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The Challenge
Croatia requires 35×45mm biometric photos for passports, visas, and national ID cards with 70–80% face coverage, white or light grey background, and professional-quality printing. Croatian MUP explicitly bans photos from self-service booths and retouched images. One non-compliant photo = rejection and 30-day reprocessing wait.
One photo format for Croatian passport, visa, and ID card
Croatia uses standardised 35×45mm photos for passport applications (putovnica), all Schengen visa types, and osobna iskaznica (national ID card) applications. The Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP) sets identical dimensions and face coverage rules for all three document types. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. As an EU and Schengen member state, Croatia follows ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards with country-specific enforcement by MUP.
Croatian photo ID requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 31.5–36mm (70–80% of frame)
- Minimum 3mm space from top of photo to top of head (crown)
- White or light grey background with no shadows or patterns
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Full face (en face) view – no head tilt, no profile angle
- Forehead fully uncovered – no hair covering forehead or eyebrows
- No glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- No headphones, wireless devices, or similar items
- No head covering unless religious or medical with documentation
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Not retouched or digitally altered in any way
- Not taken with self-service photo booth (MUP requirement)
- At least 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality
- Printed on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper
Common rejection reasons by Croatian MUP
- Photo taken with self-service booth (automat) – explicitly banned by MUP regulations
- Photo has been retouched or digitally altered
- Head height outside 31.5–36mm range (70–80% of frame)
- Less than 3mm space between top of head and top of photo
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Forehead covered by hair or head covering
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Wearing headphones or wireless devices
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Photo older than 6 months
- Background not plain white or light grey
- Head tilted, rotated, or not facing camera directly
How to print Croatian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use high-quality photo paper. MUP ID card regulations specify glossy smooth paper; matte is also accepted for passport applications.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- 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 to confirm before submission.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop in Croatia (foto studio). Specify 'fotografija za biometrijsku putovnicu 35×45mm'. Cost: approximately €5–15 for a set.
Croatian passport (putovnica) photo specifics
Croatian biometric passports require one 35×45mm colour photograph. When submitting at a police station (policijska uprava), tell the photographer the photo is specifically for a biometric passport – MUP regulations require this be stated. For e-Građani online passport renewal, a new photo is not needed if your existing photo in the MUP database is less than 5 years old and your appearance has not significantly changed. Standard passport processing takes 30 days; expedited takes 48 hours in Zagreb or 3 working days elsewhere.
Croatian ID card (osobna iskaznica) photo specifics
The osobna iskaznica uses the same 35×45mm format with 70–80% face coverage. MUP regulations for the electronic ID card specifically require photos printed on high-quality glossy smooth paper without surface texture. If you have been issued a Croatian biometric passport within the last 5 years, MUP can use the stored photo from their database and no new photo is needed, unless your appearance has significantly changed. Both the identification certificate and signature certificate on the eOI rely on the biometric photo stored in the system.
Croatia Schengen visa photo requirements
As a Schengen member state, Croatia follows standard Schengen visa photo specifications for applications from non-EU/EEA nationals: 35×45mm, head height 32–36mm (70–80%), plain light background (white or light grey), taken within 6 months. Two identical photos are typically required for visa applications. The same photo format works for tourist (Type C), transit (Type A), long-stay (Type D), and work visa applications. Digital submissions for e-visa applications accept JPEG format.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white or light grey blanket on floor for overhead photography.
- Ensure even lighting without shadows on face or background.
- Only the child should be visible – no hands, toys, pacifiers, or other people.
- If head support is needed, position hands behind or under head, fully outside the frame.
- Infants may have eyes not fully open – this is accepted by Croatian authorities.
- All other children must have eyes open, neutral expression, facing camera directly.
- Photo dimensions and quality requirements are identical to adult photos.
- Both parents or legal guardians must consent to passport applications for minors.
- Children over 12 must be present in person at MUP for fingerprinting.
Good vs bad Croatian passport photo examples
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Croatia
- Professional foto studio in Croatia: €10–15 for a set of photos
- Photo shop near MUP police station: €5–12 (most convenient option)
- Photo kiosk/self-service booth: Not allowed – MUP explicitly bans these
- This tool: Free – print at home for €0.30–0.60 per sheet (paper + ink)
- Print at local photo shop with your file: €3–8 for custom print
- Savings: €5–15 per application using DIY approach
- Family of four (passports + ID cards): Save €40–120 using DIY
e-Građani online applications and photo reuse
Croatian citizens with an electronic osobna iskaznica (eOI) less than one year old with identification and signature certificates can submit passport applications through the e-Građani portal without visiting MUP in person. When applying via e-Građani, a new photo is not required – the system uses the photo, fingerprints, and signature already stored in the MUP database. This means your existing biometric photo can be reused for new passport issuance. However, if your appearance has changed significantly, a new photo will be required. e-Građani applications have the same 30-day processing time as in-person submissions. Delivery to your Croatian residence address costs €46.45.
Croatia bans self-service photo booths
Unlike many EU countries, Croatian MUP regulations explicitly state that photos 'ne može biti izrađena na raznim aparatima za samofotografiranje (automatima)' – cannot be made using self-service photo booth machines. Photos must be taken by a professional photographer or using proper equipment. This tool helps you achieve professional-quality results from a home photo while meeting MUP biometric standards.
Official Croatian Government Resources
- MUP – Passport (Putovnica) Information Official Croatian Ministry of Interior passport application page
- MUP – Photo Examples (Correct and Incorrect) Official examples of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos with biometric templates
- MUP – Biometric Passport Information Biometric passport details including e-Građani online application
- MUP – Osobna Iskaznica (ID Card) National ID card application requirements and procedures
- Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Passport Abroad Passport application at Croatian embassies and consulates
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 31.5–36 mm (70–80% of frame)
- Top Space
- Minimum 3 mm from top of photo to top of head
- Background
- White or light grey, plain
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- High-quality glossy or matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Passport (putovnica), Schengen visa, osobna iskaznica (ID card)
Best Practices
- Croatian MUP bans self-service photo booth photos – use a proper camera or visit a foto studio
- Photos must not be retouched or digitally altered – MUP regulations explicitly prohibit this
- One photo works for passport, visa, and osobna iskaznica if taken within 6 months
- Tell photographer it's for 'biometrijska putovnica' – MUP requires this to be specified
- If you got a biometric passport within 5 years, MUP can reuse that photo for osobna iskaznica
- Head must occupy 70–80% of frame height with minimum 3mm space above crown
- For e-Građani online passport renewal, no new photo needed if database photo is under 5 years old
- Use crop guidelines to position head correctly – rejection is automatic if outside 31.5–36mm range
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Croatia passport photo requirements?
Croatian passport photos must be 35×45mm, colour, taken within 6 months, with white or light grey background. Head must be 31.5–36mm (70–80% of frame), minimum 3mm from top of head to top of photo, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, forehead uncovered. Photos cannot be from self-service booths or retouched. Must be printed on high-quality photo paper.
Can I use the same photo for Croatian passport, visa, and ID card?
Yes. Croatian passport (putovnica), Schengen visa applications, and osobna iskaznica (national ID card) all use identical 35×45mm specifications with 70–80% face coverage. One photo works for all applications if taken within 6 months.
Why does Croatia ban self-service photo booths?
MUP regulations explicitly state photos cannot be made using self-service photo booth machines (automatima). This is to ensure biometric quality standards are met. Photos should be taken by a professional photographer or with proper equipment and lighting.
What background colour for Croatian passport photos?
White or light grey plain background without shadows or patterns. The official MUP embassy page specifies white background. Light grey is also widely accepted and may provide better contrast for lighter skin tones.
Can I reuse my old photo for a new Croatian passport?
If applying via e-Građani online and your photo in the MUP database is less than 5 years old with no significant appearance change, no new photo is needed. For in-person applications, you must bring a new photo taken within 6 months.
Can I wear glasses in Croatian passport photos?
No, unless medically required with documentation. If worn for medical reasons, lenses must not be tinted, there must be no glare or reflection, and frames must not cover eyes. Blind individuals may keep dark glasses per MUP exception.
How recent must Croatian passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance. This applies to passport, visa, and osobna iskaznica applications equally.
What paper type for Croatian photo ID?
MUP osobna iskaznica regulations specify high-quality glossy smooth paper without surface texture. For passports, both glossy and matte photo paper are accepted. When in doubt, use glossy to satisfy both document types.
Where can I print Croatian passport photos?
Print at home on photo paper (cheapest at €0.30–0.60 per sheet), or at any foto studio near a police station (€5–15). Most foto studios near MUP offices know the exact requirements. Specify '35×45mm za biometrijsku putovnicu'.
What's the digital pixel size for Croatian passport photos?
827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This is the standard conversion of 35×45mm at 600 DPI resolution. For digital submissions (e-visa or online applications), JPEG format is accepted.