, the member countries have additional requirements regarding color, background, size, and expressions.
If you want to travel freely within the 27 member states with just one visa, you should really be careful about one of the most important requirements.
Today, we will discuss all the requirements you need to meet to get your Schengen visa approved.
Schengen Visa Photo Size
The photograph must be a recent head-and-shoulders portrait. The size should be 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high (35 mm x 45 mm). The photo resolution needs to be at least 600 dpi. Your photo should occupy 70–80% of the picture frame.
Photo Background Color & Face Angle
TLDR; White and Not Busy Background!
The background of your Schengen Visa photo should always be white. No patterns or designs present on the background are allowed. So, to avoid confusion with the background, it’s advised to avoid any white dresses. The face angle should be straight.
Schengen Visa Photo Specifications
Your Schengen visa photograph must meet specific guidelines for quality and specifications:
- Must be taken in full color
- The photo’s color should be natural, with no excessive makeup or special effects.
- Contrast and brightness level must remain even across the entire photo.
- The lighting in the photo should be well-balanced.
- Make sure there is no reflection or shadows on the image
- No glare on the photo
- Printed on matte photo printing paper. No ink marks on the photo are allowed.
- Colored lenses are not allowed.
Sharp Focus, Blurry Photos Not Allowed
The visa photo should be of the highest possible quality and clarity. No blurriness or pixelation in the photo is allowed.
The photo must be taken professionally with a high-resolution digital camera. The photo must also clearly and sharply show all facial features, including the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, chin, and forehead.
It is important to note that photos taken on mobile phones are generally not accepted as they are often blurry or low-resolution. Remember, providing clear, sharp visa photos that adhere to all applicable guidelines is essential to ensuring your Schengen visa success.
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements: Head Covering
If you normally wear a hat or other head covering (eg: Niqab, Hijab) due to religious beliefs, you will need to adjust for Schengen visa photos. Your face and ears should still be clearly visible so you can be properly identified. Make sure no part of the face or ears is hidden inside your coverings. It’s not allowed according to the Schengen visa photo guide.
We want to ensure that wearing a hat/religious covering is allowed, but the face should be open.
Recent Photo
It should also be taken within the past 6 months to accurately reflect your current appearance. Photographs older than 6 months may not be accepted by Schengen member states.
Can I wear glasses for a Schengen Photo?
TLDR; Yes or No!
It depends on the type of glasses.
If you usually wear heavy glasses for vision correction, you should remove it. But basic glass that doesn’t create any glare is ok.
However, we always recommend not to wear one.
Why?
The glass might create minor glare or reflection. Also, glasses might create facial identification issues. Make sure to take off sunglasses and other similar heavy accessories before taking your photograph as well.
Natural Expression
Schengen member consulates require a neutral expression in the photo. No smiling allowed. However, a slight smile will still be accepted so long as it does not change the basic shape of the face.
No Excessive Photo Editing or Color Corrections
You can’t perform excessive photo editing or color correction on Schengen visa photos.
The photo should not be overexposed or underexposed; this means all areas of the picture should be well-lit and visible. Darker areas such as hair, facial features, and clothing details should be well-balanced and clear. Furthermore, there must not be any red-eye caused by flash in the photo.
Hairstyle
When taking a Schengen visa photograph, one must also be careful about one’s hairstyle. The hair should not cover any part of your face or eyes. If you have long hair, you may need to tie it up so it does not cover your face.
Facial identification features, such as ears or chin, should clearly be visible.
Photo For Baby Under 6 Years Old
We know how hard it is to take photos of babies for visas. The guideline above also applies to your minor.
The baby should be the only person visible in the photo. S/he should be looking at the camera with a neutral expression. The mouth should be closed.
Photo For Baby Under 6 Months Old
Babies under 6 months old can be photographed either lying on the bed or sitting in a baby chair. The background must be one color, preferably white.
For the picture, the baby should not have anything like your hands or pillows supporting them. It is okay if the baby’s eyes are closed or if they are looking away from the camera.
It is also okay if the baby’s mouth is open in the picture.
Final Thoughts
We have covered Schengen visa photo requirements in detail. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, and we will clear up any confusion.
Helpful, but nerd more details on specific country requirements.
Thanks. The requirement is same for all Schengen countries, as the visa policy for Schengen is unified.