Schengen Visa Photo from Nigeria (35×45mm)
Updated May 2026 · For applicants from Nigeria
⚠ Different from Nigerian passport size
Nigerian passport photos are 35×35 mm (square). Schengen visas require 35×45 mm (rectangular). The two are not interchangeable. Get a separate 35×45 mm photo before your VFS Global appointment.
Schengen visas require photos at 35×45 mm with light grey or white background, per the ICAO 9303 biometric standard. The spec is identical at every VFS Global centre in Nigeria — Lagos Ikeja, Lagos Victoria Island, and Abuja — and at every Schengen consulate worldwide.
Spec at a glance
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (NOT 35×35 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 |
VFS Global centres in Nigeria
VFS Global operates three Schengen visa application centres in Nigeria:
- Lagos Ikeja — serves Lagos mainland, Lagos State, and surrounding areas
- Lagos Victoria Island (VI) — serves Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, and southern Lagos
- Abuja — serves the Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria
All three centres process Schengen visa applications for German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and other Schengen state consulates. Photo spec is identical regardless of destination country or submission city.
Where to get the photo
- VFS Global on-site photo service (NGN 3,000-5,000). 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.
- Local studio (NGN 1,000-2,500) — if they know Schengen spec. Always specify "Schengen visa 35×45 mm rectangular, light grey or white background, ICAO biometric, no glasses, neutral expression". Most Nigerian studios default to 35×35 mm (square) which is wrong for Schengen.
- Free online tool at home (NGN 0). IDPhotoSnap generates a print-ready PDF with 6 photos per A4 sheet (print at any photo lab for NGN 500-1000) plus a portal-ready JPG sized for online application uploads. 30 seconds, no upload to our server, no signup, no watermark.
Common rejection reasons
- Wrong size (35×35 mm instead of 35×45 mm) — using a Nigerian passport photo for a Schengen application. The most common rejection reason.
- Background colour — Nigerian passport photos use plain white. Schengen accepts white or light grey but requires plain solid colour with no patterns or tinted background.
- Glasses worn — banned in Schengen photos since 2016. Remove glasses.
- Smiling or open mouth — neutral expression required.
- Face too small in frame — face must occupy 70-80% (32-36 mm chin to crown). Photos with too much background around the head get rejected.
- Head covering issues — religious head covering permitted if facial features (chin to forehead, both sides of face) are clearly visible without shadows.
- Old photo — must be within the last 6 months.
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 Nigeria?
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 from Nigeria. VFS Global centres in Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island) and Abuja all accept the same 35×45 mm format.
Where can I get a Schengen visa photo in Nigeria?
Three options: (1) VFS Global on-site photo service in Lagos Ikeja, Lagos Victoria Island, or Abuja at NGN 3,000-5,000 — most convenient, photo taken right before your appointment. (2) Local studio at NGN 1,000-2,500 if they know the Schengen 35×45 mm spec — always specify "Schengen 35×45 mm, light grey or white background" because Nigerian passport photos use 35×35 mm (square) which is the wrong size. (3) Free online tool at home — IDPhotoSnap.com generates a print-ready PDF or digital JPG for online portal upload (France-Visas, VIDEX for Germany) in 30 seconds, no upload to our server.
Is the Schengen visa photo different from a Nigerian passport photo?
Yes. Nigerian passport photos are 35×35 mm (square) with a white background. Schengen visa photos are 35×45 mm (rectangular). The two sizes are NOT interchangeable. Using your Nigerian passport photo for a Schengen visa application will result in rejection at VFS Global. Always get a separate 35×45 mm photo for the Schengen application.
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 head covering is permitted as long as facial features (chin to forehead, both sides of face) are clearly visible without shadows.
How many photos do I need at the VFS Global appointment in Lagos or Abuja?
Most Schengen consulates require 2 identical photos at the VFS Global appointment. Some require only 1 plus a digital upload via the online application portal. Bring 2 to be safe. Our print-ready PDF lays out 6 photos per A4 sheet at NGN 500-1000 print cost — extra copies useful for multiple visa applications within 6 months.
Where exactly are the VFS Global centres in Nigeria?
VFS Global operates two centres in Lagos and one in Abuja: Lagos Ikeja (covers Lagos mainland and northern areas), Lagos Victoria Island (covers VI, Lekki, Ikoyi), and Abuja (covers the FCT and northern Nigeria). All three handle Schengen visa applications for German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and other Schengen consulates. The photo spec is identical regardless of destination country or submission city.
What is the file size limit for online Schengen visa portal upload from Nigeria?
Most Schengen consulates accept JPEG files between 50 KB and 10 MB for online application portals (France-Visas, VIDEX for Germany, ItaliaVisa). Recommended: 600×600 to 1200×1500 pixels at JPEG quality 80-95. IDPhotoSnap exports a portal-ready JPG that meets these limits automatically.
How long is the Schengen visa photo valid?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly (new beard, weight change, hairstyle, hair colour), the consulate may request a fresh photo even if it is technically within 6 months.
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 signup, no watermark.
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