Applying for an Italy visa? One of the most important requirements is a photograph that meets the specifications of the Italian embassy. If your photograph doesn’t meet these guidelines, it could delay the visa processing or even cause your application to be rejected.
We’ve created the Atlys Italy visa photo maker to simplify the visa process. This tool automatically adjusts your photo’s size and background to meet the official Italy visa requirements.
We’ve also listed the official Italy visa photo requirements below.
Important Note: You must submit a recent photo taken within the last 6 months. Reusing an old visa photo can result in your application being rejected.
Italy visa photo requirements
Here are the Italy visa photo specifications:
Height: 35mm
Photo format: JPEG or PNG
Background: White or light-colored
Face size: 32mm to 36mm from chin to crown
Borders: None
Recent: No more than 6 months old
Face orientation: Full face, facing forward
Quality: High resolution, clear and in focus
Facial expression: Neutral, no smiling
Print finish: Not specified for digital submission
Italy Visa Photo Size
The Italy visa photo size must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in height (1.38 x 1.77 inches, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in cms). Width of face shall be between 16 mm and 20 mm from ear to ear.
To ensure accurate facial recognition and verification, the face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown (not top of the hair), as well as left and right sides of the face should occupy 70% to 80% of the total photograph.
Note: Photos will be rejected if face measures less than 27 mm or more than 40 mm.
Resolution
Photo resolution should be 400 dpi, so, when the image is scanned or uploaded, check this parameter carefully. However, the higher the resolution, the bigger the picture. The photo must be in sharp focus, clear, undamaged and of high quality with no ink marks or creases
Format
For online Italy visa applications, the digital photo must be in JPG or JPEG format and should not exceed 120 KB in file size.
Submitting files in unsupported formats such as BMP, TIFF, GIF, or PDF may result in application rejection. Photos can be black or white or color.
Photograph quality
The photo must be printed on high quality paper with a resolution of atleast 600 dpi [if clicked on digital camera]. The color photograph must have proper color balance (approriate brightness and contrast) and show natural skin tone.
The photograph must show only the applicant [no other persons or objects in the photograph].
Note: Digital camera photographs must be high-quality, in color, and printed on photo-quality paper preferably not glossy
Background
Photo background must be plain and light so that facial features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
In the case of light coloured hair, a medium grey background is suitable and in the case of dark hair, light grey background is suitable. The background should not be patterned. And shadows on the background is not acceptable.
The Italy 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.
Style and Lighting
Photographs must be taken with even lighting. Shadows, reflections and red-eye are not acceptable.
The eyes in the photograph should be open and clearly visible. No hair across the face or eyes.
Eyes must be in the upper half of the photograph (minimum distance between the center of the two eyes: 8mm)
Expressions and Frame
You should show your face square on to the camera, no portrait style (not looking over ones shoulder) or tilted and showing both edges of face clearly. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.
Glasses:
If you wear glasses for medical reasons, you must show your eyes clearly no reflections and no tinted lenses They should not create glare or obscure the eyes, as reflections can interfere with biometric accuracy. The edge of glasses or lenses should not cover any part of the eyes
Head Covers
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. Shadows on the face are not acceptable
Italy visa photo requirements for minors
For children under 9, the face should take upto 50-80% of the photograph.
The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (not hair)should measure between 22mm and 36mm
Children under age 5 do not need to have neutral expressions or look directly into the camera and their heads don’t have to be centred in the photo
Children under 1 do not need to have their eyes open.
The frame should not show hands, toys, chair or other people—only the child.
Ensure the child's face is clear and facing forward.
Please note: If the child or baby needs support, the support must not be visible on the photo. The supporting hand can be hidden under the child’s clothing.
How do you use the Atlys Italy visa photo maker tool?
Here are the steps to create and adjust your photo to meet Italy visa photo size requirements:
Take or upload your photo: Choose a clear image in JPEG or PNG format. You can also take a new selfie directly within the tool.
Click Transform: After confirming the photo, click Transform.
Download the photo: Once processed, save your ready-to-use photo to submit it with your application.
Got the right photograph? Head over to our Atlys Italy visa page to start your application!
Do's and Don’ts of Italy Visa Photo
To make sure your visa photo gets approved, follow these specifications outlined by the Embassy:
Do This:
Take the photo with even brightness (no shadows or overexposure).
Ensure your photo is recent (taken within the last 6 months).
Keep a neutral expression (mouth closed, no smile).
Your shoulders and hair should be fully visible.
The background must be plain white or light-colored.
If you wear headgear, it must be for religious or medical reasons and not obstruct your face.
Glasses must have clear lenses (no glare, no reflections, and eyes fully visible).
Digital photos must be original without any alterations (or filters).
Avoid This:
Avoid shadows, overexposure, or dark photos.
Do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows.
No pixelation or blurriness. Ensure your photo is sharp and high resolution.
No coloured contact lenses or red eyes.
Hair should not cover the face, and eyes must be fully visible.
No flipped or altered images. The photo must show your actual features as they are.
Can I edit or filter the photo before submitting?
No. The photo must be unaltered. Do not use filters, enhancements, or editing tools that change your appearance.
Does the photo need borders?
No. The photo must be borderless. Photos with any frame or edge will be rejected.
What should my facial expression be in the photo?
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Do not smile, frown, or exaggerate.
Can I wear glasses or head coverings in my visa photo?
Glasses are allowed only if there’s no glare and the eyes are fully visible. Head coverings are permitted only for religious or medical reasons, and facial features must remain visible.
What are the visa photo requirements for Italy neighbour Schengen countries?
Here are the visa photo requirements for Italy's neighbouring Schengen 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
14 Oct 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt