Polish residence card photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Dimensions

A Polish residence-card photo measures 35 by 45 millimeters, or about 1.38 by 1.77 inches^[1][2]. Check the instructions for your application route before preparing a printed or digital photo.

The cited source does not specify a head-height or top-margin measurement^[1].

When you print your photos, check that the physical dimensions match 35 by 45 mm on the paper. Printers can sometimes scale images incorrectly if print settings are set to fit to page.

Background and Lighting Rules

Use a uniform bright or light background. The authority does not specify an exact color^[1].

Use even lighting so your face is clear. Stand a short distance away from your background wall to avoid harsh shadows behind your head. Natural light from a window facing you works well, but avoid strong sunlight that creates bright spots on your skin.

Facial Expression and Glasses

Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed^[1].

Glasses are allowed conditionally^[1]. Keep your eyes visible and avoid glare on the lenses.

If your glasses have thick frames that block your eyes, or if tinted lenses hide your pupils, take them off for the picture. Your eyes must be clearly open and looking straight at the camera lens.

Head Coverings and Hair

Religious head coverings are permitted if your face remains fully visible^[1].

Keep your eyes and face visible.

Make sure your hair does not fall across your eyes or eyebrows. Tuck stray hairs behind your ears so the edges of your face from your chin to your forehead are clearly seen by the person reviewing your application.

Submission and File Limits

Standard residence-card applications generally require two printed photos^[2]. The online CUKR application accepts one digital photo^[3]. Check the instructions for your application route before preparing your photo.

For digital submissions, the file size must not exceed 2560 KB^[3]. You can use the tool above to prepare your image to meet these specific size limits.

How to Take Your Photo at Home

You can take your photo at home with a camera or smartphone. Follow the official photo requirements when framing it.

Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of taking a selfie. Selfies often distort facial features due to the close distance of the camera lens.

Stand about one meter away from the background and let the person take the photo from chest height. Leave some space around your shoulders and head so you can crop the image correctly later.

Make sure you look straight into the lens with your shoulders square. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to the side.

You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the required dimensions before printing or submitting it.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Use a uniform bright or light background^[1].

Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed^[1].

Other possible problems include poor lighting or a blurry digital image. Check the photo instructions for your application route.

Before You Go

Check your printed photos with a ruler to confirm they measure 35 by 45 mm.

Keep your printed photos clean and free of bends, folds, or ink smudges. Damaged photos may be rejected by the office.

If your application requires printed copies, cut them carefully using a paper cutter or scissors with a straight edge to keep the borders neat and exact.