Schengen Visa Photo from Pakistan (35×45mm)
Updated May 2026 · For applicants from Pakistan
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 across Pakistan — Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar — and at every Schengen consulate worldwide.
Spec at a glance
| Size | 35 × 45 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 Pakistan
VFS Global operates Schengen visa application centres in four Pakistani cities:
- Islamabad — main centre, serves applicants from the capital territory and northern Pakistan
- Karachi — serves Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Pakistan
- Lahore — serves Punjab and central Pakistan
- Peshawar — serves Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding areas
All four centres process Schengen visa applications for German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and other Schengen state consulates. The photo spec is identical regardless of destination country or submission city.
Where to get the photo
- VFS Global on-site photo service (PKR 700-1200). Most convenient. The photographer knows the Schengen 35×45 mm spec and takes the photo right before your appointment. No risk of wrong size or background colour.
- Local studio (PKR 200-500) — if they know Schengen spec. Always specify "Schengen visa 35×45 mm, light grey or white background, ICAO biometric, no glasses, neutral expression". Pakistani passport photos use similar dimensions but background colour and expression rules differ.
- Free online tool at home (PKR 0). IDPhotoSnap generates a print-ready PDF with 6 photos per A4 sheet (print at any photo lab for PKR 100-200) plus a portal-ready JPG sized for online application uploads. 30 seconds, no upload to our server, no signup, no watermark.
Common rejection reasons
- Background colour wrong — Pakistani passport photos sometimes use off-white backgrounds that have a slight tint or texture. Schengen requires plain solid light grey or pure white.
- Glasses worn — Pakistani passport photos sometimes allowed glasses; Schengen banned them in 2016. Remove glasses.
- Smiling or open mouth — neutral expression required. Slight smile sometimes accepted but mouth must be closed.
- Head covering issues — religious head covering is permitted as long as facial features (chin to forehead, both sides of face) are clearly visible without shadows.
- 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.
- 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 Pakistan?
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 Pakistan. VFS Global centres in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar all accept the same 35×45 mm format. The same spec applies whether you submit at the Embassy of Germany, France, Italy, or any other Schengen state directly.
Where can I get a Schengen visa photo in Pakistan?
Three options: (1) VFS Global on-site photo service in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar at PKR 700-1200 — most convenient, no risk of wrong size. (2) Local studio at PKR 200-500 if they know the Schengen 35×45 mm spec — always specify "Schengen 35×45 mm, light grey background" because Pakistani passport photos default to 35×45 mm but background colour varies. (3) Free online tool at home — IDPhotoSnap.com generates a print-ready PDF or digital JPG sized for online portal upload (France-Visas, VIDEX for Germany, ItaliaVisa) in 30 seconds. No upload to our server, no signup.
What is the difference between Pakistani passport photo and Schengen visa photo?
Dimensions are similar — Pakistani passport photos are 35×45 mm and Schengen visa photos are also 35×45 mm. However, Pakistani passport photos sometimes use plain white background while some Schengen consulates prefer light grey. Pakistani passport photos may also allow slight smiles; Schengen requires strict neutral expression. Always use a fresh photo with light grey or pure white background and neutral expression for Schengen applications.
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. This rule applies whether you submit at VFS Global Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, or any embassy directly. Religious head covering is permitted as long as facial features (chin to forehead and both ears or sides of the face) are clearly visible.
How many photos do I need at the VFS Global appointment in Pakistan?
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 PKR 100-200 print cost — useful for multiple visa applications within 6 months.
I am applying to multiple Schengen countries — do I need different photos?
No. All 30 Schengen states accept the same 35×45 mm format with the same biometric rules. You can reuse the same photo for visa applications submitted within 6 months of when the photo was taken.
What file size is required for online Schengen visa portal upload from Pakistan?
Most Schengen consulates accept JPEG files between 50 KB and 10 MB for online application portals. 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), 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.
Open Schengen visa photo tool →Related guides
EES Is Live: Do You Need a New Passport Photo? (April 2026 Update)
The EU's Entry/Exit System launched on April 10, 2026. Here's what actually changed for passport and visa photos - and what didn't. Schengen visa specs, EES border biometrics, and ETIAS in plain language.
ETIAS 2026: Does Europe’s New Travel Authorisation Need a Photo?
ETIAS launches in late 2026 for visitors from 60+ visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia). Does it need a passport photo? Short answer: no separate photo upload. Here is what ETIAS actually requires, how it differs from the EES biometric check, and who needs it.
Why Was My Passport Photo Rejected? Top 10 Reasons (2026)
Most passport photo rejections come down to 10 specific issues. Each one is fixable in 2 minutes. Here's the full diagnostic checklist with examples.