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The Challenge
Cyprus requires 40×50mm biometric passport photos—larger than the EU standard 35×45mm. Head must be at least 34mm (68% of frame). Photos are collected at service points with biometric stations, but applicants may bring their own compliant photo. Professional photo services charge €10-20. One rejected photo means rebooking an appointment.
Cyprus passport photo process
Cypriot biometric passports are issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department under the Ministry of Interior. Applications can be submitted online via gov.cy or in person at District Administration Offices. In all cases, the applicant must appear in person for biometric data collection (photo, fingerprints, signature). However, applicants may provide their own photo instead of using the service point camera, provided it meets the official specifications. Fingerprints are deleted within 48 hours after passport issuance for data protection.
Cyprus uses 40×50mm—NOT the EU standard 35×45mm
- Cypriot passport photos are 40×50mm, larger than the standard EU 35×45mm
- EU or Schengen visa photos (35×45mm) will be rejected for passport applications
- Head must be at least 34mm from chin to crown (68% of frame height)
- Top of head must be at least 5mm from the top edge of the photo
- This is a print-only format—no digital upload portal exists for Cyprus passports
Cyprus passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 40×50mm dimensions (NOT EU standard 35×45mm)
- Head height minimum 34mm from chin to crown
- Top of head at least 5mm from top edge of photo
- Plain white background, no shadows or patterns
- Colour photograph—black and white not accepted
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and visible, looking directly at camera
- No glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's statement
- No hats, headwear, or headphones (religious/medical exceptions)
- No digital editing, retouching, or filters
- No uniforms, costumes, or official-looking attire
- Printed on photo-quality paper, no creases or ink marks
- Reverse of photo must be white and unglazed
Common rejection reasons
- Using EU 35×45mm format instead of required 40×50mm
- Head smaller than 34mm (too far from camera)
- Top of head less than 5mm from top edge (too close to camera)
- Shadows on face or white background
- Black and white photo submitted instead of colour
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Digital editing or retouching detected
- Photo older than 6 months
- Printed on low-quality paper or with visible creases
- Wearing uniform or costume
- Head tilted or not facing camera directly
How to print Cyprus passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (glossy or matte accepted). Reverse side must be white and unglazed.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4 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 40×50mm. Use ruler to confirm before your appointment.
- Quality check: No creases, ink marks, or fingerprints on the photo surface.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '40×50mm passport photo on photo paper'.
Bringing your own photo vs service point camera
Cyprus service points have biometric stations that capture your photo during the appointment. You are not required to bring your own photo. However, the official gov.cy guidance states applicants may provide their own photo if it meets the required specifications. Bringing a prepared photo can save time at the appointment and gives you more control over the result. If your submitted photo does not meet specifications, the officer will use the biometric station camera instead.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint and signature requirements
- Lay infant on plain white sheet or blanket, photograph from directly above
- Alternatively, cover a car seat with a plain white sheet and photograph child seated
- Only the child should be visible—no other people, hands, toys, or objects in frame
- Child must look straight at camera with mouth closed
- For infants: eyes not entirely open is acceptable
- For all other children: eyes must be fully open
- Same size and quality requirements as adult photos (40×50mm, white background)
Cyprus passport photo vs Schengen visa photo
Applying for a Cyprus passport
Applications are submitted online via gov.cy or in person at District Administration Offices using the prescribed form. Online applications via gov.cy still require an in-person visit to a service point for biometric collection. Passport validity is 10 years for adults. For minors, both parents or legal guardians must consent—if submitted online, electronic consent via CyLogin is required. If one parent has sole custody, the Family Court Decree must be submitted. For lost or stolen passports, a police report and court affidavit are required before applying for replacement.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional
- Service point biometric camera: Free (included in passport application process)
- Professional photo studio in Nicosia/Limassol: €10-20 for set of photos
- Local photo shop print: €5-10 for custom 40×50mm prints
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.30-0.60 per sheet (photo paper + ink)
- Advantage of DIY: Multiple retakes until satisfied, bring best photo to appointment
Applying from abroad
Cypriot citizens abroad can apply at Diplomatic Missions equipped with biometric stations. Applications must be submitted in person. A digital document photo may need to be emailed separately to the embassy. Contact your nearest Cyprus embassy or consulate to confirm their specific requirements, as not all missions have biometric equipment. Passport processing from abroad typically takes 6-10 weeks.
Official Cyprus Government Resources
- Apply for a Passport - gov.cy Official online passport application portal for Cyprus
- Passports - Ministry of Interior Passport procedure, requirements, and photo specifications from Ministry of Interior
- Civil Registry and Migration Department CRMD passport information and biometric data requirements
- Visa Application Process - MFA Cyprus visa application requirements (uses different 35×45mm photo format)
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (Min 34mm)
Select Enhancement
Print Photo Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 40×50 mm
- Resolution
- 944×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- Minimum 34 mm (68%+ of frame)
- Top Margin
- Minimum 5 mm from top edge
- Background
- Plain white, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- Cypriot biometric passport
Best Practices
- Cyprus uses 40×50mm—do NOT use EU standard 35×45mm or Schengen visa photos
- Head must be at least 34mm from chin to crown—use crop guidelines to verify
- White background required—plain white wall works, avoid off-white or cream
- Colour photos only—black and white photos are not accepted despite some outdated sources claiming otherwise
- You can bring your own photo to the service point instead of using the biometric camera
- Reverse of printed photo must be white and unglazed—check your photo paper
- No digital upload portal exists—Cyprus passport photos are print-only or captured at service point
- For infants, eyes not fully open is acceptable; all other children's eyes must be open
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cyprus passport photo requirements?
Cypriot passport photos must be 40×50mm colour photographs with white background. Head minimum 34mm from chin to crown, at least 5mm from top edge. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. No glasses unless medical exemption. Taken within last 6 months. Printed on photo-quality paper with white, unglazed reverse.
Can I use EU passport photos for Cyprus?
No. EU standard is 35×45mm, Cyprus requires 40×50mm. Different dimensions will be rejected. Schengen visa photos also differ—they use 35×45mm with grey background.
Do I need to bring my own photo to the appointment?
No, the service point has a biometric camera. But you may bring your own photo if it meets specifications. Bringing your own gives you more control over the result and saves time at the appointment.
Can I submit Cyprus passport photos digitally?
No. Cyprus passport applications require in-person biometric collection. There is no self-service digital upload portal for passport photos. Either use the service point camera or bring printed photos.
Are black and white photos accepted for Cyprus passports?
No. Colour photographs are required. Some outdated sources suggest black and white is preferred, but current official requirements specify colour photos accurately representing natural skin tones and hair colour.
Can I wear glasses in Cyprus passport photos?
No, unless medically required with a signed doctor's statement. If worn: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not obscure eyes.
What paper type for Cyprus passport photos?
Photo-quality paper, either glossy or matte. The reverse side must be white and unglazed. No creases, ink marks, or fingerprints on the photo surface.
How recent must Cyprus passport photos be?
Within last 6 months. Photos must reflect your current appearance.
What about children and infant passport photos?
Same 40×50mm specifications. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints and signature. For infants, eyes not fully open is acceptable. Lay baby on white sheet, photograph from above. Only the child visible in frame.
Where do I apply for a Cyprus passport?
Online via gov.cy or in person at District Administration Offices. Both require in-person visit for biometric collection. From abroad, apply at Cyprus Diplomatic Missions with biometric stations. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.