Greek Child Passport Photo Requirements and Guide
If you need a passport photo for a child in Greece, you must follow strict rules set by the Hellenic Police National Passport and Secure Document Center[1]. This guide explains the exact sizes, lighting, and submission steps you need to follow.
Official Size and Head Height Specifications
When you apply for a Greek child passport, the image must strictly follow official measurements set by the Hellenic Police National Passport and Secure Document Center[1]. The official size for a Greek child passport photo is 40×60 mm, which translates to about 1.57×2.36 inches[1]. You must make sure the framing matches these exact dimensions before you submit anything to the authorities[1].
Within that 40×60 mm frame, the head height must measure between 30 and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1]. The same passport photo specifications apply to children and infants alike[1]. You can use the tool above to check these exact proportions easily.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The background must be plain and uniform, with no patterns, shadows, or other objects. It must be light-coloured; grey with RGB values of (190,190,190) ±10 is preferred[1]. The source does not say that other backgrounds will cause immediate rejection.
Good lighting helps you meet this uniform background rule without creating dark spots on the wall or face. Face a large window with soft daylight, or place lamps so that light falls evenly across the child's face and the background behind them. Avoid harsh flashes that create dark shadows directly behind the child's head.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
The child should look at the camera with a neutral expression and a closed mouth[1]. The source says a smile with a closed mouth is not recommended and a frown is not recommended; it does not say these expressions cause immediate rejection[1].
If the child usually wears glasses, the glasses should be worn for the photo. They must not cover the eyes or reflect light; the authority recommends removing them when possible[1]. A head covering is allowed for religious reasons, and medical face covering is allowed with a medical certificate. Facial features must remain visible, except as allowed for health problems[1].
Special Rules for Infants and Young Children
Taking a passport photo of a baby requires patience and careful preparation at home. The same passport photo specifications apply to children and infants[1], meaning you cannot relax the head height or background rules just because the subject is a newborn. You can lay the baby flat on a plain, light-coloured sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above.
A parent or guardian submits a minor’s photo through myPhoto when the required relationship can be verified in the public registers[1]. The photo must show only the child; no other people or objects may appear[1].
Digital Submission and Printed Formats
In Greece, the photo is submitted digitally through myPhoto[1].
A printed photo may be accepted in exceptional cases or abroad[1], such as when you apply through a Greek consulate in another country. If you need a physical copy for such exceptional scenarios, you can prepare the file properly before printing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Photo at Home
Start by setting up your shooting space in a room with bright, natural daylight. Hang a plain, light-coloured fabric or use a smooth wall that matches the background requirements[1]. Seat your child or lay them down safely, keeping their body straight and their face pointed directly at the camera lens.
Place the camera at the child’s eye level and take a photo with the child looking at the lens, eyes open, and mouth closed[1]. The authority recommends a distance of 1.5 to 2.5 metres to reduce lens distortion[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct size for a Greek child passport photo?
The official size is 40×60 mm (1.57×2.36 in) with a head height measuring 30 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
Can I take a baby passport photo at home?
Yes, as long as you meet the background, lighting, and size rules, and the photo follows the same specifications for children and infants[1].
How do I submit the photo for a minor?
A parent or guardian submits the photo through myPhoto for a minor when the required public-register relationship can be verified[1].
Are glasses allowed in the child's passport photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules[1], so removing them is the safest choice to avoid refusal.
Can I use a printed photo instead of a digital upload?
The photo is normally submitted digitally through myPhoto, but a printed photo may be accepted in exceptional cases or abroad[1].