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The Challenge
Romania requires 35×45mm photos for passport applications—different from the 30×40mm used for visa and ID card. Four identical photos required. Professional studios charge €8-15. One wrong dimension = rejection at Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte and weeks of delay.
Romania passport and visa/ID use DIFFERENT photo sizes
- Passport: 35×45mm (this tool)
- Visa and ID Card (Carte de identitate): 30×40mm (use separate tool)
- Using visa/ID photos for passport = automatic rejection
- Using passport photos for visa/ID = automatic rejection
Romanian passport photo requirements
The Romanian Directorate General of Passports (Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs requires 35×45mm biometric photos for all passport applications—new issue, renewal, and temporary passport. Photos follow ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards. Head height must be approximately 34.5mm from chin to crown, with roughly 3mm space from top of hair to photo edge. White background is mandatory. Four identical printed photos are required per application. Write your name on the back of each photo.
Romanian passport photo requirements checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions (NOT 30×40mm visa/ID size)
- Plain white background—no shadows, patterns, or objects
- Head height approximately 34.5mm chin to crown
- ~3mm space between top of hair and edge of photo
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- No glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's statement
- No headwear unless religious or medical with documentation
- Everyday clothing—no uniforms or costumes
- Colour photo—no black and white
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
- Printed on matte photo paper
- Four identical copies required
- Write your name on the back of each photo
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons
- Using 30×40mm visa/ID format instead of 35×45mm passport format
- Head too small or too large (must be approximately 34.5mm)
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Background not plain white
- Smiling with teeth showing
- Hair covering eyebrows or eyes
- Fewer than 4 photos submitted
- Name not written on back of photos
How to print Romanian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at electronics shops (Altex, Flanco), stationery stores, or online (eMAG).
- 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 before submission.
- Write your full name on the back of each photo.
- Alternative: Print at local photo studio, copy centre, or hypermarket photo counter (Carrefour, Auchan). Specify '35×45mm pașaport pe hârtie mată'.
Taking passport photos of children and infants
- Lay infant on plain white sheet or blanket on floor.
- Ensure only the child is visible—no hands, toys, or other people.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash.
- Photograph from directly above with child's face centred.
- Infants: acceptable if eyes are not entirely open.
- All other children: eyes must be open, neutral expression.
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and quality requirements as adults.
- Take multiple shots—expect 10-20 attempts for one compliant photo.
Good vs bad Romanian passport photo examples
Romania as EU and Schengen member—passport photo standards
Romania joined the EU in 2007 and is aligned with EU passport standards. Romanian passports follow ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards. While many EU countries use 35×45mm for all documents, Romania uniquely requires 30×40mm for visa and ID card applications—a common point of confusion. The passport size (35×45mm) matches standard EU format used in Germany, France, Italy, and most Schengen countries. If you already have EU-standard 35×45mm photos from another country, they may work for Romanian passport applications if taken within 6 months.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Romania
- Professional photo studio (Bucharest/Cluj): 20-40 RON (€4-8) for passport photos
- Hypermarket photo counter (Carrefour/Auchan): 15-25 RON (€3-5)
- Photo booth (mall/metro station): 10-20 RON (€2-4)
- This tool: Free. Print at home for 2-5 RON (€0.40-1.00) per sheet
- Print at copy centre with your file: 5-10 RON (€1-2)
- Savings: 10-35 RON per application using DIY approach
Romanian passport application process
Apply at the nearest Passport Service (Serviciul de Pașapoarte) or through the online portal at epasapoarte.mai.gov.ro. Required documents include identity card (carte de identitate), birth certificate, previous passport (if renewal), proof of payment, and four identical 35×45mm photos. Processing time: standard 15 working days, express 3 working days (higher fee). Romanian citizens abroad can apply at consulates. The new electronic passport includes biometric data (fingerprints) captured in-person.
Need visa or ID card photo?
Romanian visa and ID card (Carte de identitate) applications require the smaller 30×40mm format—not this 35×45mm passport size. Use the dedicated Romania Visa & ID Card Photo tool for the correct dimensions.
Official Romanian Government Resources
- Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte Official Romanian passport authority — requirements, fees, and announcements
- Online Passport Appointment Booking Schedule passport appointment at any passport office in Romania
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Consular Services Passport services for Romanian citizens abroad
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- ~34.5 mm (approximately 77% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Quantity
- 4 identical photos required
- Valid For
- Romanian passport (all types), temporary passport
Best Practices
- Romania passport uses 35×45mm—different from 30×40mm visa/ID card format
- Four identical photos required—print a sheet of 6 so you have spares
- Write your full name on the back of each photo before submission
- Head height should be approximately 34.5mm with ~3mm gap at top
- Matte photo paper recommended—avoid glossy if possible
- Remove all glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's signed statement
- Religious headwear requires signed statement confirming daily wear
- For online applications, digital photo may also be needed—download single JPEG
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Romanian passport photos?
35×45mm. This is the standard EU passport format. At 600 DPI, the digital equivalent is 826×1063 pixels. Romania uses a different 30×40mm format for visa and ID card applications—do not confuse them.
Can I use the same photo for Romanian passport and ID card?
No. Passport requires 35×45mm, ID card (Carte de identitate) requires 30×40mm. They are different dimensions and not interchangeable. Using the wrong size causes automatic rejection.
How many photos do I need for a Romanian passport?
Four identical 35×45mm photos. Write your name on the back of each. Print extras in case of damage or additional requirements.
How recent must Romanian passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in Romanian passport photos?
No, unless medically required with a signed doctor's statement. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes.
What background colour for Romanian passport photos?
Plain white background. No shadows, patterns, objects, or other colours. Ensure even lighting to prevent shadow cast on the background.
Where can I print passport photos in Romania?
Print at home on matte paper (cheapest: 2-5 RON), photo studios (20-40 RON), hypermarket counters at Carrefour or Auchan (15-25 RON), copy centres (5-10 RON with your file), or photo booths in malls. Always specify '35×45mm pe hârtie mată'.
Do I need to write my name on Romanian passport photos?
Yes. Write your full name on the back of each photo. This is a specific Romanian requirement that other countries don't always have.
Can I use EU-standard 35×45mm photos from another country?
Potentially, if they meet all Romanian requirements (white background, correct head height, taken within 6 months). The 35×45mm dimension matches EU standard used across most Schengen countries.
How long does Romanian passport processing take?
Standard processing: 15 working days. Express processing: 3 working days (higher fee). Apply at local Passport Service or online via epasapoarte.mai.gov.ro.