Quantity
Two recent ID photos
General France-Visas application process
Reviewed against France-Visas on 17 July 2026
France visa photo requirements
35-40 mm wide, 32-36 mm face height, 70-80% face coverage
France-Visas asks for two recent ICAO identity photos. A visa centre may also scan or capture a photograph during biometric enrolment, so the application checklist and appointment location still control the final workflow.
Framing illustration only. The official checklist and applicant's real appearance control.
No universal France visa pixel size exists. France-Visas publishes physical dimensions and composition rules. Use digital dimensions or a file-size limit only when the official application route publishes them.
Official quick answer
France-Visas photo dimensions and quantity
Photo width
35-40 mm
Official FAQ and photograph sheet
Face height
32-36 mm
Chin to forehead, excluding hair
Face coverage
70-80%
Close-up of head and shoulders
How 35 x 45 mm fits the official range
A 35 x 45 mm print uses a width inside France-Visas' published 35-40 mm range. France-Visas itself focuses on the width, 32-36 mm face height, 70-80% framing, and ICAO quality rules. Use the cut size named in your local checklist when it is more specific.
Capture route
Bring the file photos and follow biometric instructions
France-Visas says all French visas are biometric. Applicants over 12 generally appear in person for first-time biometric enrolment, where a photograph is scanned or taken and fingerprints are collected. Previous Schengen biometrics may be reused within 59 months, but an ICAO identity photo must still be present in the application file.
Read the official application process1
Check your list
Use the France-Visas document list generated for your purpose and filing country.
2
Prepare two photos
Use recent, high-quality ICAO prints unless your local checklist says otherwise.
3
Attend biometrics
Follow the centre instructions for scanning, live capture, and fingerprint collection.
Appearance checklist
Keep the image natural and ICAO-style
Look directly at the camera with the head straight and both sides of the face visible.
Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, and eyes open and clearly visible.
Use uniform lighting with no shadows, flash reflection, or red eye.
Show natural skin tones in a sharp, clear, high-quality colour image.
Use a plain light-coloured background with no objects or other people.
Religious head coverings may be worn only when the full facial features remain visible.
France alteration note
France-Visas requires the image to be recent and conform to reality. Its filing guidance for Vietnam says photos must not be altered by image-editing software, and its Morocco guidance asks for unretouched photos. Because local instructions can be stricter than the general sheet. PassPhoto can replace the background, but the result may be rejected where unretouched photos are required. It never changes the face or identity; you decide whether to use the edited file.
FAQ
France visa photo questions
What size is a France visa photo?
France-Visas says the photo must be 35-40 mm wide and the face must measure 32-36 mm from chin to forehead, excluding hair. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image. A 35 x 45 mm print fits the published width, but the official France-Visas wording should control.
How many photos are needed for a France visa application?
The general France-Visas application process asks applicants to prepare two recent ID photos in ICAO format. Your generated document checklist and local visa centre instructions can be more specific, so follow them if they differ.
What background is required for a French visa photo?
The official photograph sheet requires a plain, light-coloured background with uniform lighting and no shadows. It does not prescribe one universal RGB colour. Use a real plain light background and do not rely on digital replacement.
Can I upload a 413 x 531 pixel France visa photo?
France-Visas does not publish a universal pixel size, DPI, file type, or maximum byte size for every visa route. Use digital dimensions only when the official application route publishes them.
Can I wear glasses in a France visa photo?
The official sheet permits glasses only when the eyes remain clearly visible, there is no reflection, the lenses are not tinted, and the frames do not cover any part of the eyes. It recommends avoiding heavy frames where possible.
Can PassPhoto use AI to replace a France visa photo background?
PassPhoto can replace the background, but use the result only after checking your filing-location instructions. France-Visas guidance for Vietnam says photos must not be altered by image-editing software, and Morocco asks for unretouched photos. The maker displays this note before processing.
Will the visa centre take my photo at the appointment?
France-Visas says biometric applicants over 12 may have one photograph scanned or taken when biometrics are collected. It also says an ICAO identity photo must remain in the file. Follow the appointment instructions for the country where you apply.
Does PassPhoto guarantee France visa acceptance?
No. This guide compares current published requirements and does not certify acceptance. The consulate or authorised service provider controls the final checklist, biometric capture, and decision.