VISA PHOTO GUIDE

Schengen visa photo guide

How to prepare a Schengen visa photo that meets the source-linked requirements for the schengen visa route.

Source: Schengen Visa Info — Photo Requirements (EU Visa Code Annex II) · Last reviewed: August 16, 2026

About this format

A schengen visa photo is the portrait image submitted with a Schengen Area application. The source-backed format is: 35 × 45 mm, JPEG, light grey / off-white.

Requirements can change or vary by embassy, consulate, nationality, application location, or visa route. Always confirm the current official instructions before applying.

How to take the photo

Use a recent, clear photo taken with even lighting against a plain background. Face the camera directly, keep your head level, and keep your eyes open and visible.

Remove glasses unless the rules for your route allow them, and keep headwear off unless permitted for religious or medical reasons.

What VisaReady checks

VisaReady runs on-device automated checks for face placement, framing, background and image-quality signals, and reports the selected output format and size. It does not upload your photo for processing.

What cannot be verified automatically

No automated tool can verify that the photo is a current true likeness, whether it was edited before upload, every authority exception, or final acceptance. The issuing authority makes the final decision.

Frequently asked questions

Is my VisaReady photo guaranteed accepted?

No. VisaReady provides format-focused automated checks; the issuing authority makes the final acceptance decision.

Is the photo uploaded to a server?

Image analysis runs in your browser. VisaReady does not upload your photo for processing for the analysis step.

Open the Schengen visa photo maker

VisaReady is an independent visa-photo tool and is not affiliated with any government, embassy, consulate, or visa authority. Final acceptance is determined by the issuing authority.