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The Challenge
Hungary requires 35×45mm passport photos with light gray background and head height of 34.5mm. Glasses are not permitted unless medically documented. Professional services charge HUF 2,000-4,000. Wrong background or wearing glasses = rejection at Kormányablak.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Hungarian passport photos
- Hungary does not permit glasses in passport photos — stricter than many EU countries
- Only exception: documented medical necessity with signed doctor's statement
- Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes
- Headphones and wireless earbuds also not permitted
- Remove glasses before taking your photo to avoid rejection
Hungarian passport photo requirements (2026)
Hungary enforces ICAO biometric standards with specific national requirements. Photos must be 35×45mm with head height of approximately 34.5mm from chin to top of hair (70-80% of frame), with minimum 3mm gap from top of head to photo edge. The background must be plain light gray with no shadows or patterns. Glasses are not permitted unless medically necessary with a signed doctor's statement. Photos must be color, sharp, high-resolution (600 DPI), taken within 6 months, and show no digital alterations. Two identical photos are required. The same specifications apply to Hungarian identity cards (személyi igazolvány).
Hungary passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height approximately 34.5mm
- Minimum 3mm gap from top of head to top of photo
- Plain light gray background — no shadows, patterns, or objects
- Taken within last 6 months, reflects current appearance
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed, no teeth
- Eyes open and clearly visible, pupils and irises visible
- No glasses (unless medical exemption with doctor's note)
- No headphones, earbuds, or wireless devices
- No head coverings except for religious or medical reasons with documentation
- Color photo — black and white not accepted
- Sharp focus, no pixelation, no ink marks or creases
- No retouching, filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations
- Everyday clothing — no uniforms, costumes, or official attire
- 827×1063 pixels minimum at 600 DPI
Common rejection reasons at Kormányablak
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation (most common for Hungary)
- Head size not approximately 34.5mm — too large or too small
- Less than 3mm margin at top of photo
- Shadows on face or background
- Background not plain light gray
- Photo retouched or digitally altered
- Expression not neutral — smiling, mouth open
- Eyes not fully visible, hair covering face
- Wearing uniform or official-looking attire
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Photo older than 6 months
No glasses policy — what you need to know
Hungary's passport photo rules explicitly prohibit glasses unless medically required. This is stricter than many EU countries that still allow thin-framed glasses. If you must wear glasses due to a medical condition, you need a signed statement from your doctor explaining the necessity. Even with medical exemption, the glasses must have thin frames that don't cover any part of the eyes, clear non-tinted lenses, and produce no glare or reflections. If possible, simply remove your glasses for the photo — this is the safest approach.
How to print Hungarian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use high-quality glossy or matte photo paper — both accepted in Hungary.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), color 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 gray guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Verify 3mm top margin with ruler.
- Alternative: Print at CEWE kiosks in MediaMarkt, Rossmann, or DM stores across Hungary.
Kormányablak on-site photos vs DIY
Hungarian Kormányablak (government window) offices can take your photo on-site during passport application. This is convenient but limits retakes. If applying at a Kormányablak, your photo is captured digitally on the spot. For consulate applications abroad, you must bring printed photos. DIY photos are accepted for consular applications — bring two identical printed copies meeting all specifications. Some applicants prefer taking multiple attempts at home to get the best result before attending their appointment.
Good vs bad Hungarian passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain light gray or off-white sheet on floor
- Photograph from directly above with face centered
- Natural window light or soft overhead lighting — no direct flash
- Infants: eyes may be partially or fully closed (accepted for very young babies)
- Children under 3 months: scanned home photos may be accepted — verify with authorities
- Only the child visible in frame — no hands, toys, pacifiers, or other people
- Head straight, facing camera, neutral expression for older children
- Same size and quality requirements as adult photos apply
Hungary passport photo vs visa photo difference
Hungarian passport photos and Schengen visa photos both use 35×45mm dimensions with similar head positioning. The key difference is background: Hungarian passport photos require plain light gray background, while Schengen visa photos accept white or light gray. Additionally, visa photos follow standard Schengen rules which may be slightly more lenient on glasses in some contexts. If you need both documents, a light gray background photo works for both passport and visa applications.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Kormányablak on-site photo: included in application fee
- Professional photographer: HUF 2,000-4,000 (€5-10)
- CEWE kiosk at MediaMarkt/Rossmann/DM: HUF 800-1,500 (€2-4)
- Photomaton booth: HUF 1,000-2,000 (€2.50-5)
- This tool: Free — print at home for HUF 100-200 (€0.25-0.50) per sheet
- Savings: HUF 1,500-3,500 per application using DIY approach
Digital photo for online applications
Hungary supports digital photo submissions for some online applications through the Kormányablak system. Digital photos should be JPEG, JPG, PNG, BMP, or GIF format, recommended under 300KB, at minimum 600 DPI resolution. The digital equivalent of 35×45mm at 600 DPI is 827×1063 pixels. For in-person applications at Kormányablak offices, photos are typically taken on-site. For consular applications abroad, printed photos are required.
Official Hungarian Government Resources
- Kormányablak — Office Locator Find your nearest Kormányablak government office for passport applications
- Passport Information — kormany.hu Official Hungarian government passport application process and requirements
- Consular Services — Passport Applications Abroad Passport application information for Hungarian citizens at consulates
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head at 34.5mm Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 34.5 mm target (70-80% of frame)
- Top Margin
- Minimum 3 mm from top of head to photo edge
- Background
- Plain light gray, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Not permitted (medical exemption with doctor's note)
- Quantity
- Two identical photos
- Valid For
- Passport, identity card (személyi igazolvány)
Best Practices
- Remove glasses before taking your photo — Hungary does not allow glasses unless medically documented
- Background must be plain light gray — not white, not dark gray
- Head height should be approximately 34.5mm with minimum 3mm margin at top
- Two identical photos required for passport application
- No retouching or digital alterations — photo must show natural appearance
- Avoid uniforms, costumes, or official-looking clothing
- Same photo works for passport and identity card (személyi igazolvány)
- For consular applications abroad, bring printed photos — on-site capture only at Kormányablak
Frequently Asked Questions
What background color is required for Hungarian passport photos?
Plain light gray background with no shadows, patterns, or objects. White backgrounds may not be accepted — Hungary specifically requires a gray tone. Ensure good contrast between your face and the background.
Can I wear glasses in Hungarian passport photos?
No. Hungary does not permit glasses in passport photos unless medically necessary. If you must wear glasses, provide a signed doctor's statement. Even with exemption: thin frames only, clear lenses, no glare. Safest approach: remove glasses.
What head size is required?
Head height from chin to top of hair should be approximately 34.5mm, occupying 70-80% of the 45mm frame. Minimum 3mm gap required between top of head and top of photo edge. Use crop guidelines to position correctly.
How many photos do I need for a Hungarian passport?
Two identical photos are required. Print extra copies as backup. For Kormányablak in-person applications within Hungary, photos are often taken on-site.
Can I use this photo for Hungarian identity card?
Yes. Hungarian passport and identity card (személyi igazolvány) use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for both if taken within 6 months.
How recent must Hungarian passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance. Older photos will be rejected.
Where can I print passport photos in Hungary?
Print at home on photo paper, at CEWE kiosks (found in MediaMarkt, Rossmann, DM stores), professional photographers, or Photomaton booths. Both matte and glossy paper are accepted.
Are head coverings allowed?
Only for documented religious or medical reasons. Religious head coverings require a signed statement. Medical coverings require a doctor's note. Face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead regardless.
Can I take the photo at the Kormányablak?
Yes. Kormányablak offices typically capture your photo on-site during in-person passport applications. For consular applications abroad, you must bring your own printed photos.
What digital format for online submission?
JPEG, JPG, PNG, BMP, or GIF formats accepted. Recommended under 300KB file size. Resolution at least 600 DPI (827×1063 pixels for 35×45mm). Verify specific requirements for your application type.