Polish Passport Photo Requirements and Size
Get your Polish passport photo right by following official rules for size, background, and expression. You can use the tool above to prepare your photo quickly.
Official Size and Dimensions
A Polish passport photo must measure 35 by 45 millimeters, or about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1]. You must provide one photo[1]. The authority does not set a specific head-height measurement in millimeters[1].
You can use the tool above to crop your image to these dimensions before printing it. When you set up your photo, keep your head centered within the frame so that the final image meets the standard size requirements easily.
Background and Lighting Requirements
You need a uniform light background for your Polish passport photo[1]. The official source does not specify a precise background color, but a plain white or off-white wall works best[1]. Make sure there are no patterns, textures, pictures, or objects visible behind you.
Use even lighting so your face and the background are clear. Stand a short distance away from the wall to avoid casting dark shadows behind your head. Natural light from a window facing you often provides the best balance, as long as it does not cause you to squint.
Facial Expression, Eyes, and Mouth
Use a neutral expression, keep your mouth closed, and look straight ahead[1]. Relax your face so you do not frown or smile.
Glasses are allowed only if your eyes remain clearly visible and the lenses do not cause glare; dark glasses are not allowed[1]. If your glasses have thick frames that cross your eyes, you may want to take them off for the picture to avoid rejection at the office.
Head Coverings and Hair Rules
Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons[1]. Your face must remain visible[1].
Keep your face unobstructed and your eyes visible[1]. Brush your hair away from your forehead and eyes so the office worker can see your facial features clearly. If you wear a head covering, adjust it so it does not cast a shadow across your forehead or cheeks.
Special Rules for Infants and Children
Children under five may have closed eyes, an open mouth, or a non-neutral expression[1]. Their face must remain unobstructed, and the background must be light and uniform[1].
Children under 12 may submit passport applications online with a digital photo; applications at an office use a printed photo[1].
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take your passport photo at home using a digital camera or smartphone. Ask a helper to take the picture instead of trying to take a selfie, because selfies distort facial proportions.
Stand about one to two meters away from the camera, and keep the camera lens at your eye level. Take multiple shots with different slight adjustments to your posture so you have options to choose from when you use the cropping tool.
Checking Your Photo
Before you print or submit your image, review it carefully against the basic criteria. Check that your shoulders are level, your head is upright, and your expression is completely neutral with your mouth shut.
Look closely at the background to confirm there are no shadows or stray objects. Make sure your eyes are wide open and looking directly at the camera lens.
Printing and Submitting Your Photo
Adult passport applications are submitted in person with a printed photo[1]. Follow the instructions for your application when preparing the photo for printing.
Once printed, cut out the 35 by 45 mm photo using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper trimmer. Check it against the official requirements before submitting it.