EU Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines
Get ready for your European application by following the official photo standards. This page explains the sizes and rules you need to know.
Understanding European Union Photo Standards
Passport photo requirements depend on the issuing country. The sources here do not establish one EU- or Schengen-wide application photo size. A studio may offer 35×45 mm, but check your issuing authority's instructions.
ICAO publishes standards for machine-readable travel documents[1][2]. Check the issuing country's instructions for the photo requirements that apply to your passport application[3].
Exact Dimensions and Head Measurements
A 35×45 mm photo and a head height of 32–36 mm may be requested by some issuers, but the sources here do not establish them as EU- or Schengen-wide passport photo requirements. Check the issuing country's instructions.
Follow the issuing authority's photo instructions when cropping your image.
Background and Lighting Specifications
The sources here do not establish one EU- or Schengen-wide application photo background. Check the issuing country's requirements for the background color and appearance.
Use the background and lighting required by the issuing authority. ICAO guidance describes image quality standards, but these examples are not a substitute for country-specific application rules.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
Your facial expression must be a neutral expression with your mouth closed[1]. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth when the picture is taken. Look directly at the camera lens with your eyes wide open and clearly visible.
ICAO guidance says the eyes should be clearly visible and that glasses should not obscure them or create flash reflections; tinted lenses are not recommended[1]. Check the issuing country's instructions for its photo rules.
The cited ICAO guidance says head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, and the face must remain visible from the chin to the forehead and at both edges[1]. Check the issuing country's instructions for its requirements.
Rules for Children and Document Submission
Check the issuing country's instructions for children's passport photos. The sources here do not establish a common EU- or Schengen-wide infant photo exception.
Ask the issuing authority how it accepts passport photos and what background it requires. Requirements depend on the issuing country.
Taking Your Photo and Printing at Home
You can take your own picture at home using a digital camera or a smartphone with a high-resolution sensor. Keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face to avoid distortion. Having someone else take the picture usually yields better results than holding the camera yourself at arm's length.
If the issuing authority accepts printed photos, follow its instructions for preparing the print.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Follow the issuing country's photo instructions. ICAO guidance covers image quality and a neutral expression, but the sources here do not establish these as common reasons for refusal across EU passport applications.
Check your image against the issuing country's official photo instructions before submitting it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size for an EU passport photo?
The size most often asked for is 35 by 45 millimeters, but you must confirm with your specific issuing authority because the European Union publishes no single official size[1].
Can I wear glasses in my European passport photo?
ICAO guidance allows glasses if your eyes remain clearly visible and there is no flash reflection or tinted lens[1]. Check your issuing authority's instructions.
What background color is required?
The sources here do not establish one EU- or Schengen-wide background color. Check the issuing country's requirements[3].
Can I use a photo taken with my smartphone?
Yes, you can use a smartphone photo as long as it meets all lighting, size, and background rules. You can format it using browser tools before printing.