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The Challenge
Italy Schengen visa, CIE (electronic ID card), and some consular passport applications use 35×45mm format — different from the 35×40mm Polizia di Stato passport standard. Face must cover 70–80% of frame, white or light background required.
This 35×45mm format is for visa, CIE, and some consular passport applications
- Schengen visa applications: 35×45mm (or 30×40mm also accepted)
- CIE electronic ID card: 35×45mm (Ministry of Interior)
- Some Italian consulates abroad accept 35×45mm for passports
- Questura / Polizia di Stato (within Italy): uses 35×40mm — use the passport tool
- Driving licence: width 32–35mm, height 40–45mm — this format works
Italian visa and ID card photo requirements
Italy Schengen visa applications follow the standard EU 35×45mm photo format, with Italy's official visa management service also accepting 30×40mm. The CIE (Carta d'Identità Elettronica) uses 35×45mm per Ministry of Interior specifications, and digital submission via USB is accepted for CIE. Italian driving licence photos accept a width range of 32–35mm and height of 40–45mm, making 35×45mm compliant. Face must cover 70–80% of the photo area with both edges of the face clearly visible.
Photo requirements – will your application be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions (standard Schengen/EU format)
- Face covers 70–80% of photo area, both edges of face visible
- White or light grey background, uniform, no patterns or shadows
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- No glasses unless medical necessity with documentation
- No head coverings unless religious (face fully visible)
- Ears preferably visible
- Colour photo with natural skin tones
- Taken within last 6 months
- High quality, sharp focus, no retouching
- Printed on photo-quality paper (for printed submissions)
Italy passport photo vs visa/ID photo
How to print
- Photo-quality paper, matte or glossy accepted.
- Highest quality, 100% scale, colour mode.
- Cut precisely to 35×45mm.
- For CIE digital submission: save as JPEG on USB drive per Ministry specifications.
- Alternative: photo booth or photographer — specify '35×45mm fototessera'.
Official Resources
- CIE Photo Requirements – Ministry of Interior Photo specifications for electronic identity card
- Italy Visa Photo Requirements – Italy VMS Official visa management service photo specifications (30×40mm or 35×45mm)
- Schengen Visa Application Forms – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Standard Schengen visa application resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (EU/Schengen standard)
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Coverage
- 70–80% of photo area
- Background
- White or light grey, uniform
- Recency
- Within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- Schengen visa, CIE (electronic ID card), driving licence, some consular passport applications
Best Practices
- 35×45mm works for Schengen visa, CIE, driving licence, and some consular passport applications
- Italy VMS accepts both 30×40mm and 35×45mm for visa — 35×45mm is the safer choice
- For CIE applications, digital photos on USB are accepted
- For passport at Questura in Italy, use the 35×40mm passport tool instead
- Ears should preferably be visible — pull hair back if needed
- No glasses, no head coverings (unless religious/medical with documentation)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size for Italy Schengen visa photos?
Italy accepts 30×40mm or 35×45mm for Schengen visa applications. The 35×45mm format is recommended as it's the standard EU size and universally accepted.
Can I use this for an Italian passport?
It depends on where you're applying. The Polizia di Stato requires 35×40mm (use the passport tool). Many Italian consulates abroad accept 35×45mm. Check your specific office.
What size for CIE (electronic ID card)?
The Ministry of Interior specifies 35×45mm for CIE. Digital submission on USB is accepted at participating municipal offices.
Does this work for Italian driving licence?
Yes. Italian driving licence photos accept width 32–35mm and height 40–45mm. The 35×45mm format falls within this range.
What background colour?
White or light grey, uniform, no patterns or shadows. Some offices specify white only — white is the safest choice.
Can I wear glasses?
No, unless medically required with documentation. Clear lenses only, no glare, frames not covering eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses prohibited.