Resume Writing · 6 min read
Should You Put a Photo on Your CV in 2026? (Country-by-Country)
Photo on a CV is one of those decisions where the right answer flips depending on where you're applying. Here's the 2026 rule, by country and by industry.
By country
Photo expected
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland — yes, professional photo, top-right of page one.
- France, Italy, Spain, Portugal — common but not strictly expected.
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar — yes, usually with full personal details.
- China, Japan, South Korea — yes, sometimes passport-style.
- Brazil, Mexico, Argentina — common.
- India — common, especially outside top tech.
Photo optional or rare
- Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland — increasingly skipped.
- Belgium, Ireland — split.
No photo
- UK, Australia, New Zealand — no photo.
- USA, Canada — no photo. Many companies legally remove CVs with photos.
- Sweden — strong cultural norm against photos.
By industry
- Tech (international) — usually no photo, even in countries where it's expected.
- Consulting, banking, law — follow the country norm, leaning conservative.
- Hospitality, sales, customer-facing — photo can help.
- Creative (design, advertising) — photo less expected; portfolio matters more.
If you include a photo
- Plain background (white, light grey).
- Shoulders-up, looking at the camera.
- Professional dress.
- Recent (within 3 years).
- High resolution.
- Around 35x45mm, top right of page one.
TL;DR
- US, UK, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Netherlands → no photo.
- Germany, Switzerland, France, UAE → yes, professional photo.
- Tech internationally → usually no photo.
- If you include one, make it a real professional photo.
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