Whether to include a photo in your CV depends on the country. This guide covers when a photo is expected, when to skip it, and how to choose the right one.
The short answer
Whether to include a photo depends entirely on where you are applying. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, a professional photo is standard and expected. In France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, it is common in customer-facing sectors but optional elsewhere. In the UK and US, photos are actively discouraged and can trigger unconscious bias concerns.
Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH)
A Bewerbungsfoto is standard practice in DACH markets. Most recruiters expect one. A professional headshot - not a selfie, not a holiday photo - placed at the top right of your CV signals that you understand local norms.
Netherlands
A photo is optional in the Netherlands: around 52% of candidates include one. For customer-facing roles such as sales, hospitality, marketing, and media, recruiters increasingly expect it. For finance, law, government, and technical fields, it is better to leave it out.
France and Belgium
In France and French-speaking Belgium, a professional photo is common: roughly 78% of French CVs include one. It is most expected in customer-facing roles such as sales, hospitality, and communication. For finance, law, the public sector, and technical roles, it is better to omit it. In Flemish Belgium, the convention aligns with the Netherlands - optional and increasingly common for client-facing roles.
UK, US and Canada
Do not include a photo when applying to UK or US companies. Many employers use anonymous screening to reduce bias, and photos can put your application at a disadvantage before a human even reads it.
When a photo strengthens your application
- You are applying in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland - a photo is expected.
- You are applying for a client-facing or public-facing role in the Netherlands or France.
- The job posting or company uses a clearly European hiring process.
- You have a professional headshot that is recent, well-lit, and appropriately dressed.
When to leave it out
- You are applying to UK, US, Canadian, or Australian companies.
- The job description is in English and the company is international.
- You do not have a professional photo - a poor photo does more damage than no photo.
- The company has explicitly asked for no photo.
What makes a good CV photo
Professional headshot: head and shoulders only. Not a group photo crop.
Neutral or plain background - white, light grey, or soft blue works best.
Professional attire appropriate for your target industry.
Good lighting: natural or soft studio light. Avoid harsh shadows or backlighting.
Recent photo: taken within the last 2 years. Avoid outdated or heavily filtered images.
File format: JPEG or PNG. Keep file size under 500KB to avoid bloating your PDF.
Photo placement in your CV
In European CVs, the photo typically sits in the header area of the first page, aligned with your name and contact details. Placement depends on the template: top left, top right, centered, or inside a sidebar. Standard photo size is roughly 3.5 x 3.5 cm - displayed as a circle or square depending on the template. The key is consistency: your photo should feel like a natural part of the layout, not an afterthought.
How ZVee handles photos
ZVee supports photo uploads in the profile section. Placement varies by template: top left, top right, centered, or in a sidebar column. All templates crop the photo to a square with a 1:1 ratio - circle or square depending on the template style. You can remove your photo at any time before exporting.
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