France visa photo size

Requirements

Photo size	35 × 45 mm  (1.38 × 1.77 in) The authority does not publish a print size. 35 × 45 mm is the size PhotoSpec outputs.
Head height	70–80% of the photo height
Background	Plain white
How recent	Taken within the last 6 months
Retouching	Not allowed. The photo must not be digitally altered beyond cropping.
Background replacement	Not allowed. Shoot against a wall of the required colour.
Where to take it	You can take this photo yourself.

• Glasses are allowed, but there must be no glare on the lenses.
• Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Last checked: Aug 20, 2026 · Source: France-Visas. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

How the visa photo is submitted

Submission

• Applications at an embassy or consulate: a printed photo is submitted.
  be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution france-visas.gouv.fr

If you hand in a printed photo

• Printed on photo-quality paper.
  printed on photo-quality paper france-visas.gouv.fr

Rules the authority states for this photo

• Sharp and in focus.
  in sharp focus and clear france-visas.gouv.fr
• Even lighting.
  be taken with uniform lighting france-visas.gouv.fr
• No shadows on the face or background.
  not show shadows or flash reflections on your face france-visas.gouv.fr
• No red eye.
  no red eye france-visas.gouv.fr

Questions

What size is a France visa photo?

35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).

Can I take a France visa photo with my phone?

Yes. PhotoSpec crops to 35 × 45 mm and checks the framing before you save. Photos are processed on the phone and are not uploaded.

How it differs from other France documents

• ID card — background plain white here, light grey or light blue there
• Passport — background plain white here, light grey or light blue there

Related tools and guides

• France: photo rules for every document
• Lay out this photo on a 4×6, Letter or A4 print sheet
• All supported countries