Schengen visa photo online

Create a compliant Schengen visa photo in minutes. Our AI editor sets the official 35×45 mm size, aligns head height and eye level, guides a light background, and exports both a digital JPEG and a print-ready sheet. Perfect for EU short-stay (Type C) applications.

Schengen visa photo online — 35×45 mm, biometric-ready

How it works

Upload a recent portrait, pick the Schengen 35×45 mm preset, and download files tailored for consulate submission (digital and printable).

Upload or take a photo
Upload or snap
Use soft, even light in front of a plain wall. We overlay framing hints so your head size and eye line fall within the acceptable range.
AI crops and checks
AI crop & checks
Auto-crop to 35×45 mm, enforce a light background, set optimal resolution (print-ready), and validate head height/position.
Final compliance review
Final review
We flag common rejection triggers: harsh shadows, glare on glasses, tilted head, busy background, over/underexposed images.

How to take a proper 35×45 mm Schengen photo at home

Keep camera level and centered

Camera & distance

Hold the camera level at eye height, about an arm’s length away. Keep shoulders square, head centered, and look straight at the lens.

Neutral expression, eyes open

Expression & eyes

Neutral expression (no exaggerated smile), mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible. Remove tinted glasses; avoid reflections.

Light, plain background

Light & background

Use soft daylight facing a window; avoid backlight. Stand 1–2 m from a plain light background (white or light grey) to prevent shadows and texture.

What to avoid in a Schengen visa photo

Disallowed items
No props or obstructions

No obstructions

No hats, fashion headbands, headphones, or hands/objects in frame. Face must be fully visible with even illumination.

Avoid glare and shadows
No harsh shadows, no glare on lenses

Shadows & glare

Avoid hard flash and strong contrast. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure lenses are clear and glare-free.

No heavy retouching
Do not alter facial features or background digitally

No filters or face edits

Do not retouch facial features or “fake” the background. Capture a clean shot; let the tool standardize size and framing.

Why use our Schengen photo maker?

Example visa portrait — adult

Optimized for consulates

We export a compliant 35×45 mm image, a printable sheet (multiple copies per page), and a digital JPEG (sRGB) for portals that accept uploads.

Head size and eye line are auto-checked to match common biometric visa photo specs.

High acceptance, fewer retakes

Automatic background guidance, exposure control, and sharpness checks reduce rejection risk. If you need a tweak, just re-export.

Printable sheet with multiple 35×45 mm photos

Most Schengen countries request a biometric visa photo sized 35×45 mm on a light background, taken recently and showing a natural, full-face view. Our editor enforces these essentials and packages your result for easy printing and submission.

Schengen visa photo — quick checklist

  • Size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in), color only.
  • Head size: roughly 70–80% of the image; head centered (chin to crown within the allowed range).
  • Background: plain white or light grey, evenly lit; no patterns or shadows.
  • Recency: taken within the last 6 months and reflecting current appearance.
  • Glasses: remove if possible; no tinted lenses; avoid reflections if medically required to wear them.
  • Format: Digital JPEG (sRGB) + printable layout on photo paper.

Digital vs. printed photos

  • Printed photos are commonly requested with paper applications; print on high-quality photo paper, then trim to 35×45 mm.
  • Digital uploads may be accepted by some country portals or VFS/outsourced centers; check the consulate’s current instructions.
  • We provide both: a high-quality JPEG and a print-ready PDF sheet with multiple copies.

Country notes (helpful nuances)

  • France: face height ~32–36 mm; print on photo-quality paper; neutral lighting and no shadows.
  • Germany: typical guidance: 35×45 mm, head covers ~70–80% of image; avoid shadows behind the head.
  • Netherlands: strict centering and face measurements; keep a clear contrast with the light background.

Pro tips for a clean, biometric look

  • Lighting: stand facing a window; avoid ceiling down-light that creates eye-socket shadows.
  • Clothing: choose mid-tone colors; avoid white shirts on a white background.
  • Hair & accessories: keep hair off the eyes; remove earbuds; religious head coverings are usually permitted if the full face stays visible.
  • Kids & infants: no toys or hands in frame; eyes should be visible; keep lighting soft and even.

Ready to start?

Click “Make my Schengen photo”. Upload your picture and get a compliant Schengen visa photo online with 35×45 mm sizing, digital file, and printable sheet — fast and frustration-free.