All 29 Schengen countries follow the same international (ICAO) photo standard, so one photo works for the German, Italian, French, Spanish or any other Schengen visa application. The size is 35 × 45 mm, and the face must fill 70–80% of the photo.
Schengen visa photo requirements
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 32–36 mm (chin to crown) |
| Background | Plain, light – white or light grey |
| Age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Head position | Centred, looking straight, not tilted |
👉 Create your Schengen photo: Schengen visa photo maker.
Country notes for Bangladeshi applicants
| Country | What to know |
|---|---|
| Italy | Applications go through the visa centre; bring printed photos even if you uploaded one. |
| Germany | Light grey background is preferred; biometric photo standard is strict about head size. |
| France | White or light blue/grey is accepted; avoid pure white with harsh flash. |
| Portugal, Spain, Greece | Standard 35 × 45 mm; check if the centre needs one or two copies. |
| Romania, Poland, Hungary | Work-visa files often ask for several copies – use the print sheet. |
How the 70–80% rule works
On a 45 mm tall photo, your head (from chin to the top of your hair) should be 32–36 mm. If your head is smaller, the photo looks “zoomed out” and is rejected; if it is larger, the top of the head gets cut. The guide oval in our photo maker shows exactly this area.
👉 Check your visa progress later: Italy visa check · Romania visa check · all visa checks.
Frequently asked questions
35 × 45 mm, with the head measuring 32–36 mm from chin to crown.
Yes. All Schengen states follow the ICAO standard, though a consulate may prefer a light grey or white background.
It is best to remove them. Glasses with glare or thick frames are a common reason for rejection.
413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI.
About Author
