Photos for Your Italian Residence Permit
You need four printed photos for your Italian residence permit application. Follow the official rules below to prepare them correctly[1].
Official Size and Format Rules
The photo must be at least 45 mm high and 35 mm wide[1]. The cited procedure asks for four printed, ID-format photos at the Questura appointment[1]. It does not give a head-height measurement.
Keeping your head centered in the frame is always a good practice so your face is clearly visible. Always measure your printed photos with a small ruler to check that they match the required dimensions before your appointment.
The Questura Appointment and Submitting Prints
The residence-permit application is made to the Questore of the province where you are staying[1]. At the Questura appointment, bring four printed, ID-format photos; one will be attached to the permit[1].
The appointment process at the Questura is thorough and includes both photo collection and fingerprint collection on site[1]. Because you must present physical copies in person, you cannot complete this step by uploading a digital file online[1].
Background and Lighting Specifications
The cited procedure requires a white background[1].
To meet this rule at home, find a blank white wall with no patterns, textures, or hanging objects. Make sure the room has bright, even lighting so your face is clearly lit without dark shadows. Standing a little bit away from the wall can help stop your shadow from appearing in the final shot.
Taking and Preparing Your Photo at Home
You can easily take your photo at home using a smartphone or a digital camera. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of trying to take a selfie. Keep the camera lens right at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away.
Maintain a neutral posture and look straight into the camera lens with your eyes wide open. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct 35 by 45 mm size and arrange it on a standard sheet. This lets you prepare a photo sheet at home that you can print out at a local photo kiosk.
Rules for Children and Minors
The cited procedure gives the same minimum photo dimensions for applicants generally[1]. It does not specify separate photo or fingerprint rules for children and infants.
Photographing a baby can be difficult, so you can lay your child on a plain white sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above. Make sure the lighting is bright and your child is looking generally toward the camera lens.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Applications can face delays if your photos do not meet the basic size rules of at least 45 mm high and 35 mm wide[1]. Always bring the full set of four printed copies to your Questura appointment to avoid being turned away[1].
The cited procedure does not list other causes for refusal. Check that your photos meet the stated dimensions and white-background requirement before your appointment[1].
Printing Your Photos for the Application
Because the application requires printed copies, you need to turn your digital photo into a physical print[1]. You can place your cropped 35 by 45 mm photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch template using the tool above.
Print the photo sheet at a local kiosk if that is convenient, then cut out the photos to the required dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for an Italian residence permit?
The official size is 35 by 45 millimeters[1].
How many photos must I bring to my appointment?
You must bring four printed, passport-size photos to your Questura appointment[1].
Who handles the residence permit applications?
The Questore at the provincial Police Headquarters processes the applications and manages appointments[1].
What background color is required?
The authority requires a white background[1].
Can I submit my residence permit photo online?
No, the submission requires physical paper prints submitted in person during your police appointment[1].