Preparing Your Bulgarian Passport Photo
Get ready for your Bulgarian passport application by learning the official photo size, background rules, and submission steps.
Official Size and Submission Requirements
The official size for a Bulgarian passport (Паспорт (задграничен паспорт)) photo is 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1][2]. The Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria sets this requirement for identity documents issued to citizens[1].
When you look at the official rules, the authority does not set a specific measurement for head height[1][2]. You should frame your face so it fills most of the frame naturally while leaving a small margin around your head and shoulders.
You submit a colour photo unless the application point can capture your face digitally[1]. The 2026 application form has a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo field[2].
Who Takes the Photo and Application Rules
How your photo is taken can vary depending on where you submit your application[1][2]. Staff at the application point will capture your face digitally if their office has the equipment to do so[1][2].
If the application point cannot capture your face digitally, you must submit a colour photo[1]. The 2026 form includes diplomatic, service, and seafarer's passports and labels a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo field[2].
You should always check with your specific issuing office before your appointment to find out whether staff will take your picture or if you need to bring a printed copy with you.
Background, Lighting, and Taking the Picture at Home
If you need to supply your own photo, you must follow the biometric photo requirements listed in the regulation[1][2]. The rules call for a colour photo, though the exact background colour value is not reported in the official text[1][2].
To take a clear picture at home, face a bright window so natural light falls evenly across your face. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture so your hand does not shake and distort the angle.
Keep the camera at your eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from you. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the correct 35×45 mm size before you print it out.
Rules for Children and Infants
Families applying for a child passport must follow specific guidelines for young applicants[1][2]. Child passports use the same application photo-size field as adult documents[1][2].
Infants must have an individual facial image[1].
To photograph a young baby safely, lay the child on a plain white or light-coloured blanket on the floor. You can also use a car seat covered with a plain sheet if the baby cannot sit up on their own yet.
Preparing Your Print for a Kiosk
Bulgarian passport applications require a physical, printed copy[1][2]. When you have your 35×45 mm image ready, you need to format it for printing.
You can place your cropped photo onto a standard 4×6-inch photo template. The tool above helps you arrange the photo onto a 4×6 sheet easily.
Take this digital file to any local store or kiosk that prints standard photos. Print it as a regular 4×6-inch glossy or matte picture, then cut it out carefully using scissors or a paper cutter.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Offices reject passport photos for several common reasons. If your lighting creates heavy shadows on your face or behind your head, the office may refuse the picture.
Blurry images, low-resolution files, or photos where you do not look directly at the camera will also fail inspection. Make sure your printed copy is sharp, clean, and has no marks or folds on the facial area.
Check that you cropped the image to the exact 35×45 mm dimensions so it fits the application form properly without stretching or cutting off important parts of your face.