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Free Schengen Visa Photo Maker (No-Login Required)

Visa Photo Maker
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“My visa was delayed just because of the photo.”

This is a common complaint from travelers applying for a Schengen visa. Many people face delays or rejections because of small photo mistakes. It could be something like an off-white background, uneven lighting, or a face size that's too big or too small.

To help avoid these issues, Atlys has created the Schengen Visa Photo Maker Tool. This tool ensures your photo meets all the rules the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets. With it, you can confidently submit your visa application, knowing your photo won’t cause any delays.

How to take a Schengen visa-compliant photo at home?

Yes, with the Atlys Schengen Visa Photo Maker Tool, you can easily click the photo at home. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect photo for your Schengen visa application:

  1. Take or Upload Your Photo: Start by uploading a photo you already have in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily take a new photo using your phone or webcam.

  2. Click "Transform": Once your photo is ready, click on the "Transform" button. The tool will work its magic, automatically adjusting the background, size of your face, alignment, and lighting to match the exact requirements set by the Schengen visa guidelines.

  3. Download Your Photo: After the tool has made the necessary adjustments, download your newly transformed photo. You can then attach it to your visa application digitally for an online submission or as a printed copy if you’re submitting your application in person.

Now that your Schengen visa photo is sorted, let’s move on to your Schengen visa application, and we’ll make it just as easy using Atlys.

Schengen visa photo requirements:

Here are the Schengen visa passport size photo specifications:

  • Size: 35 Ă— 45 mm

  • Format: JPEG/JPG; high-quality print (matte or glossy)

  • Background: Plain, light (white or light grey)

  • Face Size: 32–36 mm (70–80% of photo height)

  • Borders: No borders

  • Recency: Taken within 6 months

  • Orientation: Full-frontal, head centered

  • Quality: Sharp, well-lit, no shadows or red-eye

  • Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, no smile

Note: The Atlys visa photo tool automatically handles all the above specifications to smooth your application process. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.

Schengen Visa Photo Size

The photo for a Schengen visa must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Your full head and the upper part of your shoulders should be visible. The head height, measured from chin to crown, should be between 32 mm and 36 mm, occupying about 70% to 80% of the photo's height. The photo must be vertically aligned to display your facial features properly.

Schengen Visa Photo Size

Schengen Visa Photo File Size & Format

For digital submissions, the photo should be in JPEG or JPG format with a high resolution suitable for biometric recognition. The file size should be uncompressed and of sufficient clarity. For printed copies, the photo must be printed on quality photo paper, either matte or glossy.

Schengen Visa Photo Background

The background must be plain and light-colored (white or light grey). It should be free of patterns, shadows, and objects. A clean, uniform background ensures clear visibility of facial features and compatibility with biometric scanning.

Face Size & Positioning

Your head must be centered and positioned straight. The face should measure 32 mm to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The full face and upper shoulders must be visible, and the image should not be distorted or cropped too tightly.

Schengen Visa Photo Size

No Borders Allowed

Photos must be submitted without borders, frames, or edge lines. The entire focus must be on the applicant’s face, without visual distractions or design elements surrounding the image.

Recent Photos

Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance accurately. Older photos may result in delays or rejections during the visa process.

Orientation & Head Position

You must face the camera directly, with your head upright and centered. Side angles, tilted heads, or profile views are not permitted. Your eyes must be clearly visible, looking straight into the lens.

Quality

The photo must be sharp, clear, and evenly lit, without blurring, pixelation, or over/underexposure. No shadows should appear on the face or background, and the lighting must be balanced across the image.

Facial Expression

Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows, or showing teeth is not allowed. Hair must not cover the face or eyes.

Eyewear & Headgear

Eyeglasses are allowed only if they are clear, non-reflective, and do not obscure the eyes. No tinted lenses are permitted. Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons and must not cast shadows or hide facial features. The entire face, from chin to forehead, must remain fully visible.

Schengen visa photo requirements for minors 

  • Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open.

  • A frontal photograph with clarity is required.

  • The photo must have the child alone (mouth closed with neutral expression).

  • No toys, other people visible.

  • The photograph taken shall be of high quality. 


Do's and Don'ts for Schengen Visa Photos

Do’s for a Schengen Visa Photo

  • Take the photo with even lighting; avoid shadows or overexposure.

  • Ensure the photo was taken within the last 3 months.

  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.

  • Use a clear, sharp, high-quality image, not pixelated or blurry.

  • The shoulders and hair should be visible in the frame.

  • Use a plain white background.

  • It should be dark-colored and contrast with the background if worn for religious reasons.

  • If you wear glasses, ensure they are clear and your eyes are fully visible.

Don’ts for a Schengen Visa Photo

  • Do not use damaged photos with holes, creases, or smudges.

  • Do not let hair cover your eyes or any part of your face.

  • Do not submit photos with red-eye; avoid colored contact lenses.

  • Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses.

  • Do not tilt your head or face to the side; keep it straight and centered.

What is the correct size for a Schengen visa photo?

The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, with the face height between 32 mm and 36 mm, covering about 70–80% of the image.

Can I smile in my Schengen visa photo?

No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows is not permitted.

What background is acceptable for a Schengen visa photo?

Only plain, light-colored backgrounds (white or light grey) are allowed. There must be no patterns, shadows, or objects in the background.

Can I wear a headscarf or religious headgear in the photo?

Yes, headgear for religious reasons is permitted, but it must not obscure facial features or cast shadows. The face must be fully visible from chin to forehead.

How we reviewed this tool:

History

Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

  • Current Version

  • 15 Apr 2025

    Written By:

    Jyoti Bhatt

    Edited By:

    Jyoti Bhatt

  • 14 Apr 2025

    Written By:

    Jyoti Bhatt

    Edited By:

    Riyanka Roy