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The Challenge
Estonia requires 40×50mm photos with head covering 70-80% of frame height—larger than EU standard 35×45mm. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) mandates digital JPEG upload (1-5MB, min 1300×1600px) via their self-service portal. Non-compliant photos extend processing time. Professional services charge €10-15 per set.
One photo format for all Estonian identity documents
Estonia uses 40×50mm photos for passports, national ID cards, e-Residency digital ID, residence permits, and travel documents. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) manages all applications through their self-service portal at iseteenindus.politsei.ee. Estonia is a digital-first country—most applications accept digital JPEG uploads, eliminating the need for physical prints. The same photo works across all document types within the 6-month validity period.
Estonia uses 40×50mm—NOT the EU standard 35×45mm
- Estonian photos are 40×50mm, larger than the standard EU 35×45mm format
- EU passport photos will be rejected for Estonian applications
- Head must cover 70-80% of photo height (stricter than most EU countries)
- PPA requires digital JPEG between 1 MB and 5 MB, minimum 1300×1600 pixels
- Scanned photos, screenshots, and selfies (front camera) are explicitly rejected
Estonian passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 40×50mm dimensions (NOT EU standard 35×45mm)
- Head height 70-80% of photo (35-40mm from chin to crown)
- Light, single-colour background without patterns or objects
- Colour photograph, completely unedited and unretouched
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open, level (head not tilted), looking directly at camera
- No headwear or headphones (religious/medical exceptions with documentation)
- Glasses allowed if eyes visible and no glare on lenses
- Digital format: JPEG, minimum 1300×1600 pixels, 1-5 MB file size
- Not a scanned photo, screenshot, or front-camera selfie
- No other people or objects visible in photo
Common rejection reasons by PPA
- Using EU 35×45mm format instead of required 40×50mm
- Head size outside 70-80% range (too close or too far from camera)
- Submitting a scanned print photo or mobile screenshot (explicitly banned)
- Front-camera selfie (PPA states front camera distorts face shape)
- File size outside 1-5 MB range or below 1300×1600 pixels
- Edited or retouched photo (blemish removal, filters, beauty mode)
- Background with patterns, objects, or multiple colours
- Glare or reflections on glasses obscuring eyes
- Head tilted or eyes not level
- Photo older than 6 months
How to upload photo to PPA self-service portal
- Download single JPEG from this tool (formatted to meet PPA pixel and file size requirements)
- Log into PPA self-service portal at iseteenindus.politsei.ee
- Navigate to your document application (passport, ID card, or residence permit)
- Upload JPEG in the photo section of the application form
- PPA system validates dimensions and file size automatically
- If photo fails validation, error message indicates the specific issue
- Alternative: email photo to [email protected] with full name and personal ID number
Background colour: what Estonia actually requires
The PPA specifies a 'light and single colour' background without patterns or objects. Unlike the competitor sites claiming 'white only,' Estonian authorities prefer grey or light neutral backgrounds. The Estonian Embassy in Washington specifically states grey background. Light grey, off-white, and cream are all accepted provided the background is uniform with no shadows. Avoid pure white if you have very pale skin—light grey provides better contrast and is the traditional Estonian standard.
Taking the photo: PPA-recommended approach
- PPA recommends using their free photo booths at service offices (available in all offices except Keila)
- If taking at home: use the rear camera of your phone, NOT the front camera (PPA explicitly warns front camera distorts face shape)
- Have another person take the photo—not a selfie
- Stand against a plain, light-coloured wall (grey or off-white preferred)
- Use even, natural lighting—avoid direct flash causing shadows or glare
- Face directly at camera, eyes level, neutral expression
- Ensure head covers 70-80% of frame height using crop guidelines in this tool
- Photo booth photos are stored digitally and valid for 183 days across all PPA services
Estonian e-Residency photo requirements
Estonia's e-Residency digital ID uses the same 40×50mm photo specifications as passports and ID cards. The photo is required for processing even though it does not appear on the physical card. Apply through eresident.politsei.ee—upload the same JPEG format (min 1300×1600px, 1-5 MB). The PPA explicitly warns against submitting photos of existing passport photos or scanned prints for e-Residency applications. Poor-quality photos are the most common cause of application processing delays.
How to print Estonian passport photos at home
- Note: Most Estonian applications accept digital upload—printing may not be required
- If embassy or consulate requests printed photos: download the print sheet from this tool
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper. PPA does not specify matte or glossy—either is accepted
- 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
- Cut precisely along grey guide lines. Final photos must measure exactly 40×50mm
- For embassy applications abroad: check with the specific embassy whether printed photos are required
Taking document photos of babies and young children (0-7 years)
- PPA recommends using a professional photographer's studio for young children
- Photo booth may fail for very young children who cannot face camera long enough
- Lay baby on plain light-coloured blanket or sheet on a flat surface
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame
- Child must look straight at camera with mouth closed
- Remove large hair accessories, toys, pacifiers, and other objects from frame
- Only the child should be visible—no hands, other people, or supports showing
- If using PPA photo booth with young child, ask a service office official for assistance
Estonia vs EU standard passport photo differences
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- PPA photo booth: Free at any service office (except Keila)
- Professional photographer in Tallinn/Tartu: €8-15 for digital file
- Passport photo services online: €5-12 for digital download
- This tool: Free—download JPEG and upload directly to PPA portal
- For embassy applications abroad: printing at photo shop costs €3-8 additional
- Family of four applying for passports: save €32-60 using DIY vs professional
Glasses and medical exemptions
Estonia allows glasses in passport photos, unlike many countries that have banned them entirely. However, strict conditions apply: eyes must be fully visible through the lenses, glasses frames cannot obscure the eyes, and there must be no glare or light reflections on the lenses. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted unless medically required with a signed doctor's statement. If you cannot achieve a glare-free photo with glasses, remove them—it is simpler and avoids rejection risk.
Official Estonian Government Resources
- Photo Requirements - Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) Official document photo requirements and instructions from PPA
- PPA Self-Service Portal Apply for Estonian passport, ID card, and residence permits online
- e-Residency Photo Requirements Photo specifications for e-Residency digital ID applications
- Estonian Personal Identity Documents - eesti.ee Official Estonian government portal for passport and ID card applications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (70-80% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download JPEG for PPA Portal or Print
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 40×50 mm
- Digital Minimum
- 1300×1600 pixels, JPEG
- File Size
- 1 MB – 5 MB
- Head Height
- 70-80% of photo height (35-40 mm)
- Background
- Light, single colour (grey preferred)
- Recency
- Within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and level
- Valid For
- Passport, ID card, e-Residency, residence permit
Best Practices
- Estonia uses 40×50mm—do NOT use EU standard 35×45mm photos
- PPA explicitly bans front-camera selfies—use rear camera with another person taking the photo
- Scanned prints and screenshots are rejected—upload original digital JPEG only
- Light grey background is the Estonian standard—pure white is accepted but grey is traditional
- Glasses are allowed in Estonia (unlike many countries) if no glare and eyes fully visible
- File must be JPEG, 1-5 MB, minimum 1300×1600 pixels for PPA portal upload
- Free photo booth available at all PPA service offices (except Keila)—valid 183 days
- Same photo works for passport, ID card, e-Residency, and residence permit applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Estonian passport photo requirements?
Estonian passport photos must be 40×50mm, colour, unedited, with head covering 70-80% of photo height. Light, single-colour background (grey preferred). Digital format: JPEG, minimum 1300×1600 pixels, 1-5 MB file size. Taken within last 6 months. Face centred, neutral expression, eyes open and level.
Can I use EU passport photos for Estonia?
No. EU standard is 35×45mm, Estonia requires 40×50mm. Different dimensions will be rejected. You must use 40×50mm format specifically for Estonian applications.
What background colour for Estonian passport photos?
PPA requires 'light and single colour' background. Grey is the traditional Estonian standard. Light grey, off-white, and cream are all accepted. The background must be uniform with no patterns, objects, or shadows.
Can I take an Estonian passport photo with my phone?
Yes, but PPA specifically requires using the rear camera—not the front (selfie) camera, which distorts face shape. Have another person take the photo. Alternatively, use the free photo booth at any PPA service office.
What's the digital file format for PPA upload?
JPEG format, minimum 1300×1600 pixels, file size between 1 MB and 5 MB. Scanned photos, screenshots, and photos of existing photos are explicitly rejected. Upload via PPA self-service portal or email to [email protected].
Can I wear glasses in Estonian passport photos?
Yes, Estonia still allows glasses unlike many countries. Conditions: eyes must be fully visible, frames cannot obscure eyes, no glare or reflections on lenses. Tinted lenses and sunglasses not allowed unless medically required with doctor's statement.
Can I use the same photo for Estonian passport and ID card?
Yes. All Estonian identity documents (passport, ID card, e-Residency, residence permit) use identical 40×50mm specifications. One compliant photo works for all applications within the 6-month validity period.
How recent must Estonian passport photos be?
Self-taken photos must be within 6 months. Photos taken in PPA service office photo booths are valid for 183 days and stored digitally for use across all PPA services.
Do I need to print Estonian passport photos?
Usually no. Estonia is digital-first—most applications accept JPEG upload via the PPA self-service portal. Physical prints may be required when applying at Estonian embassies abroad. Check with the specific embassy before printing.
Can I use this for e-Residency applications?
Yes. e-Residency digital ID uses the same 40×50mm photo specifications. Upload JPEG to eresident.politsei.ee. The photo is required for processing even though it does not appear on the physical card.