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.
| Size | 35×45mm (same as the new ICAO Indian passport) |
| Background | Plain light colour (white, off-white or grey) |
| Glasses | Allowed if eyes are clear (no glare, no tint) |
| 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. It also covers the visa TYPE you are applying for: the same photo works for a short-stay tourist or business visa and for a long-stay (type D) work or student visa, including an EU Blue Card. The visa category changes the paperwork, not the photo. This page focuses on applying from India (VFS routing, local options); for the full Schengen photo standard see the Schengen visa photo guide.
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 are 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 should fill most of the frame.
- Background: plain light colour. White, off-white or light grey, uniform with no patterns, shadows, or other people.
- Glasses: allowed if the eyes stay clear. Ordinary prescription glasses are fine with no lens reflection, no tint, and frames that do not cover the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never accepted.
- 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”, since 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, plain light background, face filling 70-80% of the frame.
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?
Yes. The EU Schengen rule allows ordinary prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible, with no reflection on the lenses, no tint, and frames that do not cover the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed. If you cannot get a glare-free shot, take the glasses off for the photo.
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