Armenian citizenship application photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Framing Rules

Your photo must measure 35 by 45 millimeters, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches^[2]. This specific size matches the upload criteria for the application form^[2].

The height of your head, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, must be between 32 and 36 millimeters^[2]. Your eye line must also fall between 23 and 35 millimeters from the bottom of the photo^[2].

Keep your head and shoulders within the photo frame^[2].

Background and Lighting Requirements

The background behind you must be plain and light in color^[2]. Official wording names white, light grey, or light beige^[2].

Avoid patterned walls, dark colors, or visible objects behind you. Face a bright window or a soft light source so your face is evenly lit without harsh shadows^[2].

Use even lighting so your face and the background are clear^[2].

Facial Expression and Glasses

You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth completely closed^[2]. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth.

Look straight at the camera with your eyes open and visible^[2]. Glasses are allowed if they do not cause glare or reflections, and dark lenses or sunglasses are not allowed^[2].

Keep your hair out of your eyes so your full face is clear for the digital system^[2].

Head Coverings and Children

Head coverings are permitted only for religious or medical reasons, and must not cover the main parts of your face^[2].

The published rules do not state separate photo framing rules for minors or infants^[2].

Digital Submission Rules

Since January 1, 2026, citizenship applications are submitted through the electronic case-management system^[1]. The rules require a photo to be uploaded to the system^[2].

The published photo requirements do not state image file size limits^[2].

Taking Your Photo at Home

You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of taking a selfie, because selfies distort facial proportions due to the close distance.

Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera, and keep the lens at your exact eye level. Make sure your shoulders and upper chest are visible in the frame along with your head.

You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the exact 35 by 45 millimeter size required for your application before you upload it to the state portal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people run into trouble because they wear heavy makeup, tinted glasses, or headwear that hides their jawline or forehead. Keep your face completely natural and uncovered unless you wear religious or medical head coverings^[2].

Another common error is standing too close to the wall, which creates a dark shadow behind your head. Step a meter away from the background wall to let the light spread out evenly.

Avoid tilting your head up or down. Keep your chin level and look directly into the camera lens so your eye line stays within the correct height limits^[2].

Checking Your Photo Before Upload

Before you submit your digital file, look closely at the crop lines. Your head height must measure between 32 and 36 millimeters from chin to crown^[2].

Check the background to confirm there are no shadows, patterns, or objects visible behind you. The background must be a solid, light color such as white, light grey, or light beige^[2].

Open the image file on your screen at one hundred percent size to check for blurriness. If the picture is blurry, out of focus, or poorly lit, take another one before you try to upload it.