Official European Union (Schengen) Specifications

EU & Schengen Passport Photo Requirements & Generator

35×45 mm · Light grey or white background · Head 70–80% of frame · 600×750 px at 300 DPI

2 free credits · Compliant sizing · No sign-up

EU / Schengen Passport & Visa Photo Specifications

Print Size

35×45 mm

Digital Size

600×750 px

Background

Light grey or white

Head Size Ratio

70–80% of frame

Resolution

300 DPI

Last Updated

2026-09-01

EU / Schengen Passport & Visa Photo Requirements

Your photo must meet all of the following requirements to be accepted.

  • Photo must be 35×45 mm in print (ICAO 9303 standard)
  • Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame
  • Light grey, white, or light blue background depending on country
  • Both ears visible for most Schengen countries
  • Neutral expression with mouth closed
  • No glasses in most Schengen member states since 2020
  • No head coverings except for religious reasons
  • Photo must be recent — taken within 6 months

Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these common mistakes that cause European Union (Schengen) passport photos to be rejected.

Face coverage below 70% of frame
Ears not visible (covered by hair)
Glasses visible — most EU countries now ban them
Background color not matching country-specific requirement
Shadows or uneven lighting
Photo older than 6 months
Head covering not meeting religious exemption criteria

How to Get Your European Union (Schengen) Passport Photo

  1. 1

    Upload a clear, front-facing selfie taken in even lighting. Remove glasses and any head coverings not worn for religious reasons.

  2. 2

    Select the Passport style and choose "European Union (Schengen)" as your target country. ProShotAI applies the correct 35×45 mm dimensions and light grey or white background.

  3. 3

    Review the compliance report — it checks resolution, background color, and sizing against official requirements.

  4. 4

    Download your compliant photo. Use the "Print Layout" option to arrange multiple photos on a standard print sheet for physical submission.

Generate Your European Union (Schengen) Passport Photo Now

Get a compliant EU / Schengen Passport & Visa photo from your selfie in seconds. No sign-up required.

European Union (Schengen) Passport Photo FAQ

What size is a European Union (Schengen) passport photo?

A EU / Schengen Passport & Visa photo must be 35×45 mm in print. For digital submissions, the recommended size is 600×750 pixels at 300 DPI.

What background color is required for European Union (Schengen) passport photos?

European Union (Schengen) passport photos require a light grey or white background. The background must be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or other people visible.

Can I use an AI-generated photo for my European Union (Schengen) passport?

Yes, as long as the photo meets all official specifications — correct dimensions, background color, head size ratio (70–80% of frame), and is an unaltered representation of your current appearance. ProShotAI generates photos that conform to EU / Schengen Passport & Visa requirements.

Why do European Union (Schengen) passport photos get rejected?

Common rejection reasons include: Face coverage below 70% of frame; Ears not visible (covered by hair); Glasses visible — most EU countries now ban them; Background color not matching country-specific requirement. Using an AI tool with built-in compliance checking helps avoid these issues before you submit.