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The Challenge
Bulgaria requires 35×45mm photos with a specific light grey (20%) background — not white. Photos must be printed on matte paper of specified thickness (0.12-0.20mm), 3 copies required, and head size 25-35mm. Using white background or wrong paper thickness results in rejection at the Bulgarian passport office.
Bulgaria requires GREY background — not white
- Bulgarian authorities specify a light grey (20% grey) background — NOT white
- White backgrounds are rejected at Bulgarian passport offices
- Many competitor tools and generic photo booths default to white — this causes rejection
- Use a light grey wall, backdrop, or the enhancement tool to ensure correct background
- This is one of the most common mistakes when preparing Bulgarian passport photos
One photo format for Bulgarian passports, ID cards, and visas
Bulgaria uses standardised 35×45mm biometric photos for passports (Паспорт), national identity cards (Лична карта), Schengen visa applications, and residence permits. Since Bulgaria joined the Schengen area, the same biometric standards apply for cross-border travel documents. All Bulgarian identity documents use identical photo specifications. Prepare 3 identical photos for each application.
Bulgarian passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 25-35mm (chin to crown)
- Light grey background (20% grey) — white is NOT accepted
- Background uniform, plain, with no shadows or patterns
- Inter-pupillary distance 15-20mm (distance between eye centres)
- Eyes in the middle of the photo vertically
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open facing camera
- Face fully visible and centred — no tilt or rotation
- No hats, headbands, or head coverings (religious exemptions apply)
- Glasses allowed if no glare or reflection — frames must not cover eyes
- Colour photo at 600 DPI minimum
- Printed on matte paper, thickness 0.12-0.20mm
- 3 identical photos required
- JPEG format, max 240KB for digital submissions
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
- No compression artefacts — uncompressed JPEG preferred
Common rejection reasons at Bulgarian passport offices
- White background instead of required light grey (most common mistake)
- Head height outside 25-35mm range
- Paper too thin or too thick (must be 0.12-0.20mm matte paper)
- Fewer than 3 identical photos submitted
- Shadows on face or background
- Glasses causing glare, reflection, or frames obscuring eyes
- Hat or head covering visible (non-religious)
- Photo older than 6 months
- Digital file exceeds 240KB maximum
- Low resolution or visible compression artefacts
- Eyes not centred vertically in photo
Paper thickness requirement — unique to Bulgaria
Bulgaria specifies matte photo paper between 0.12mm and 0.20mm thickness. This is unusual — most EU countries specify only paper type (matte/glossy) without thickness requirements. Standard matte photo paper from brands like Canon, HP, and Epson typically falls within 0.15-0.25mm range. Check the paper specification before purchasing. Ultra-thin inkjet paper and thick card stock are both outside the acceptable range and will be rejected.
Beards, moustaches, and appearance changes
Beards and moustaches are permitted in Bulgarian passport photos. However, if you shave a beard or moustache after your passport photo was taken, you must take new photos — the passport office requires your photo to match your current appearance. Wigs are only allowed if worn permanently. Growing a beard or changing hair colour does not require a new photo as long as you remain identifiable. Children under 16 do not need new photos for natural age-related appearance changes.
How to print Bulgarian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo paper between 0.12-0.20mm thickness. Check packaging for paper weight/thickness specifications.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode, 600 DPI.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler and callipers to confirm.
- Background check: Verify the printed grey background matches light grey (20%). Compare against a reference if possible.
- Print 3+ copies: Bulgaria requires 3 identical photos. Print extras as backup.
- Alternative: Print at a photo studio in Bulgaria. Specify 'паспортна снимка, 35×45мм, сив фон, мат хартия'.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Setup: Lay baby on plain light grey sheet or blanket. Avoid white — Bulgaria requires grey background.
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash. No shadows.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- Infants: Eyes do not need to be fully open. Face must still be clearly visible.
- Children: Must have eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed, facing camera.
- Support: Hands supporting head must not be visible in photo.
- Props: Remove dummies, toys, bottles. Only the child visible in frame.
- Quantity: 3 identical photos per child, same specifications as adults.
Bulgaria and Schengen — photo requirements
Bulgaria joined the Schengen area, meaning Bulgarian passport photos must meet ICAO biometric standards compatible with Schengen border systems. Schengen visa applications for travel to Bulgaria use the same 35×45mm photo format. The key difference from standard Schengen guidelines is Bulgaria's grey background requirement — most Schengen countries accept white or light grey, but Bulgaria specifically mandates grey.
Digital submission format
For online applications and digital submissions, Bulgarian authorities accept JPEG format with a maximum file size of 240KB. Resolution must be at minimum 600 DPI equivalent (826×1063 pixels for 35×45mm). Photos should not be heavily compressed — visible compression artefacts lead to rejection. This tool generates optimised JPEG files within the 240KB limit while maintaining quality.
Good vs bad Bulgarian passport photo examples
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Bulgaria
- Photo studio in Sofia/Plovdiv/Varna: лв6-15 (€3-8) for 3 photos
- Instant photo booth (фотоавтомат): лв4-8 for 4 photos (often white background — verify!)
- Print shop with custom specs: лв5-10
- This tool: Free. Print at home for лв0.50-1.00 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: лв4-15 per application
- Warning: Many photo booths in Bulgaria default to white backgrounds — always verify grey before paying
Official Bulgarian Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Face
Select Enhancement Variant
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 25-35 mm (chin to crown)
- Inter-pupillary Distance
- 15-20 mm between eye centres
- Background
- Light grey (20% grey specified)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte, 0.12-0.20mm thickness
- Quantity
- 3 identical photos
- Digital Format
- JPEG, max 240KB
- Valid For
- Passport, лична карта (ID card), Schengen visa
Best Practices
- Bulgaria requires LIGHT GREY background (20% grey) — white backgrounds are rejected
- 3 identical photos required — not 1 or 2 like most EU countries
- Matte paper must be 0.12-0.20mm thick — check paper packaging before printing
- Head height 25-35mm — wider range than standard EU/ICAO 32-36mm
- Beards and moustaches allowed — but if shaved after photo, you must retake
- Digital submissions: JPEG format, max 240KB file size
- Photo booths in Bulgaria often default to white — verify grey background before paying
- Wigs only allowed if worn permanently
- Inter-pupillary distance must be 15-20mm — eyes must be centred vertically
Frequently Asked Questions
What background colour for Bulgarian passport photos?
Light grey (20% grey specifically). Bulgaria does NOT accept white backgrounds — this is a critical difference from most EU countries and a very common cause of rejection. Use a light grey backdrop or wall.
What are Bulgarian passport photo requirements?
35×45mm, head height 25-35mm, light grey (20%) background, 600 DPI, matte paper 0.12-0.20mm thick, neutral expression, eyes open and centred. 3 identical photos required. Taken within 6 months. JPEG max 240KB for digital.
How many photos for Bulgarian passport?
3 identical photos required for passport applications. Visa applications also typically require 3 photos. Print extras as backup — Bulgarian authorities are strict on photo compliance.
What paper thickness for Bulgarian passport photos?
Matte paper between 0.12mm and 0.20mm thickness. This is a Bulgaria-specific requirement. Standard matte photo paper (Canon, HP, Epson) typically falls within 0.15-0.25mm — check packaging specifications. Ultra-thin or card stock paper will be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in Bulgarian passport photos?
Yes, prescription glasses are allowed if lenses are clear with no glare or reflections, and frames do not obscure your eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are prohibited. Removing glasses is recommended to avoid issues.
Are beards allowed in Bulgarian passport photos?
Yes, beards and moustaches are allowed. However, if you shave a beard or moustache after your photo was taken, you must take new passport photos. Your photo must reflect your current appearance.
Can I use the same photo for Bulgarian passport and Schengen visa?
Yes. Bulgarian passport, national ID card (лична карта), and Schengen visa all use identical 35×45mm specifications with grey background. One photo set works for all applications within 6 months.
What is the digital file size limit for Bulgarian passport photos?
Maximum 240KB in JPEG format for digital submissions. Photos must be 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum. Avoid heavy compression — visible artefacts lead to rejection.
Why was my Bulgarian passport photo rejected?
Most common reason: white background instead of required light grey. Other causes: wrong paper thickness, head size outside 25-35mm, shadows, fewer than 3 photos, photo older than 6 months, or low resolution.
Where can I get Bulgarian passport photos?
Photo studios in Bulgarian cities (лв6-15 for 3 photos), photo booths (verify grey background first!), or DIY at home for лв0.50-1.00. Many photo booths default to white backgrounds — always check before paying.
Can I wear a wig in Bulgarian passport photos?
Only if worn permanently as part of your daily appearance. Occasional wig use is not permitted in official photos. The photo must reflect your actual everyday appearance.
How long is a Bulgarian passport valid?
5 years for regular passports. 10 years available for certain document types. Photos must be retaken for each renewal — the 6-month recency rule applies to each new application.