ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Thomson is an avid traveler and tech-geek. In leisure, he reads book and pens informative articles.

Ultimate Schengen Visa Photograph Requirements & Specifications

As we can say, photographs are the foremost part of the completion of the application, so it plays the same role in the case of the Schengen visa application. If you are going to apply for a Schengen visa, you have to get a superior understanding of Schengen visa photograph requirements and specifications.

In this article, you will find all requirements and specifications for Schengen visa photographs in terms of size, format, contrast, background, and quality.

schengen-visa-photograph-requirements-sample

Schengen Visa Photograph Requirements:

Here are the following photo requirements which need to be fulfilled while submitting your Schengen visa application to the embassy/consulate.

  • Attach two identical photographs with your Schengen visa application.
  • Not more than six months older.
  • Must contain size between 35X45mm.
  • Focus and clear with a light grey background.
  • No patterns or ink marks.

We attached samples photographs that might help you during your Schengen visa application process.

 

flight-reservation-for-visa

Schengen Visa Photograph Specifications:

Here are the following Schengen visa photo specifications that you need to consider before clicking your photographs.

Please Note: The below information is extracted by the official German embassy (diplo.de).

Photographs Format

When you are going for clicking your photographs for a Schengen visa, please take care of the followings:

  • Your face must be center-aligned in the photo.
  • Face display height is 32-36mm, not including your hairs.
  • The applicant’s facial features are clearly shown in the photographs.
  • The face is must take 70 – 80% area of the photo.

Sharpness & Contrast of Photograph

The sharpness makes an image comprehensible. So the perfect value of contrast and sharpness make your photograph more visible.

sharpness-and-contrast--specifications-for-schengen-visa-photo

Brightness (Light)

Please check your photographs are equally luminous. Dark spots and red eyes may not consider.

brightness-specifications-for-schengen-visa-photographs

Background of The Photo

Your photograph background color must be like grey color is preferable. If your clothes and skin tone are similar to the background color, you may consider dark grey.

Patterned background and multi-colored photographs are not acceptable.

background-specifications-for-schengen-visa-photographs

Quality of Photograph

Besides taking care of all the above factors, you must entail a focus on image quality. The 600 – 800 dpi is the minimum quality requirement for Schengen visa photographs.

quality-requirement-for-schengen-visa-photos

Face Alignment and Expression

Your face should be in the center by your face position is straight looking towards the camera. 

The facial expressions should be neutral, and the mouth is closed while clicking the photographs for the Schengen visa.

facial-expressions-for-schengen-visa-photographs

Photograph With Glasses

If you are wearing glasses, please make sure while picture-making, they must be not fancy, thick bordered, and tinted. Otherwise, your visa application may not entertain.

glasses-specifications-for-schengen-visa-photos

Photograph With Head Coverings

Generally, head coverings are not allowed under Schengen visa photo requirements, but due to religious issues, you may do that with the following precautions:

  • Your face must be visible properly.
  • No shadows will include in your photographs.

head-coverings-photo-specifications-for-schengen-visa

Photograph Specifications for Baby, Infant, or Kid

The baby picture must be clear. There are no back-standing persons and toys permissible.

schengen-visa-photograph-requirements-for-baby

 

 

You can verify above information from another official source gouv.fr (Government of France).

gouv-photographs-requirements-for-schengen-visa

gouv-photographs-requirements-for-schengen-visa-2

gouv-photographs-requirements-for-schengen-visa-3

 

 

If you have determined to visit the Schengen area, you may be required to attach other documents like flight reservations and hotel bookings. You can book both by using this link at very reasonable prices.

hotel-booking-for-visa-application

Related Readings