Estonian alien's passport photo (40×50 mm)

Official Size and Measurements

When you apply for an Estonian alien's passport, your photo must meet precise physical dimensions set by the Police and Border Guard Board^[1]. The official size of the photo is 40 by 50 millimeters, which is about 1.57 by 1.97 inches^[1].

Your head must occupy a specific portion of the frame to pass inspection. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must measure between 35 and 40 millimeters^[1]. Additionally, your eye line must fall between 25 and 35 millimeters from the bottom of the photo^[1].

Keep these measurements in mind when you frame your picture. The photo must meet the official head-height and eye-line requirements^[1].

Background and Lighting Setup

The backdrop behind you plays a direct role in whether your application gets accepted. You must use a flat, uniform, light-coloured background contrasting with the face and hair; no specific colour is prescribed^[1].

Avoid patterned walls, textured wallpaper, or dark shadows behind your head. Face a large window or a bright, even light source to keep your face evenly lit without harsh dark spots on either side.

Turn off any overhead lights that cast shadows under your nose or chin. Stand a little bit away from the wall behind you so your shadow does not show up in the final image.

Facial Expression and Headwear

Keep your face completely relaxed and natural when the camera clicks. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed^[1]. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth.

Glasses are allowed conditionally^[1]. If you wear them, make sure your eyes remain visible.

Head coverings are strictly prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons^[1]. Your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead must be completely uncovered.

Rules for Children and Infants

Applying for identity documents for minors requires attention to special age limits. A photo is not required in the document of a child under four^[1].

If your child is four years old or older, their photo must follow the same sizing, background, and expression rules as an adult photo as closely as possible.

Taking a picture of a young child can take patience. Lay a plain light sheet on the floor and place the child on it, or have someone hold the child while standing out of the camera view.

Submission Methods and Who Takes the Photo

The Police and Border Guard Board provides multiple ways to submit your application materials. Photos may be supplied electronically or on paper, or captured by the authority^[1][2].

If you supply a paper copy yourself, you must provide one colour photo^[1]. You can also have your picture taken directly at a service office during your appointment if you prefer not to bring your own.

Preparing and Printing Your Photo at Home

You can take your picture at home using a digital camera or smartphone placed at eye level. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid any facial distortion.

Ask a helper to take the picture instead of using arm's length selfies, because holding the camera too close will make your nose look too big.

You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the exact 40 by 50 millimeter dimensions. The tool lets you arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet so you can print it cheaply at a local photo kiosk.

Before Your Visit

Check your printed photo with a ruler before you head to the office. Measure the head height from chin to crown to verify it fits the 35 to 40 millimeter rule.

Make sure the paper is matte or glossy photo paper with no pixelation or ink smudges. Clean cuts along the edges will make your application process much smoother.