A perfect visa photo is essential for a smooth Schengen visa application process to France. If your photo does not meet the official requirements, it may result in delays or even rejection.
To make this easier, we've developed the Atlys France Visa Photo Maker. This tool automatically adjusts your photo’s size, background, and formatting to ensure it aligns with all official French visa photo requirements, saving you both time and effort.
For your convenience, we've outlined the official France Schengen visa photo specifications below.
France Visa Photo Requirements
Here are the France visa photo requirements:
Size: 35mm to 45 mm
File Size: < 120 KB
Photo format: JPG, JPEG, PNG
Background: White
Face Size: 80% of the photograph
Borders: No
Recent: No more than 3- 6 months old
Face orientation: Full face, facing forward
Quality: clear and in focus
Facial expression: Neutral, no smiling
Note: Atlys visa photo tool takes care of all the above specifications automatically to make your application process smooth. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of the France visa photo specifications:
France Visa Photo Size:
The France Visa Photo Size must measure 35mm * 45mm in width. To ensure accurate facial recognition and verification, the face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown, should occupy 70% to 80% of the total photo height.
France Visa Photo File Size & Resolution:
For online France visa applications, the digital photo must be in PNG, JPG or JPEG format and should not exceed 120 KB in file size. Submitting files in unsupported formats such as BMP, TIFF, or PDF may result in application rejection.
France Visa Photo Background Requirements:
The background must be plain white or light grey without any patterns, shadows, or visible objects. A clean and neutral background is essential for proper biometric identification.
Face Size & Positioning:
For clear identification, your face should occupy 70% to 80% of the photo area. Your head should be centred in the frame, and your eyes should be positioned in the upper half of the image to meet proper biometric standards.
No Borders Allowed:
The France visa photo must not have any borders or extra margins. A clean, borderless image ensures it meets official formatting requirements and is suitable for biometric processing.
Recent Photo:
The photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. If there have been any noticeable changes, such as a drastic haircut or significant alteration to facial hair, a new photo may be required to avoid delays or issues with identification.
Orientation & Head Position:
You must face the camera directly with a full-frontal view. The head should be straight, without tilting, turning, or rotation. Proper orientation is essential for clearly capturing all facial features. The photo must show you are directly looking at the camera.
Clarity & Image Quality:
The photo must be high-resolution, sharp, and in clear focus. It should not contain blurriness, pixelation, or distortions, as these can interfere with facial recognition and verification processes.
Facial Expression Rules:
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed - no smiling, frowning, or open mouths are permitted. Your eyes must be open and visible to meet identification standards.
Glasses Policy:
Glasses are not allowed in passport or visa photos. If glasses must be worn for medical reasons, they should not create glare or obscure the eyes, as reflections can interfere with biometric accuracy.
Headgear Rules:
Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons. They must be plain, pattern-free, and not obscure any facial features. The full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, must be visible, including the edges.
How to Use the France Visa Photo Maker Tool?
Applying for a France visa? Make sure your photo meets all official requirements with this easy-to-use tool:
Upload Your Photo: Choose a photo from your device (JPEG, JPG, or PNG). You can also take a new selfie if needed.
Adjust & Resize: Click 'Transform' to let the tool automatically resize, crop, and format your photo according to France’s visa photo standards.
Download & Use: Once your photo is processed, download the visa-ready version and attach it to your application. It’s that simple!
You’re now ready to apply for your France visa with Atlys!
France Visa Photo Requirements for Minors
Infants Under 3 Years: An open mouth is acceptable.
Frontal View: Ensure the child's face is clear and facing forward.
No Extra Elements: The frame should not show hands, toys, or other people—only the child.
Neutral Expression: Keep the mouth closed and avoid expressions.
Good Quality: The image should be sharp and clear.
Do’s & Don’ts of France Visa Photo
Do’s:
Use even, uniform lighting to avoid shadows or reflections on the face or background.
Ensure the photo is recent and taken within the last six months.
Maintain a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
Make sure the photo is sharp, clear, and in focus.
Keep hair away from the face, ensuring the edges of the face are fully visible.
Use a plain white or light grey background that contrasts with the face.
If a person is wearing a head covering for religious or medical reasons, it must be plain, without patterns, and must not obscure any facial features.
Don’ts:
Do not submit damaged, creased, or poorly printed photos.
Avoid hairstyles or accessories that cover any part of the face.
Do not use photos with red-eye or any digital edits that alter your natural appearance.
Ensure there are no shadows or bright spots on the face or background.
Avoid smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. Keep your look neutral and natural.
By following these guidelines and using the Atlys France Visa Photo Maker, you can ensure that your visa photo meets all official requirements, thereby streamlining your application process.
What are the France visa photo style and lighting requirments?
Here are the France visa photo style and lighting specifications:
The photo must be neutral in colour.
The photo must have uniform lighting, no red eye, no shadows, and no reflections on your face.
It must show both edges of your face clearly
Show your eyes clearly, with them open. No hair on the eyes.
What are the France visa photo size requirements?
Here are the France visa photo size requirements:
The photo must be at least 240*320 pixel resolution. A smaller photo will be rejected
The photo should maintain a 3:4 aspect ratio (width to height) within a specified limit.
What are the France visa photo resolution requirements?
Here are the France visa photo resolution requirements:
The image should be of high resolution
Photo resolution should be 300 dpi
Can I wear glasses in my France visa photo?
Yes, Glasses are allowed, provided your eyes are clearly visible, there is no reflection from the glasses, and the frames do not cover your eyes.
What should I avoid in my France visa photo?
Avoid wearing hats, sunglasses, or anything that obstructs your face. Also, make sure the photo is not altered or edited in any way (e.g., no filters). The lighting should be even, and the photo should not be blurry or pixelated.
Can I take the France visa photo myself?
Yes, you can take the photo at home using a plain white background, good lighting, and a camera or smartphone. To ensure it meets the official requirements, you can use the Atlys France Visa Photo Maker to adjust and format it correctly.
What are visa photo requirements for neighbouring Schengen countries to France?
Here are the visa photo requirements for neighbouring countries:
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
01 Sep 2025
Written By:
Riyanka Roy
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu
01 Sep 2025
Written By:
Riyanka Roy
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu