Schengen visa photo Nigeria: 35×45 mm, light grey, VFS Lagos/Abuja. https://www.pixid.studio/guide/schengen-visa-photo-nigeria

🇳🇬 Nigeria → 🇪🇺 Schengen visa · Last verified: May 2026

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements for Nigerian Applicants — VFS (2026)

35×45 mm 2 prints Light grey BG VFS

Quick answer: 35×45 mm, plain light grey or white background, head 32–36 mm, two identical prints. Submit at VFS Global for your Schengen country — Germany and Netherlands centres operate in Lagos and Abuja. Confirm background colour with your specific mission.

Official sources: VFS Germany/Nigeria · ICAO Doc 9303

Schengen visa 35×45 mm photo for Nigerian applicants at VFS
Light grey background is common for Schengen — not the same as NIS white or studio blue-grey.

Use this page if…

  • Nigerian applying for a Schengen visa via VFS in Nigeria.

Do not use this page for: Nigerian passport photo hub renewal, applicants outside this origin country, or generic sizing without VFS context — see general Schengen visa photo guide or Nigerian passport photo hub.

Schengen missions from Nigeria often require light grey, not the warm white studio background common for NIS passport photos. Confirm grey vs white on your VFS checklist before you print two identical copies.

VFS Schengen centres in Nigeria

Most Schengen applications from Nigeria go through VFS Global country-specific centres. Germany and Netherlands are common lead missions.

CentreAddress / areaNotes
Germany — LagosGround Floor, The Manor, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase 1VFS Germany Nigeria
Germany — Abuja3rd Floor, Sterling Bank Plaza, Plot 1083 Mohammedu Buhari Way, CBDConfirm on VFS site
Netherlands — LagosSame VFS network — check visa.vfsglobal.com for current addressMission-specific booking

VFS Germany/Nigeria · EU Visa Code

Photo specification

RequirementSpecification
Print size35×45 mm (ICAO)
Head height32–36 mm (chin to crown)
BackgroundPlain light grey or white (mission-specific)
QuantityTwo identical prints
Recency≤ 6 months
GlassesNot permitted
ExpressionNeutral
AttachmentOften glued to application form

Schengen missions often require light grey — not the blue/grey studio background common for NIS passport photos in Lagos.

Printed photo or digital upload?

Print required for standard Schengen paper applications. Some missions add digital upload — follow your VFS appointment checklist. Export 35×45 mm prints from PixID regardless.

Document photo compliance checks — background, head size, and framing
Visa centres check measurable rules — crop, background, and head height — not whether the photo is flattering.

What usually goes wrong in Nigeria

  • White background when mission requires light grey
  • NIS passport crop instead of Schengen 32–36 mm head height
  • Only one print
  • Shadows on grey background from uneven lighting

Printing for VFS appointment

Specify Schengen 35×45 mm, light grey background if applying via Germany/Netherlands. Print two copies at Lagos or Abuja photo labs.

PixID — $4.99

PixID checks crop, background, and file size for Schengen visa rules — without altering your face. $4.99, money-back guarantee.

See also

Frequently asked questions

What size for Schengen visa in Nigeria?
35×45 mm, ICAO standard.
Background colour?
Plain light grey or white — confirm with your mission.
How many photos?
Two identical prints typical.
Where to apply?
VFS Global for your Schengen country — Germany/Netherlands in Lagos & Abuja.
Same as NIS passport?
No — different head crop and often grey not white.
Glasses allowed?
No for Schengen visa photos.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance.
Do all Schengen countries use the same photo?
Baseline is ICAO 35×45 mm, but background grey vs white can vary by mission — confirm on your VFS checklist.

Schengen visa from Nigeria — 35×45 mm, two prints

Create Your Photo — $4.99

Verified against VFS Germany/Nigeria and EU Visa Code baseline.