Costa Rican citizenship application photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Submission Rules

The TSE checklist requires one printed, passport-size photograph^[1]. It does not specify dimensions; 35 × 45 mm is a practical crop size, not an official measurement.

A 35 × 45 mm crop (about 1.38 × 1.77 inches) is a practical size. The checklist requires a printed photo^[1].

You can use the tool above to make a practice crop at 35 × 45 mm before printing. The checklist asks for a passport-size photo but does not give dimensions^[1].

Applicants submit one printed passport-size photograph, front-facing and unretouched^[1]. The official checklist does not specify dimensions^[1].

Background and Lighting

The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones checklist requires a front-facing, unretouched passport-size photograph with the face clearly visible^[1]. No background color is specified by the authority^[1].

To get good lighting, face a bright window while someone else takes your picture. Avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head so your features remain distinct.

Natural light from a window works best if you turn off indoor lamps that cast yellow or orange tones on your skin.

Head Height and Camera Positioning

The head height is not set by the authority^[1]. You should keep your head centered and look straight ahead toward the camera lens.

Ask a friend to hold the camera at your exact eye level. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid any distortion of your facial features.

Keep your shoulders square to the lens and relax your posture while your helper takes the picture.

Expression, Glasses, and Headwear

The official rules list glasses and headwear as unspecified^[1]. However, your face must remain clearly visible in the final picture^[1].

The checklist does not specify rules for glasses, expression, or mouth position. It requires the face to be clearly visible^[1].

If you wear glasses, check that the frames do not cover your eyes and that there is no glare or flash reflection on the lenses.

Preparing Your Photo Sheet

The checklist requires one printed, passport-size photograph^[1]. The tool can arrange a practice crop on a 4 × 6-inch sheet.

You can save this sheet to your device and take it to any local photo printing kiosk. Print it out as a normal glossy or matte photo just like you would with vacation pictures.

Check the printed sheet with a ruler to confirm the size is correct before you cut out the picture.

Printing and Submitting at the Office

If you print a practice crop on a 4 × 6-inch sheet, check its dimensions before cutting it out.

Submit one printed passport-size photograph with your application^[1]. The cited checklist does not say that the photo must be cut to 35 × 45 mm.

Issued by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, Dirección General del Registro Civil, the application process requires careful preparation of your documents^[1].

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple errors when taking photos at home. Do not use digital filters or editing tools because the checklist requires an unretouched picture^[1].

Avoid tilting your head or looking away from the camera lens. Make sure your face is evenly lit and your expression is relaxed.

Check that your photo is not blurry before you print it out at the kiosk.

Before You Go to the Office

Gather your printed photograph and all required paperwork before your appointment. Keep your photo in a clean envelope so it does not get bent or stained.

Review the checklist provided by the Dirección General del Registro Civil to confirm you have all items ready for your Solicitud de naturalización appointment^[1].