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The Challenge
Ukraine requires 35×45mm passport photos with 70-80% face coverage, light coloured background, and strict head positioning (31-36mm chin to hairline). Professional studios charge ₴200-400. Rejected photos delay passport issuance by weeks.
Ukrainian passport photo requirements
Ukraine uses 35×45mm photos for both the internal passport (ID card, issued since 2016) and the international biometric passport. The official VFS Global specification requires: face occupying 70-80% of the photograph, chin-to-hairline measurement of 31-36mm, plain light coloured background without shadows, and colour printing on photographic paper. Two identical photos must be submitted. Photos must be taken within 6 months and must not be digitally retouched. Since 2015, Ukraine issues biometric international passports with laser-imprinted black and white photos embedded in the document—but the application photos you submit must still be colour prints meeting these specifications.
Ukraine passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions (same for internal and international passport)
- Face occupies 70-80% of photo height (31-36mm chin to hairline)
- Approximately 3.5mm space from top of hair to top of photo
- Plain light coloured background—light grey or white, no shadows
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Colour photograph—black and white not accepted
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- No sunglasses—prescription glasses allowed only if lenses are clear, no glare, frames don't cover eyes
- No hat or head covering unless for documented religious reasons
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for printing
- Printed on photographic paper (matte or glossy accepted)
- Two identical photos submitted with application
- No digital retouching, filters, or alterations
Common rejection reasons at Ukrainian passport offices
- Face too small—below 70% of frame height (under 31mm)
- Face too large—exceeds 80% of frame height (over 36mm)
- Shadows on face or background
- Background not plain or not light coloured
- Photo older than 6 months
- Eyes not fully visible or covered by hair
- Glasses with tinted lenses or reflective glare
- Spectacle frames covering eyes
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Digital retouching or filters applied
- Head tilted or turned, not facing camera directly
- Only one photo submitted instead of two
How to print Ukrainian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper—Ukraine accepts both matte and glossy photographic paper.
- 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.
- Quantity: You need two identical photos—print at least 4 copies for safety.
- Alternative: Print at local photo service. Specify '35×45mm on photo paper'.
Internal passport vs international passport photos
Ukraine issues two types of passport: the internal passport (ID card, replacing the old booklet format since 2016) and the international biometric passport for travel abroad. Both use identical 35×45mm photo specifications with the same face coverage, background, and quality requirements. One set of photos works for both applications. The internal passport ID card is issued at age 14 (valid 4 years until 18, then 10 years). The international passport is valid for 10 years. Since biometric passport photos are laser-printed by the issuing authority, the colour photos you submit are used for the application process and identity verification.
Good vs bad Ukrainian passport photo examples
Glasses policy for Ukrainian passport photos
Ukraine has a more permissive glasses policy than many countries. The official VFS Global specification states that spectacles are allowed provided lenses are not tinted or reflective, and frames do not cover the eyes. However, to avoid rejection risk from glare or reflections, it is strongly recommended to remove glasses unless medically necessary. If you must wear glasses, ensure there is no glare, no tinted lenses, and frames sit below eyebrows and don't obscure any part of your eyes.
Taking passport photos of Ukrainian babies and children
- Lay baby on white or light grey blanket on flat surface.
- Ensure only the child is visible—no hands, toys, or supports in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting—no direct flash.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred.
- Face must occupy 70-80% of photo height (same as adults).
- Infants: eyes don't need to be fully open.
- Older children: eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed.
- Remove pacifiers, toys, bottles from frame.
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies.
- Children's passports issued at age 14 are valid for 4 years until age 18.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional studios in Ukraine
- Professional photo studio in Ukraine: ₴150-400 ($4-10 USD) for 4 photos
- Photo booths at metro stations or shopping centres: ₴100-200 ($2.50-5 USD)
- Photo services at passport offices (CNAP/TSNAP): ₴150-300 ($4-8 USD)
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at photo kiosks
- Home printing: ₴10-30 ($0.25-0.75 USD) per sheet (paper + ink)
- Photo kiosk printing: ₴20-50 ($0.50-1.25 USD) per sheet
- Savings: ₴100-350 per application using DIY approach
Need a Ukraine visa photo?
Ukraine visa photos use a DIFFERENT 30×40mm format—smaller than the 35×45mm passport size. Passport photos cannot be used for visa applications. Use the dedicated Ukraine Visa Photo tool for 30×40mm visa photos.
Ukraine's Diia digital passport
Ukraine's Diia (Дія) app offers legally valid digital versions of both internal and international passports—a world first. Digital passports in Diia are valid for identity verification within Ukraine, including travel by plane or train, banking, and government services. However, when applying for a new or renewed physical passport, you still need to submit two printed 35×45mm colour photographs meeting the specifications above. The biometric photo embedded in the passport itself is captured at the issuing centre.
Official Ukrainian Government Resources
- Ukraine Photo Specification (VFS Global PDF) Official photo requirements from VFS Global Ukraine visa application centre
- Diia — Digital State Services Ukraine's official digital government services portal and app
- Embassy of Ukraine — Passport Information Consular passport application procedures and document requirements
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines (70-80%)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Height
- 31-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Top Spacing
- ~3.5 mm from top of hair to photo edge
- Background
- Plain light coloured (light grey or white)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Quantity
- Two identical photos required
- Valid For
- Internal passport (ID card), international passport
Best Practices
- Face must cover 70-80% of photo height—significantly more than EU standard 64-76%
- Background should be plain and light coloured—light grey or white both accepted
- Two identical photos required for application—print at least 4 copies
- Glasses are allowed if lenses are clear and frames don't cover eyes—but removing them is safer
- Same 35×45mm format works for both internal passport (ID card) and international passport
- Ukraine visa photos are 30×40mm—do NOT use passport photos for visa applications
- Print at 600 DPI for acceptance—lower resolution will be rejected
- Use crop guidelines to position face at 70-80% of frame height
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ukraine passport photo requirements?
Ukrainian passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within the last 6 months, with plain light coloured background (light grey or white). Face must occupy 70-80% of photo height (31-36mm from chin to hairline). Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. No sunglasses. Two identical colour photos required on photographic paper.
Can I use the same photo for Ukrainian internal and international passport?
Yes. Both the internal passport (ID card) and international biometric passport use identical 35×45mm specifications. One set of photos works for both applications if taken within 6 months.
What background colour for Ukraine passport photos?
The official requirement is 'plain and light coloured' background. Light grey is most commonly used and recommended. White is also accepted. Avoid dark, patterned, or shadowed backgrounds.
Can I wear glasses in Ukraine passport photos?
Yes, unlike many countries, Ukraine allows prescription glasses if lenses are clear (not tinted), there is no glare or reflection, and frames do not cover your eyes. However, removing glasses is recommended to avoid rejection risk.
How recent must Ukrainian passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
How many photos do I need for Ukrainian passport?
Two identical colour photographs printed on photographic paper. Print extras as backup—this tool generates sheets with multiple copies.
Can I use Ukraine passport photos for visa applications?
No. Ukraine visa photos use 30×40mm format—different from the 35×45mm passport format. Different dimensions mean you must create separate photos for visa applications.
What is the pixel size for Ukraine passport photos?
826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures print quality meets Ukrainian government standards for the 35×45mm physical size.
Do I need a digital photo for Diia app?
No. The Diia app displays digital versions of your existing passport. The biometric photo in your passport is captured at the issuing centre. The 35×45mm photos are for the paper application process.
What paper type for Ukrainian passport photos?
The official specification says 'normal photographic paper.' Both matte and glossy photo paper are accepted. The key requirement is using actual photo-quality paper, not regular printer paper.