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The Challenge
EU passports from 27 member states require standardized 35×45mm biometric photos with ICAO specifications: head 70-80% of frame height, white/off-white background, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Wrong measurements = rejection across all EU countries.
One photo standard for all 27 EU member states
European Union standardized passport photos across all member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden. Same 35×45mm ICAO biometric specifications apply to passports, national ID cards, residence permits, and Schengen visas.
EU biometric passport photo requirements - ICAO compliance
- 35×45mm dimensions (standardized across all 27 EU states)
- Head height 32-36mm (70-80% of photo height)
- White or off-white plain background with no shadows
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open, fully visible, looking directly at camera
- Even lighting on face with no harsh shadows
- Sharp focus, high resolution (826×1063px at 600 DPI)
- Taken within last 6 months showing current appearance
- No glasses (except medical exemption with documentation)
- No head coverings (except religious, face must be visible)
- No filters, digital alterations, or beauty mode
- High-quality matte photo paper for printed photos
Common rejection reasons across EU member states
- Head size outside 70-80% range (32-36mm height)
- Photo older than 6 months
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Background not plain white/off-white
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Smiling, mouth open, or teeth visible
- Eyes closed, partially closed, or looking away
- Head tilted or rotated
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Hair covering eyes or eyebrows
- Red-eye not corrected
- Digital filters or alterations applied
- Poor lighting creating uneven exposure
How to print EU passport photos at home
- Paper: Use high-quality matte photo paper. EU standards require matte finish for biometric compliance.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no fit to page), color 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 to confirm.
- Quantity: Most countries require 2-4 identical photos. Print extras for multiple applications.
- Alternative: Print at photo shops (€8-15 for 4 photos across EU countries).
Good vs bad EU passport photo examples
ICAO biometric standards for EU passports
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9303 establishes biometric standards adopted by all EU member states. Key requirements: head height 70-80% of photo (32-36mm), inter-pupillary distance specifications, neutral expression for facial recognition algorithms, plain light background for contrast, no glasses to ensure eye visibility. EU ePassports use embedded biometric chips verified against photo specifications.
Glasses policy across EU member states
EU standardized glasses policy: glasses generally not permitted in passport photos to ensure biometric facial recognition accuracy. Medical exemptions allowed with signed documentation from doctor stating glasses medically necessary. If exemption granted: clear non-tinted lenses, thin frames not covering eyes, no glare or reflections, eyes fully visible. Sunglasses never permitted. Check specific country requirements as some implement stricter no-glasses policies.
Religious and cultural head coverings
EU permits religious head coverings (hijab, turban, kippa) if worn for religious or cultural reasons. Requirements: face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead, no shadows cast on face by head covering, head covering cannot obscure facial features, ears may be covered but face outline must be clear. Some member states require signed declaration confirming religious reasons. Medical head coverings permitted with documentation.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Setup: Lay baby on plain white blanket on floor for even background.
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid flash creating harsh shadows.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centered.
- Support: If supporting head, keep hands completely out of frame and background.
- Eyes: Babies should have eyes open if possible (some countries relax this for infants under 6 months).
- Expression: Neutral expression. No pacifiers, toys, or other objects in frame.
- Timing: Take photos when baby calm and alert. Expect 10-20 attempts for compliant photo.
Digital photo submissions across EU countries
Many EU member states now accept digital passport photos for online applications. Digital requirements: 826×1063 pixels minimum (600 DPI equivalent), JPG/JPEG format, file size typically 10KB-500KB (varies by country), same biometric standards as printed photos. Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands offer online passport renewal with digital photo upload. Check specific country's passport authority website for digital submission guidelines.
Schengen visa photo requirements
Schengen visas (for travel across 27 Schengen Area countries) use identical 35×45mm ICAO specifications as EU passports. Same photo works for both passport and Schengen visa applications if taken within 6 months. Schengen visa applications typically require 2 identical photos. Photo must meet ICAO biometric standards for all Schengen consulates worldwide.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services across EU
- Professional photo studios: €12-25 for 4 photos (varies by country)
- Pharmacy/drugstore photo booths: €8-15 for 6-8 photos (uneven quality)
- Photo shops: €10-18 for 4 photos on matte paper
- Post office photo services: €12-20 depending on country
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.30-0.70 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: €8-25 per application. Family of four saves €32-100 using DIY approach.
Country-specific variations within EU standard
While 35×45mm is EU standard, some countries have additional requirements: Germany requires specific eye height measurements for biometric analysis. France specifies exact facial positioning ratios. Netherlands enforces strict no-glasses policy with rare exemptions. Italy and Spain accept slightly older photos (up to 12 months in some cases). Always verify specific country requirements on national passport authority website, but this tool's 35×45mm ICAO-compliant photos work across all EU states.
Official EU and ICAO Resources
- Austrian Embassy EU Passport Photo Criteria Official EU passport photo standards from Austrian government
- Germany Passport Photo Sample Guidelines Detailed photo examples and biometric specifications from German government
- Italian Consulate ICAO Photo Standards Photo requirements for Italian passports and identity cards
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (EU standard)
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Background
- White or off-white (plain)
- Recency
- Within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper (high quality)
- Valid For
- All 27 EU member states, Schengen visas
Best Practices
- One 35×45mm photo works for all 27 EU member states plus Schengen visas
- Photos valid for 6 months—use for passport, national ID, and visa applications
- Matte paper required for biometric compliance—glossy may be rejected
- Head must occupy 70-80% of frame height (32-36mm from chin to crown)
- Use crop guidelines to ensure head positioning within ICAO standards
- No glasses unless medical exemption—removes biometric recognition issues
- Even lighting essential—avoid shadows on face or background
- For digital submissions, download 826×1063px JPG file
Frequently Asked Questions
What are EU passport photo requirements?
EU passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within 6 months, on matte paper with white/off-white background. Head must occupy 70-80% of frame height (32-36mm), face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible. No glasses except medical exemption. Same standard across all 27 EU member states.
Can I use same photo for passport and Schengen visa?
Yes. EU passports, national ID cards, residence permits, and Schengen visas all use identical 35×45mm ICAO specifications. One photo works for multiple applications if less than 6 months old.
Do all EU countries accept same passport photo?
Yes. All 27 EU member states use standardized 35×45mm ICAO biometric specifications. Photo compliant in one EU country is compliant in all others. Minor country-specific variations exist but this tool meets strictest requirements.
Can I wear glasses in EU passport photos?
Generally no. EU adopted stricter no-glasses policy for biometric facial recognition. Medical exemptions allowed with doctor's documentation stating glasses medically necessary. If exempted: clear lenses, thin frames, no glare, eyes fully visible.
What background color for EU passport photos?
White or off-white plain background. No patterns, shadows, or distracting elements. Background must provide clear contrast with face and hair for biometric analysis.
How recent must EU passport photos be?
Within last 6 months for most EU countries. Some countries (Italy, Spain) may accept up to 12 months but 6 months is safest standard. Photo must show current appearance.
What is ICAO standard for EU passports?
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Document 9303 defines biometric passport standards adopted by EU: 35×45mm size, head 70-80% of frame, neutral expression, plain light background, high resolution, no glasses. Ensures machine-readable biometric compliance.
Can I use this for national ID cards in EU countries?
Yes. EU national ID cards use same 35×45mm ICAO specifications as passports. One photo works for passport, national ID, residence permit, and Schengen visa applications.
Where can I print EU passport photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper (€0.30-0.70 per sheet), or print at photo shops (€8-15), pharmacies with photo booths (€8-15), or post offices (€12-20). Prices vary by EU country.
Do EU countries accept digital passport photos?
Many EU countries now accept digital photos for online passport applications. Requirements: 826×1063 pixels, JPG format, typically 10KB-500KB file size. Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands offer digital submission. Check specific country's passport authority website.