What the EU says
The European Commission's page on applying for a Schengen visa lists "a photo in compliance with ICAO standards" among the documents, and gives no pixel size, file size or print size (checked 26 October 2026). ICAO is the international standard for passport photos; the practical details, and whether you need a printed photo, a digital file or both, are set by the country you apply to and its visa centre.
An official example: Belgium (VFS Global, UAE)
| Rule | Belgium visa photo, VFS (UAE) specification |
|---|---|
| Pixels | At least 240 wide × 320 high |
| Proportions | 3 × 4 (width × height), within limits |
| File size | No bigger than 120 KB |
| Format | JPEG only, 300 dpi |
| Face | 70–80% of the photograph |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured |
| Age of photo | No more than 6 months old |
Source: VFS Global's Belgium photo specification PDF for the UAE (undated). It also asks for a printed photo glued to the form, so it covers both. Other countries and visa centres publish their own versions; the numbers can differ.
Fit your photo to a digital spec
- Find the photo specification of the consulate or visa centre you apply through (usually on its "documents" or "photo" page).
- If it's the Belgium VFS spec above, tap Choose image, keep Belgium visa photo (VFS, digital) selected and tap Apply preset: 600×800 pixels (3:4), JPEG, 120 KB or less.
- For another country's spec, use the Dimensions tab with its pixel size, tap Resize, then Keep editing this result and compress to its KB limit on the Exact KB tab.
- Check the face fills the stated share of the frame, then Download result.
Printed photos
Many Schengen applications still ask for a printed photo. Its size is set by the consulate; when you know it in millimetres, the resize in cm or mm tool sets the exact print size at 300 DPI. Check whether the consulate requires professional prints.
Other documents: photo requirements by country.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
The EU's page only requires a photo that meets ICAO standards. The consulate or visa centre handling your application sets the exact size; check its photo specification.
Is there one Schengen photo size for all countries?
Not on the EU's own page. Each country and visa centre publishes its requirements, and they can differ, especially for digital uploads.
What does the Belgium VFS spec require?
At least 240×320 pixels in 3:4 proportions, JPEG only, no bigger than 120 KB, face 70–80% of the photo, plain light background, no more than 6 months old (VFS Global, UAE).
Can I use my passport photo?
Only if it meets the consulate's rules, including how recent it is. Many ask for a photo no older than 6 months.
How do I fit a photo to another country's spec?
Resize to its pixel size on the Dimensions tab, tap Keep editing this result, then compress to its KB limit.
Is my photo uploaded to PixKB?
No. Everything runs in your browser on your device.