Guide
Schengen Visa Photo Size: 35×45 mm, Pixels and Head Height
Most Schengen-area visa applications ask for a 35×45 mm color photo — not the U.S. 2×2 inch square. Embassies and VFS checklists can add local details, so treat 35×45 as the common baseline and confirm the country you apply through. This page converts millimeters to pixels and summarizes head-height rules.
Specs checked against official wording on 2026-11-06. ICAO MRTD / biometric photo guidance (general)
Make a Schengen visa photoSize table
| Measure | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | About 413 × 531 |
| Aspect | Portrait rectangle (not square) |
| Head height | Often about 70–80% of the photo height |
| Background | Light grey or plain white, depending on checklist |
| File | JPEG; many centers also accept a printed photo |
Do not upload a U.S. 600×600 square and hope it passes. Wrong aspect ratio is an easy rejection at a visa application center.
Schengen rules are applied by each member state and service provider. Always follow the embassy or VAC checklist for your appointment. ExactPhoto does not guarantee acceptance.
Schengen vs US visa photo
| Schengen (typical) | US visa / DS-160 | |
|---|---|---|
| 35×45 mm | 2×2 in | |
| Shape | Rectangle | Square |
| Digital focus | Print or center upload rules | 600–1200 px, ≤240 KB JPEG |
Crop to 35×45 in your browser
- Use a recent photo with a plain light background.
- Open the ExactPhoto Schengen tool — processing stays on your device.
- Check head height and eye placement in the preview.
- Download the JPEG or print sheet only when the checks look right.