Everything you need to know about Switzerland Schengen visa photo requirements. Standard 35×45 mm format, ICAO biometric compliant, accepted for tourist, business, student, and work visa applications processed by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and VFS Global.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland (Schweiz) |
| Document Type | Visa / Schengen Visa |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Background Color | Plain white or light grey |
| Number of Photos | 2 (varies by embassy) |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral (mouth closed, no smiling) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
Switzerland, as a member of the Schengen Area, follows the common Schengen visa photo standard based on ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidelines for biometric photos. This standard applies to all visa types processed through the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and visa application centres such as VFS Global. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are not allowed in Switzerland Schengen visa photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. You must remove all eyewear before the photo is taken.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Switzerland Schengen visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyebrows, eyes, or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible, with your shoulders also in the frame.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is permitted for Switzerland Schengen visa photos. Remember to remove your glasses before taking the photo.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Switzerland Schengen visa photos
A Switzerland Schengen visa photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo, with the chin-to-crown distance approximately 32–36 mm. There should be at least 3 mm of space from the top of the hair to the top edge of the photo.
Yes. Switzerland follows the common Schengen visa photo standard (35×45 mm, ICAO biometric compliant). The same photo format is accepted by all Schengen member states, so one photo can be used for any Schengen visa application.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Switzerland Schengen visa photos. You must remove all eyewear — including prescription glasses — before taking the photo. This is a strict Schengen-wide requirement to ensure clear biometric identification.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is permitted. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera.
Yes! You can take your Switzerland Schengen visa photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Switzerland Schengen visa photo requirements.
The background must be plain white or light grey, with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. If you don't have a suitable background, our tool will automatically replace it with the correct color.
You typically need to submit 2 identical photos with your Switzerland Schengen visa application. However, the exact number may vary by embassy or visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global). Check with your specific application centre for confirmation.
Both use the same 35×45 mm size and ICAO biometric standard. The key difference is the background: visa photos accept white or light grey, while Swiss passport photos strictly require a white background. For a visa application, you must also not wear glasses.
Source: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Entry
Last updated: 2026-05-04
