Complete photo specifications for a Schengen visa application — dimensions (35×45 mm), background (white or light grey), KB limit, and common rejection reasons. This guide covers Schengen visa photo requirements for Indian applicants in 2026 — resize and compress your photo free with no upload.
| Dimensions | 35×45 mm (width × height) |
| Digital size (upload) | 413×531 px at 300 DPI |
| File size | 20–200 KB for portal upload |
| Format | JPEG / JPG |
| Background | White or light-grey, plain — no patterns |
| Face coverage | Face 70–80% of frame, centred |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted (ICAO standard since 2015) |
| Photo age | Taken within 6 months of application |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons; face fully visible |
The Schengen visa requires a 35×45 mm photo. When uploading digitally to a VFS or embassy portal, this translates to approximately 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. The file must be JPEG format between 20–200 KB. Use PhotoFit to resize to exactly these dimensions and compress as needed.
Either white or light grey is accepted for Schengen visas. This is unlike Indian passport photos which strictly require white. The background must be uniformly plain — no gradients, no slight colouring, and no shadows from hair or clothing falling on the background.
Yes — both are 35×45 mm. However, the background requirement differs: Indian passport strictly requires white, while Schengen accepts white or light grey. If you already have compliant Indian passport photos on a white background, the same photo (if taken within 6 months) is usually acceptable for Schengen.
Typically 2 printed photos for an in-person VFS submission. If applying fully online (some countries offer this), a digital upload is sufficient. Check the specific embassy or VFS instructions for the country you are applying to.
Most common rejection reasons: (1) Background not plain enough — shadows or slight colouring, (2) Face too small — less than 70% of frame height, (3) Photo older than 6 months, (4) Wearing glasses, (5) File format is PNG instead of JPEG, (6) File too large (above portal limit). Run through this checklist before resubmitting.