Photo requirements for a Schengen visa

Schengen visa photo: 35 × 45 mm, a plain light background, head 70–80 % of the frame height.

File

Frame proportions35 : 45Crop the photo to the required proportions.
Colour photo24-bit colourBlack and white photos are rejected. Take a colour photo: 24 bits, three colour channels.
Image size35 × 45 mmResize the image so it matches the required size.
File extension.jpg / .jpegRename the file to .jpg or .jpeg: the entry form checks the extension as well.
File formatJPEGSave the photo as JPEG.
Image orientationrotation applied to the pixelsThe file stores an EXIF rotation. Re-save the photo with the rotation applied to the pixels, otherwise the system sees it sideways.
Photo age≤ 6 monthsThe photo is older than the limit. If the date is wrong but the photo is fresh, re-save it without metadata.

Horizontal face positionface centred in the frameMove the face to the centre of the frame, leaving the same margin on both sides.
Face in the frameexactly one faceThere must be exactly one person facing the camera, with no other people or objects in the frame.
Head size70–80 %Reframe the shot so the head takes the required share of the frame height.
Head rotationhead facing the cameraFace the camera straight on: the head must not be turned or tilted forward or backward.
Head tiltno sideways tiltHold your head straight, without leaning sideways, and keep the eye line horizontal.

Backgroundplain light backgroundShoot against a plain, evenly lit background of the required tone.
Eyes openboth eyes openLook straight into the camera with both eyes open.
Face lightingeven face lighting, no shadowsUse even light from the front: no harsh shadows on the face, no blown highlights, no dark patches.
Facial expressionclosed mouth, neutral expressionA neutral expression or a natural smile with a closed mouth. An open mouth is rejected.
Sharpnesssharp, in-focus photoTake the photo again, focusing on the face and holding the camera steady: blurry shots are rejected.

Full requirements are on the European Commission website.