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The Challenge
Poland requires 35×45mm photos with face covering 70-80% of frame for passports (3 copies), dowód osobisty (ID card), and visa applications. The online ID card application at obywatel.gov.pl requires 492×633 pixel digital upload under 2.5MB. Professional studios charge 30-60 PLN. One rejected photo = rebooking at voivodeship office and weeks of delay.
One photo format for all Polish ID documents
Poland uses standardised 35×45mm photos for passports, dowód osobisty (national ID cards), Schengen visa applications (Type C), and National visa applications (Type D). Same dimensions, same face coverage requirements, same white background. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. Passport applications require 3 identical copies. Dowód osobisty requires 1 copy (or digital upload for online applications via obywatel.gov.pl). Visa applications typically require 2 copies.
Polish photo ID requirements checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions with face covering 70-80% of frame
- Head height 32-36mm from chin to crown
- Eye line positioned 20-30mm from bottom of photo
- Plain white background—evenly lit, no shadows, no decorative elements
- Taken within last 6 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at camera
- Face visible on both sides from top of head to upper shoulders
- Corrective glasses permitted if eyes clearly visible and no glare
- No tinted lenses (unless visual disability with certificate)
- Contact lenses permitted if they do not alter eye colour or shape
- No headwear unless religious (requires community certificate) or medical (requires doctor's statement)
- Face and ears fully exposed (entire oval of face and ear line visible)
- Even lighting—no glare on skin or hair, no shadows on face
- No bold makeup, modest jewellery
- No headphones or wireless devices
- Colour photo on high-quality matte paper
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality
- For online ID card: 492×633 pixels, JPEG, max 2.5MB
Common rejection reasons at Polish offices
- Face not covering 70-80% of frame (head too small or too large)
- Eye line outside 20-30mm range from bottom of photo
- Shadows on face or background (uneven lighting)
- Glasses with glare or frames covering eyes
- Tinted glasses without disability certificate attached
- Religious headwear without certificate from registered community in Poland
- Contact lenses that alter eye colour or shape
- Hair covering face, eyebrows, or ears
- Bold makeup or large jewellery obscuring features
- Photo older than 6 months
- Only 1-2 photos provided (passport requires 3)
- Digital upload exceeds 2.5MB or wrong pixel dimensions
- Headphones or wireless devices visible
Corrective glasses in Polish ID photos
Unlike many countries that ban glasses entirely, Poland explicitly allows corrective glasses in passport and ID photos under specific conditions: eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses, frames must not cover any part of the eyes, lenses must not be tinted, and there must be no glare or reflections. Contact lenses are also allowed provided they do not change the natural shape or colour of the eyes. For people with congenital or acquired visual defects, dark glasses are permitted—but you must attach a disability certificate or degree of disability certificate to your application. Note: if your current foreign passport has a photo without glasses, your visa photo must also be without glasses.
How to print Polish passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at Rossmann, Biedronka, Empik, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour 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 grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Print 3 copies minimum for passport, 2 for visa, 1 for dowód osobisty (in-person).
- Alternative: Print at any photo kiosk or photography studio. Specify '35×45mm zdjęcie do paszportu na papierze matowym'.
Online dowód osobisty application via obywatel.gov.pl
Poland allows online applications for dowód osobisty through obywatel.gov.pl using a Profil Zaufany (trusted profile) or qualified electronic signature. The online application requires a digital photo upload: 492×633 pixels, JPEG format, maximum 2.5MB. After online submission, you have 30 days to visit any municipal office (urząd gminy) to provide fingerprints and signature. The dowód osobisty is collected in person at the same office. Download the single digital photo from this tool for the online application—it generates the correct 492×633px format.
Taking passport photos of Polish children
- Children can have closed eyes, open mouth, or non-neutral expression (e.g., smiling).
- Child's face must be open—not covered by hair or toys.
- Child must hold their head straight.
- Background must be bright and uniform—no other people in frame.
- For infants: lay on back on plain white sheet, photograph from directly above.
- Alternatively, place infant in car seat covered with white sheet.
- Only the child being photographed can appear in the photo.
- Size and quality requirements are identical to adult photos (35×45mm, 70-80% face).
Good vs bad Polish passport photo examples
Poland Schengen and National visa photo requirements
Poland issues two visa types: Schengen visa (Type C, short-stay up to 90 days in 180-day period) and National visa (Type D, long-stay for work, study, or family reunification over 90 days up to 365 days). Both use identical 35×45mm photo specifications. Typically 2 printed photos required for visa applications. The same photo can be used for both passport and visa applications if taken within 6 months. Note for visa applicants: if your current passport photo shows you without glasses, your visa photo must also be without glasses.
Religious headwear exemption in Poland
Poland allows religious headwear in ID photos only if the applicant belongs to a religious community officially registered in Poland. A certificate from the community confirming membership must be attached to the passport or dowód osobisty application. For online ID card applications, the certificate must be attached as an electronic document signed by the issuer, or as a scan—with the original presented when collecting the document. The entire oval of the face and the line of the ears must remain visible even with headwear. This requirement applies specifically to communities registered in Poland, which is an important distinction for diaspora applicants at consulates.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Poland
- Professional photo studio: 30-60 PLN for passport photos
- Photo kiosk (automaty fotograficzne): 25-40 PLN
- Rossmann/DM photo counter: 20-35 PLN
- This tool: Free. Print at home for 1-3 PLN per sheet (paper + ink)
- Photo print at kiosk with your file: 5-10 PLN
- Savings: 20-55 PLN per application
- Family of four (passport + dowód): Save 80-220 PLN using DIY approach
Polish passport types
Poland issues several passport types: ordinary passport (10-year validity for adults, 5-year for children under 12), temporary passport (up to 12 months for urgent travel), diplomatic passport, and service passport. All use identical 35×45mm photo specifications. Passport applications are submitted at voivodeship offices (Urząd Wojewódzki) within Poland or at Polish consulates abroad. Three identical photos required for all passport types. Biometric data (fingerprints) is captured in-person at the office.
Official Polish Government Resources
- Zdjęcie do dowodu lub paszportu - Gov.pl Official photo requirements for passport and dowód osobisty (Polish)
- Uzyskaj paszport - Gov.pl Official passport application information and requirements
- Uzyskaj dowód osobisty - Gov.pl Dowód osobisty application—includes online submission via Profil Zaufany
- Poland Visa Information - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa types, requirements, and application procedures for Poland
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download Digital or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Print Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Digital Upload (ID Card Online)
- 492×633 pixels, JPEG, max 2.5MB
- Face Coverage
- 70-80% of photo (head 32-36mm)
- Eye Line Position
- 20-30mm from bottom of photo
- Background
- White, evenly lit, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Corrective glasses allowed (conditions apply)
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Quantity (Passport)
- 3 identical photos
- Valid For
- Passport, dowód osobisty, Schengen visa, National visa
Best Practices
- One 35×45mm photo works for passport, dowód osobisty, Schengen visa, and National visa
- Passport requires 3 identical copies—print extras to avoid reprinting
- Corrective glasses ARE allowed in Poland—unlike many other countries—but no glare and eyes must be visible
- For online dowód osobisty, download single 492×633px JPEG (under 2.5MB) from this tool
- Eye line must be 20-30mm from bottom of photo—use crop guidelines to verify
- Face and ears must be fully exposed—pin hair back if necessary
- Religious headwear requires certificate from a community registered in Poland
- Dark glasses allowed for visual disabilities—attach disability certificate to application
- Contact lenses permitted only if they don't change eye colour or shape
- Children can have closed eyes and non-neutral expressions—Polish-specific relaxation
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Polish passport photos?
35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Face must cover 70-80% of the frame with head height 32-36mm. Eye line must be positioned 20-30mm from the bottom of the photo. At 600 DPI print resolution, this is 826×1063 pixels.
Can I use the same photo for passport, dowód osobisty, and visa?
Yes. All Polish ID documents use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for passport (3 copies), dowód osobisty (1 copy or digital upload), and visa applications (2 copies) if taken within 6 months.
Can I wear glasses in Polish passport photos?
Yes—Poland allows corrective glasses. Conditions: eyes must be clearly visible, frames must not cover any part of the eyes, lenses must not be tinted, and there must be no glare. Tinted/dark glasses are allowed only with a disability certificate. Note: if your passport shows you without glasses, your visa photo must also be without glasses.
How many photos do I need for Polish passport?
Three identical photos are required for passport applications (not two as commonly assumed). Print at least 3 copies plus extras for visa or dowód applications.
What are the digital upload requirements for dowód osobisty online?
The online application via obywatel.gov.pl requires 492×633 pixel JPEG format, maximum 2.5MB file size. You need a Profil Zaufany (trusted profile) to apply online. After submission, visit any municipal office within 30 days for fingerprints.
Can children have non-neutral expressions in Polish ID photos?
Yes. Poland allows children to have closed eyes, open mouth, or non-neutral expressions (including smiling). The child's face must be open and not covered by hair or toys, and the child must hold their head straight. Background must be uniform with no other people.
What background for Polish passport photos?
White background, evenly lit, with no shadows or decorative elements. Face must be evenly illuminated—no glare on skin or hair, no shadows on face. Only the photographed person can be in the photo.
Can I wear religious headwear in Polish passport photos?
Only if you belong to a religious community officially registered in Poland. You must attach a certificate from the community confirming membership. The entire oval of the face and ear line must remain visible. For online dowód applications, attach the certificate as an electronic document.
Where can I print passport photos in Poland?
Print at home on matte photo paper (cheapest: 1-3 PLN per sheet), at photo kiosks in Rossmann, DM, or Empik stores (20-35 PLN), at professional studios (30-60 PLN), or at any photo kiosk with your own file (5-10 PLN). Specify 'zdjęcie do paszportu 35×45mm'.
What's the difference between Schengen visa and National visa photos?
No difference. Both Schengen (Type C, short-stay up to 90 days) and National (Type D, long-stay over 90 days) visa applications use identical 35×45mm photo specifications. Two printed photos typically required for visa applications.