Preparing Your French Long-Stay Visa Photo
A French long-stay visa application requires a recent ICAO-compliant photo[1][2].
Official Size and Head Dimensions
France-Visas asks applicants to provide two recent ICAO-format photos[2]. French identity-photo law sets a size of 35 by 45 millimeters[1].
The cited visa sources do not state a face-height measurement or explain how to account for hair volume[1][2].
Background and Lighting Rules
France-Visas asks for recent photos in ICAO format[2]. The cited visa pages do not specify a background color[1][2].
The cited visa sources do not give instructions for taking a photo at home, including lighting, camera position, or distance[1][2].
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
The cited visa sources do not specify expression, glasses, or headwear rules[1][2].
Check the photo instructions for your application location. The cited visa sources do not specify rules for glasses, headwear, expression, or head position[1][2].
Rules for Children and Infants
Applicants under 12 are exempt from fingerprints[1][3]. France-Visas asks applicants to provide two recent ICAO-format photos[2].
France-Visas asks applicants to provide two recent ICAO-format photos[2]. The cited sources do not give instructions for taking or cropping a baby's photo at home[1][2].
Taking the Photo at Home
France-Visas asks applicants to provide two recent ICAO-format photos[2]. The cited sources do not say that taking your own picture saves time or money, or give rules for background, framing, or clothing[1][2].
The cited sources do not give instructions for taking a visa photo with a camera or phone[1][2].
Before You Go
France-Visas asks for two recent ICAO-format photos[2]. Follow the instructions for your application location about the required documents and photo format[1][2].
The cited visa sources do not give instructions for carrying or storing photos.
Printed and Digital Submission
Applicants provide two recent ICAO-format photos[2]. At the appointment, the service provider or consulate collects biometric data, including a photo[2]. Follow the instructions for your application location.
Bring the two recent ICAO-format photos requested by France-Visas[2].
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Check the photo instructions for your application location[2].
Review the photo instructions for your application location before submitting your photos[2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a French long-stay visa photo?
Can I wear glasses in my French visa photo?
Are children required to submit a visa photo?
What background color should I use for my photo?
The picture must be an ICAO-compliant identity photo, though the exact background color is not stated on the cited visa pages[1].