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The Challenge
Greece requires 40×60mm passport photos—larger than EU standard 35×45mm—with a specific light grey background RGB(190,190,190). Digital submission via myPhoto is now mandatory within Greece. Printed photos must use analog photographic paper—inkjet and laser prints are explicitly rejected. Wrong size, background, or print method = automatic rejection.
Greece passport photos are NOT standard EU 35×45mm
- Greek passport: 40×60mm — larger than Schengen 35×45mm standard
- Background: light grey RGB(190,190,190) — NOT white
- Within Greece: digital submission via myPhoto on gov.gr now mandatory
- Printed photos: analog photographic paper ONLY — inkjet/laser printers rejected
- Cannot use Schengen visa photos for Greek passport — wrong dimensions
Greek passport photo requirements from official source
Greece's National Passport Center (passport.gov.gr) sets requirements that differ from standard EU format. Greek passport photos are 40×60mm with a light grey background — the official specification states RGB(190,190,190) with a tolerance of ±10. The face from chin to top of head must measure 31–35mm, and face width from ear to ear must be 20–25mm. The person from shoulders to hair top should cover 70–75% of the photo. Within Greece, digital submission through the myPhoto service on gov.gr is now the standard method. Consular applications abroad may accept physical prints on analog photographic paper. This same 40×60mm format is also used for Greek driving licences and national ID cards.
Greek passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 40×60mm dimensions (NOT 35×45mm EU standard)
- Light grey background RGB(190,190,190) ±10 — no white, no patterns, no shadows
- Face length 31–35mm from chin to top of head
- Face width 20–25mm from ear to ear
- Taken within last 6 months (1 month for some consulates)
- Neutral expression — no smile, even closed-mouth smile not recommended
- Eyes open (not wide open), clearly visible
- Glasses allowed if usually worn — no glare, no tinted lenses, frames not covering eyes
- No head covering unless religious (face jaw-to-forehead, ear-to-ear must be visible)
- Colour photo with natural skin tones — no colour saturation or filters
- Even lighting — no shadows on face or background, no hot spots
- Civilian clothing only — no uniforms
- For myPhoto: square JPEG 600×600 to 1200×1200px, sRGB, ≤240KB
- For print: analog photographic paper only, minimum 1200 DPI — no inkjet/laser
Common rejection reasons by Greek authorities
- Using EU 35×45mm format instead of required 40×60mm
- White background instead of light grey RGB(190,190,190)
- Printed on inkjet or laser printer (analog photographic paper required)
- Face size outside 31–35mm range
- Shadows on face or background from flash or uneven lighting
- Hot spots (bright shiny areas on face from concentrated light)
- Glasses with glare, reflections, or colour-changing lenses
- Smile — even closed-mouth smile is not recommended
- Head rotated more than ±5 degrees in any direction
- Portrait-style pose (looking over shoulder)
- Colour saturation or unnatural skin tones
- Photo older than 6 months (or 1 month at certain consulates)
- Digital file not square format or exceeding 240KB for myPhoto
- Large shiny earrings or jewellery causing light reflections
- White clothing blending with background
myPhoto digital submission — now mandatory within Greece
As of early 2026, Greece requires passport photos to be submitted digitally through the myPhoto service on the gov.gr portal for domestic applications. Printed photos are no longer accepted at Citizen Service offices within Greece. The digital photo must be a square JPEG image between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, in sRGB colour space, with a maximum file size of 240KB. This tool generates myPhoto-compatible digital exports automatically. For applications at Greek consulates and embassies abroad, photos can still be submitted as physical prints on analog photographic paper or uploaded via the consular digital service platform.
How to print Greek passport photos (consular applications)
- CRITICAL: Greek authorities explicitly reject inkjet and laser prints. Photos must be on analog photographic paper.
- Take the downloaded file to a professional photo lab or pharmacy with photographic printing equipment.
- Specify '40×60mm on analog photographic paper' — not standard photo paper from home printers.
- Paper must be high-quality white photographic paper — not watercolour or relief textured.
- Print resolution must be at least 1200 DPI for the final output.
- Cut to exactly 40×60mm — no frame or border.
- Avoid large shiny jewellery and white clothing in the photo to prevent reflection and contrast issues.
- For domestic Greek applications: use myPhoto digital submission instead of printing.
Greek glasses policy — more permissive than most countries
Unlike many countries that ban glasses outright, Greece allows prescription glasses in passport photos if the person normally wears them. Requirements: lenses must be clean and transparent with iris and pupil clearly visible, no glare or reflections (adjust lighting angle to 45° or more), frames must not cover eyes. Auto-darkening lenses must be photographed before they change colour — if this cannot be achieved, remove the glasses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses (Photo Gray, Photo Brown) are prohibited unless for documented medical reasons. Despite being allowed, the official guidance recommends removing glasses when possible to prevent issues.
Good vs bad Greek passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of children and babies in Greece
- Children under 12: photo dimensions can be logically smaller and will still be accepted.
- Lay baby on plain light-coloured sheet or place in car seat covered with plain sheet.
- Photograph from above with face centred — ensure no shadows from photographer.
- Only the child in the photo — no hands, toys, bottles, dolls, or other persons.
- Same facial expression rules apply, but infants' eyes don't need to be fully open.
- Background must still meet light grey requirement — use appropriate backdrop.
- Take multiple shots — 10–20 attempts is normal for babies.
Greece passport vs Schengen visa photo — different formats
Greek passport photos (40×60mm) are a completely different size from Schengen visa photos (35×45mm). You cannot use your passport photo for a visa application or vice versa. The background requirements also differ: passport requires light grey RGB(190,190,190), while Schengen visa accepts white or light grey. If you need both, create them separately using the correct tool for each document type.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Greece
- Photo studio in Athens/Thessaloniki: €8–15 for passport photo set
- Photo booth at Citizen Service (KEP): available at some locations
- Professional photographer with myPhoto upload: €10–20
- This tool: Free — download digital for myPhoto or print at photo lab
- Photo lab printing (analog paper): €2–5 per set of prints
- Savings: €6–18 per application using DIY approach
Processing times and passport fees
Greek passport processing takes approximately 3–6 weeks depending on application location. Applications submitted at consulates abroad may take longer (4–6 weeks). Passport fees: adults and children over 14 (10-year validity) €84.40, children under 14 (3-year validity) €73.60. Emergency passport issuance is available in urgent cases. Always check passport.gov.gr for current fee information.
Official Greek Government Resources
- Passport Photo Technical Specifications – National Passport Center Official photo requirements including detailed technical specifications
- myPhoto Digital Submission Service – gov.gr Upload passport photo digitally for domestic Greek passport applications
- Passport Issuance Process – National Passport Center Complete passport application instructions and supporting documents
- Greek Consulate Passport Services – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular passport application requirements for Greeks abroad
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download for myPhoto or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size (Print)
- 40×60 mm
- Print Resolution
- 1200 DPI minimum for printed photos
- Digital Format (myPhoto)
- 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, square JPEG, ≤240 KB
- Face Length
- 31–35 mm (chin to top of head)
- Face Width
- 20–25 mm (ear to ear)
- Background
- Light grey — RGB(190, 190, 190) ±10 preferred
- Recency
- Within last 6 months (some consulates require 1 month)
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, no smile (even closed-mouth smile not recommended)
- Photos Required
- 2 identical photos for consular applications
- Valid For
- Passport, driving licence, national ID card
Best Practices
- Greek passport photos are 40×60mm — NOT the EU standard 35×45mm. Don't use visa photos for passport.
- Background must be light grey RGB(190,190,190) — competitor sites saying 'white' are incorrect
- DO NOT print on inkjet or laser printers — Greek authorities explicitly reject these. Use analog photographic paper at a photo lab.
- For applications within Greece, use myPhoto on gov.gr — printed photos no longer accepted domestically
- Digital export: square JPEG 600×600 to 1200×1200px, ≤240KB, sRGB colour space
- Even closed-mouth smiling is not recommended — maintain strictly neutral expression
- Glasses allowed if usually worn, but removal recommended to avoid glare issues
- Avoid white clothing and large shiny jewellery — causes contrast and reflection problems
- Use diffused lighting from multiple sources to prevent hot spots on face
- Head rotation must be less than ±5 degrees in any direction
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Greek passport photos?
Greek passport photos are 40×60mm — larger than the standard EU 35×45mm format. Face length must be 31–35mm from chin to top of head, face width 20–25mm. Using EU-sized photos will result in rejection.
What background colour for Greek passport photos?
The official requirement is light grey with RGB value (190,190,190) ±10. This is NOT white — many competitor sites state white incorrectly. The background must be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or objects.
Can I print Greek passport photos at home?
No. Greek authorities explicitly reject photos printed on inkjet or laser printers. Photos must be printed on analog photographic paper at a professional photo lab or pharmacy with photographic printing equipment. Minimum 1200 DPI resolution required.
What is myPhoto and do I need it?
myPhoto is the digital photo submission service on Greece's gov.gr portal. Within Greece, digital submission via myPhoto is now mandatory for passport applications. Photos must be square JPEG format, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, ≤240KB, in sRGB colour space. This tool generates myPhoto-compatible exports.
Can I use my Greek passport photo for a Schengen visa?
No. Greek passport photos are 40×60mm while Schengen visa photos are 35×45mm. They are completely different formats with different background requirements. You need separate photos for each.
Can I wear glasses in Greek passport photos?
Yes, if you normally wear them. Lenses must be clean and transparent, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes. Sunglasses and tinted/colour-changing lenses prohibited unless medical reason. Removal recommended when possible.
Can I smile in Greek passport photos?
No. Greek authorities specify neutral expression and explicitly state that even a closed-mouth smile is not recommended. This is stricter than many countries. Eyes should be open but not wide open.
How recent must Greek passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months for domestic applications. Some consulates abroad require photos taken within the last month. Check with your specific consulate before applying.
Are children's passport photo rules different in Greece?
Children under 12 may have slightly smaller face dimensions which will still be accepted. Infants' eyes don't need to be fully open. All other requirements (background, lighting, clothing, no other persons) apply the same as for adults.
What are the myPhoto digital file specifications?
Square aspect ratio, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG format, sRGB colour space (24 bits per pixel), maximum 240KB file size. Compression ratio ≤20:1. This tool auto-exports to these specifications.