Kosovo residence permit photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Submission Rules

The residence-permit rules do not set a physical photo size. The permit covers temporary and permanent residence, including work and study purposes^[1][2].

Following your approval, you appear at the Division for Foreigners for photo capture because this is a biometric card. You do not supply a printed photo for the final application process^[2].

Background and Lighting Requirements

Your photo is captured electronically to ICAO standards; official rules do not specify a background color^[1]. When you take a practice picture at home, look for a plain, light-colored background without patterns, textures, or shadows.

Good lighting helps avoid shadows behind your head or under your chin. Face a bright window or use even indoor light so your facial features show clearly without harsh glares or dark spots.

Stand close to the background wall to stop heavy shadows from forming behind you. Natural daylight from a front-facing window gives the most balanced look for your practice pictures.

Glasses and Headwear Rules

The cited rules do not specify whether glasses are allowed^[1]. If you choose to wear them for your practice photo, make sure there is no glare on the lenses and that your eyes remain fully visible.

The instruction allows a religious head covering or scarf if the photo meets ICAO standards^[1].

Rules for Children and Dependents

Special procedures apply when you bring family members or children into the application process. Children up to age 12 have a photograph taken but no fingerprints^[1].

When photographing a young child or infant at home, lay them on a plain white or light sheet if they cannot sit up yet. Keep the camera directly above them at eye level, and make sure their eyes are open and looking toward the lens.

Ask a helper to grab the child's attention near the camera lens so they look forward with a neutral expression and a closed mouth.

Taking Your Photo at Home

You can use the tool above to crop your image to the 35 by 45 millimeter size for practice and preparation. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera, and keep the lens at your exact eye level to avoid distortion.

Keep your shoulders square and look straight ahead into the camera lens. You can take multiple attempts with the tool above until you are happy with the framing before you submit your paperwork or attend your appointment.

Ask a friend or family member to take the photo rather than using a selfie arm. Arm's length photos often show distorted proportions, making your head look too large compared to your body.

Checking Your Photo and Crop

After you take your practice picture, check the framing carefully on a larger screen. Look for good contrast between your clothing and the background so your outline stands out clearly.

Check that your whole head, including your hair, fits inside the frame with some space around the edges. Keep your posture straight and relaxed, and remove any items from your pockets that might alter how you sit or stand.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Applications often face delays when photos fail to meet technical or visual standards. Blurry images, poor lighting, or incorrect head positioning are common reasons staff ask for a retake.

Always confirm your specific requirements with the issuing office or organization before you finalize your paperwork. While the final biometric capture happens at the official office, careful preparation helps you feel ready^[2].