Standard EU/Schengen Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of the frame |
| Background | Light grey or white (varies by country) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Generally not recommended |
| Biometric | Yes — must meet ICAO standards |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
Country-Specific Variations
While the EU has a standard 35×45mm format, individual countries have slight variations:
Germany
Strict biometric requirements. Background must be light grey (not white). Head must be centered with very precise positioning. Glasses are strongly discouraged.
France
Accepts light grey or light blue background. The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo. Expression must be completely neutral.
Netherlands
Light grey background required. Both ears must be visible. No hair covering the face. Very strict on head positioning.
Italy
White or light background accepted. Standard 35×45mm. Recent photo within 6 months.
Spain
White background required. 32×26mm face size within the 35×45mm frame. Recent photo.
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
Schengen visa photos follow the same 35×45mm standard. The photo must be biometric-compliant, meaning it meets ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards for facial recognition systems.
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