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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.

[Build country-specific CVs (with or without photo) — free with ResumAI](/).