Croatian Passport Photo Guidelines
Preparing a photograph for your Croatian passport, known as a Putovnica, requires careful attention to official rules[1]. You can use the tool above to easily crop your image to the correct dimensions before printing.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia sets exact dimensions for passport images to make sure they meet identification standards[1]. Your photo must measure precisely 35 by 45 millimetres, which translates to about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
When measuring your proportions, your head height must fall between 31.5 and 36 millimetres[1]. This measurement is taken from the bottom of your chin to the top of the head[1].
Applicants are normally required to supply one printed photo for their passport application[2]. Knowing these precise limits helps you avoid early mistakes during your application process.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The official guidelines state that the background must be light, uniform, ideally light grey; no pattern or shadows, with sufficient contrast against face and hair[2].
To achieve this at home, find a plain wall that matches these criteria or hang a clean, light grey fabric sheet behind you. Make sure there are no wrinkles or dark patches visible on the backdrop.
For lighting, face a bright window to illuminate your face evenly from the front. Avoid overhead lights that cast harsh shadows under your nose or chin, and turn off any flash that creates bright spots on your skin.
Facial Expression, Eyes, and Glasses
Your facial expression must be strictly neutral, and your mouth must be completely closed[2]. Do not smile, frown, or part your lips when the picture is taken.
Look directly forward toward the camera lens so that your face is presented in a full frontal view[2]. Your eyes must be wide open and clearly visible without any hair blocking your face.
Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons[2]. The supplied photo instructions do not specify rules for glasses.
Special Rules for Children and Infants
Photographing young children involves specific adjustments to the standard measurement rules[2]. Children who are younger than 11 years old have a reduced minimum head height requirement of 22.5 millimetres, while the maximum limit remains 36 millimetres[2].
Keep in mind that the Croatian passport application requires the child to be physically present starting from age 12[2].
The cited instructions do not give a special method for photographing infants.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo at Home
Taking your own passport photo at home saves time if you follow a careful process. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you, as holding the camera yourself causes distortion and awkward angles.
Position the camera or smartphone at your exact eye level, standing about 1 to 1.5 metres away from your subject. Ensure that your shoulders and upper chest are included in the frame along with your head.
Take several shots to get the best lighting and expression before selecting the right file. You can then upload your chosen image to the tool above to adjust the framing.
Printing Your Photo for the Kiosk
The standard application requires one printed photo[1]. You can place your correctly cropped 35 by 45 millimetre photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch template.
Save this template as a standard image file and take it to any local printing kiosk or photo shop. Print it out on standard glossy or matte photo paper at its original size without any scaling or auto-enhancement filters.
Inspect the printed sheet closely to verify that the colours look natural and the dimensions match the official requirements before cutting the photo out.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Application delays often happen when authorities reject substandard photographs[1]. The Ministry of the Interior notes that photos must be recent, frontal, and completely unretouched[2].
Self-service booth photos are not permitted[2]. The instructions also require a neutral expression and a closed mouth[2].
Check that your head height measures correctly between 31.5 and 36 millimetres, and check that the background is completely free of shadows or patterns to keep your application moving forward[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Croatian passport photo?
The supplied photo instructions do not specify rules for glasses[2].
Are selfies allowed for a Croatian passport?
No, photos must be frontal and taken by another person or professional, as self-service booth photos are not permitted[2].
What is the required head height for children?
Children younger than 11 have a lower minimum head height of 22.5 mm, while the maximum is 36 mm[2].
Can I use a digital photo file for my application?
What background colour is required?
The background must be light, uniform, ideally light grey; no pattern or shadows, with sufficient contrast against face and hair[2].