Schengen Visa Photo from India (35×45mm)
Updated May 2026 · For applicants from India
⚠ The #1 rejection reason
Indian passport photos are 51×51 mm (square). Schengen visas require 35×45 mm (rectangular). The two are not interchangeable. Using your Indian passport photo for a Schengen application is the most common single reason for rejection at VFS Global. Get a separate 35×45 mm photo before your appointment.
Schengen visas require photos at 35×45 mm with a light grey or white background, per the ICAO 9303 biometric standard. This rule is identical at every VFS Global and BLS International centre across India — Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Goa, and Cochin all enforce the same spec.
Spec at a glance
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (NOT 51×51 mm) |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
| Background | Plain light grey or white |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 32 - 36 mm (70-80% of frame) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned 2016) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| File format (online portal) | JPEG, 50 KB - 10 MB |
| Photo age | Last 6 months |
Where to get the photo in India
You have three practical options:
- VFS Global / BLS on-site photo service (INR 250-350). Most convenient. The photographer at the centre knows the Schengen 35×45 mm spec exactly and takes the photo right before your appointment. No risk of wrong size. Available at every major Indian VFS Global centre (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Goa, Cochin).
- Local studio (INR 80-200) — only if they know Schengen spec. Always specify "Schengen visa 35×45 mm, light grey background, ICAO biometric". Most Indian studios default to Indian passport 51×51 mm and may produce the wrong size if not told explicitly. Verify the printed photo measures 35×45 mm before leaving the studio.
- Free online tool at home (INR 0). IDPhotoSnap generates a print-ready PDF with 6 photos per A4 sheet (print at home or any photo lab for INR 50-80) plus a portal-ready JPG sized for online application uploads (France-Visas, VIDEX for Germany, ItaliaVisa, etc). Takes 30 seconds, no upload to our server, no signup, no watermark. Save the cost of studio photos and use the money for the visa fee (INR 8,000-10,000).
Common rejection reasons for Indian applicants
- Wrong size (51×51 mm instead of 35×45 mm) — by far the most common. Bringing an Indian passport photo to a Schengen appointment.
- Background colour — Indian passport photos often use off-white or slightly tinted backgrounds. Schengen requires plain light grey or pure white. Off-white with a yellow tint or visible texture gets flagged.
- Glasses worn — Indian passport photos historically allowed glasses; Schengen banned them in 2016. Remove glasses for the photo session.
- Face too small in frame — Indian passport allows wider frames; Schengen requires face to occupy 70-80% (32-36 mm chin to crown). Photos with too much background around the head get rejected.
- Smiling or open mouth — neutral expression required. Slight smile sometimes accepted but mouth must be closed.
- Old photo — must be within last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly (new haircut, facial hair, weight), the consulate may request a fresh photo.
Country-specific Schengen pages
All 30 Schengen states use the same 35×45 mm spec. Pick the country you are applying to for country-specific guidance:
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo from India?
Schengen visa photos are 35×45 mm with a plain light grey or white background. This applies regardless of which Schengen country (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc) you are applying to. The format is identical at every Schengen consulate worldwide — VFS Global Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Goa, and Cochin all accept the same 35×45 mm size.
Why is my Indian passport photo rejected at the Schengen visa centre?
The #1 rejection reason for Indian applicants is photo size. Indian passport photos are 51×51 mm (2×2 inch square format), the same as US passport photos. Schengen visas require 35×45 mm rectangular. The two are NOT interchangeable. Bringing your Indian passport photo to a Schengen visa appointment is the most common single reason for rejection. Get a separate 35×45 mm photo specifically for the Schengen application.
Where can I get a Schengen visa photo in India?
Three options: (1) VFS Global / BLS International on-site photo service at INR 250-350 — most convenient, no risk of wrong size, taken right before submission. (2) Local studio at INR 80-200 if they know the Schengen 35×45 mm spec — always specify "Schengen 35×45 mm, light grey background" because most studios default to Indian passport 51×51 mm. (3) Free online tool at home with a smartphone — IDPhotoSnap.com generates print-ready PDF or digital JPG sized for online portal upload in 30 seconds, no upload, no signup. Save money for the visa fee itself (INR 8,000-10,000).
What background colour is required — white or light grey?
Schengen rules permit both plain white and plain light grey. Different consulates have slight preferences: French and Italian consulates often prefer light grey; German consulates accept either. Plain solid colour is the rule — no patterns, no shadows, no texture, no off-white tint. If in doubt, light grey is the safer choice and accepted everywhere.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
No. Schengen biometric rules prohibit glasses in visa photos since 2016. Remove them for the photo session. Religious or medical exceptions are not granted for ordinary glasses. If you have a documented medical need (e.g., severe light sensitivity), you must apply for a special exception in advance through the consulate.
How many photos do I need at the Schengen visa appointment?
Most Schengen consulates require 2 identical photos at the VFS Global appointment. Some require only 1 plus a digital upload. Bring 2 to be safe. Our print-ready PDF lays out 6 photos per A4 sheet at INR 50-80 print cost — extra photos useful for other visa applications within 6 months.
What is the file size limit for online Schengen visa portal upload?
Most Schengen consulates accept JPEG files between 50 KB and 10 MB for online application portals (France-Visas, VIDEX for Germany, etc). Recommended: 600×600 to 1200×1500 pixels at JPEG quality 80-95. IDPhotoSnap exports a portal-ready JPG that meets these limits automatically.
I am applying to multiple Schengen countries — do I need different photos?
No. All 30 Schengen states (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Cyprus, Malta, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia) accept the same 35×45 mm format. You can reuse the same photo for visa applications submitted within 6 months of when the photo was taken.
Related guides
Free Schengen visa photo tool
Generate a 35×45 mm Schengen-compliant photo from your smartphone in 30 seconds. Free, browser-only (no upload to our server), no signup, no watermark. Print-ready PDF + portal JPG.
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