Schengen Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants
Planning to visit Europe? Whether it's France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or any of the 27 Schengen countries, you need the same 35×45mm photo format — which now also matches the new ICAO Indian passport size.
Size
Schengen visa photos are 35×45mm — the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025). Pre-2025 Indian passport photos at 51×51mm cannot be used. Schengen rules also ban glasses.
| Size | 35×45mm (same as the new ICAO Indian passport) |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverage | 70-80% of photo height |
| Same for all | All 27 Schengen countries |
Same Photo for All Schengen Countries
The 35x45mm photo requirement applies to all Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Photo Size Comparison
| Schengen Visa | 35×45mm — Rectangular |
| UK Visa | 35×45mm — Rectangular (same!) |
| Indian Passport (ICAO 2025) | 35×45mm — Same size |
| US Visa | 51×51mm — Square (incompatible) |
Good news
If you have a recent UK visa photo, you can reuse it for Schengen — they’re the same size. Both are 35x45mm.
Detailed Schengen Photo Requirements
- Size: 35×45mm (rectangular) — Same dimensions as the new ICAO Indian passport photo
- Face coverage: 70-80% of photo height — Head (from chin to crown) must measure 32-36mm
- Background: Plain white or light grey — No patterns, shadows, or other people
- No glasses — Even clear prescription lenses must be removed
- Neutral expression, looking at camera — Mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- Recent (within 6 months) — Must reflect your current appearance
Where to Apply in India
Schengen visa applications are processed through VFS Global (for France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, and more) and BLS International (for Italy, Spain, and some other countries). Both accept the same 35x45mm photo format.
Where to Get Schengen Visa Photos in India
- VFS Global / BLS International: Available at your biometric appointment (35x45mm guaranteed)
- Local photo studios: Specify “Schengen visa 35x45mm” — many default to Indian passport size
- Online tools: Upload a selfie, get formatted 35x45mm photo
Tip
UK and Schengen visas use the same 35x45mm format. If you have a recent UK visa photo (within 6 months), you can reuse it for Schengen.
Sources: European Commission: Visa Policy, VFS Global
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for Schengen visa from India?
Schengen visa photos must be 35×45mm — the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025). This size is standardized across all 27 Schengen countries. The older 51×51mm Indian passport photos are not accepted.
Are Schengen visa photo requirements the same for all countries?
Yes. Whether you're applying for a visa to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, or any other Schengen country, the photo requirements are identical: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses.
Can I use my Indian passport photo for Schengen visa?
Only if it was taken under the new ICAO 35×45mm spec (September 2025 onwards). Older 51×51mm Indian passport photos cannot be used. Even if your new passport photo is the right size, taking a fresh photo for the visa is safer to ensure recency and exact compliance.
Can I wear glasses in my Schengen visa photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Schengen visa photos. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo, including prescription glasses.
Where can I get Schengen visa photos in India?
VFS Global or BLS International centres (₹250-350), local studios (₹80-200) if they know the 35x45mm spec, or online tools like ours ($1/~₹83). Always specify 'Schengen 35x45mm' at local studios.
Is Schengen visa photo the same as UK visa photo?
Yes! Both are 35x45mm with similar requirements. If you have a recent UK visa photo (within 6 months), you can use it for your Schengen application.
Create Schengen Visa Photo
Take a photo with your phone and get a 35x45mm Schengen visa photo in under 3 minutes.
Create Schengen Visa Photo$1 (~₹83) · Works for all 27 Schengen countries