# France Schengen Visa Photo Maker, 35x45 mm

Country: France

Document: Visa

Page language: en

Page: [France Schengen Visa Photo Maker, 35x45 mm](https://onedollarpassportphoto.com/fr/visa/)

Requirements last verified: 2026-04-03

## Photo specifications

These are document-specific values from the page data. Printed and digital requirements may apply to different application routes; consult the guide and sources below.

| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 35 × 45 mm |
| Photo paper | matte |
| Digital pixel dimensions | 400 × 600 px (see guide/source for applicability and minimum vs exact sizing) |
| Digital file format | JPEG |
| Maximum digital file size | 120 KB |
| Photo age | Taken within 6 months |

## Appearance and composition

- Background: Plain light-coloured background, uniform with no patterns or shadows. The French consulate network states white; light grey also qualifies under the EU standard.
- Head size: Face must be 32-36mm from chin to crown (70-80% of photo height)
- Glasses: Permitted; check the source for restrictions.
- Even lighting; no harsh shadows.
- Filters, beauty modes and retouching are forbidden.
- Color photo.
- Head coverings are permitted for religious reasons; check the source for conditions.
- Uniforms are restricted; check the source for exceptions.
- No earphones or wireless devices.

## Common rejection reasons

- White background — France requires light grey or light blue, NOT white

- Wrong head size — Face must be 32-36mm from chin to crown

- Glare on glasses — Glasses are allowed but must have no reflections

- Ears not visible — Both ears must be visible and unobstructed

- Shadows on face or background — Even lighting required

- Photo too old — Must be taken within last 6 months

## Source for the document requirements

[Source linked by the document page](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F10619)

The complete guide below includes additional sources and application-specific qualifications when available.

## Create a photo with One Dollar Passport Photo

The service sizes, crops and checks a photo for the selected document. Its output settings are service choices, not additional government requirements.

- Digital photo download: $1 USD.
- Print-ready sheet download: $5 USD. Printing is separate.
- Optional human expert review: +$4.99 USD.

[Open the photo tool](https://onedollarpassportphoto.com/fr/visa/)

Complete Guide

## French visa photo: the spec and the France-Visas route

A French visa photo is the standard 35x45mm Schengen biometric photo, the same for a tourist, work, or study visa. Here is the spec in brief and how France's two-step application works.

Written by

Jake

Community & Writing, One Dollar Passport Photo

Reviewed by

Lisa

Expert Reviewer, One Dollar Passport Photo

Fact-checked & verified

June 17, 2026

## The photo, in brief

A French visa photo is the standard EU Schengen biometric photo: **35x45 mm, face filling 70 to 80% of the frame, a plain light background, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months.** It is the same photo for a short-stay Schengen (type C) tourist visa and for a long-stay (type D / VLS-TS) visa to work, study, or settle in France.

One myth worth clearing up: France does **not** require a grey background, and white is not refused. The French consulate network’s own instructions state a white background, and the EU rule is simply a plain light colour, so white or light grey both pass. For the full requirements, including how to shoot a compliant photo, see the **[Schengen visa photo guide](https://onedollarpassportphoto.com/schengen-visa-photo/)**. For the France-Visas upload, the file is a JPEG up to 120 KB at 400x600 px.

You can make a compliant French visa photo from a phone picture in about two minutes. [Create yours for $1 →](https://onedollarpassportphoto.com/select/)

## How France handles it

France is distinctive in checking the photo **twice**. You first complete the application on the **France-Visas** portal and attach a digital photo, then you attend a **VFS Global** or **TLScontact** centre, where staff check the printed photo again at the counter. A photo that slips through the upload can still be handed back in person, so it is worth getting it right once.

If you are applying from inside France, the approved photo booths (photomatons) in stations and town halls produce a compliant shot automatically.

## Submitting your photo

Bring printed photos to your France-Visas appointment even if you uploaded a digital file; the centre attaches a print to the file and may re-check it. Confirm the exact number of prints with your specific VFS Global or TLScontact centre, since it varies by location.

A non-compliant photo handed back at the counter can cost a re-booking, often one to three weeks before a trip, so check the photo against the [photo guide](https://onedollarpassportphoto.com/schengen-visa-photo/) before your appointment rather than after.

### Sources & References

This guide is fact-checked against official government publications and updated regularly to reflect the latest requirements.

1.  \[1\]
    
    [Service-Public.fr — Photo d'identité (official photo standard)](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F10619)
    
    service-public.gouv.fr
    
2.  \[2\]
    
    [France-Visas — official French visa portal](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/)
    
    france-visas.gouv.fr