Bulgarian Visitor Visa Photo Requirements
A Bulgarian visa application requires a 35 by 45 mm colour photo on a light-coloured background[1]. The face should take up 70–80% of the photo.
Document Type and Official Size
When you apply for a Bulgarian short-stay Visa C or a long-stay Visa D, you must submit one full-colour photograph[1]. The official size of the photo is 35 by 45 mm, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a full-colour 3.5 × 4.5 cm photograph among the documents to submit[1].
Background Specifications
You need a light-coloured background for your Bulgarian visa photo[1]. The official page does not specify an exact colour, so a plain white or light neutral wall works best[1].
Make sure there are no distracting patterns, textures, or household objects behind you. Turn on overhead room lights and face a bright window to get even illumination across your features. Avoid standing too close to the background surface to prevent dark shadows from forming directly behind your head.
Facial Framing and Proportions
Your face must appear directly facing the camera in a clear frontal view[1]. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria states that your face must occupy 70 to 80 percent of the entire image[1].
The page says the face should take up 70–80% of the photo[1]. It does not provide a separate head-height measurement.
Glasses and Headwear Rules
Your eyes must remain clearly visible in the final photograph. Dark glasses are not accepted by the issuing authority[1].
The page says photos with dark glasses are ineligible[1]. It does not specify rules for other glasses or headwear. Check with the visa office if you plan to wear either.
Rules for Children and Infants
The same photo requirement applies to a child entered in a parent's passport[1].
The same photo requirement applies to a child entered in a parent's passport[1]. The source gives no separate instructions for infants.
Printed Submission and Professional Standards
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a printed photo among the documents to submit[1]. It says non-professional and amateur-cropped photos are ineligible[1].
The page says non-professional and amateur-cropped photos are ineligible[1]. Follow that requirement when choosing how to have the photo made.
Tips for Taking Your Photo
If you want to prepare your picture at home before visiting a studio or printing a sheet, use a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the device yourself to avoid awkward angles.
For the official photo, follow the stated requirements: a frontal face that takes up 70–80% of the image, against a light-coloured background[1]. Keep a comfortable distance from the camera lens to prevent facial distortion.
Checking Your Photo
Before you print or submit your image, look closely at the framing. Check that your eyes sit level and your expression remains neutral with your mouth closed.
Measure the printed copy with a ruler to verify the 35 by 45 mm dimensions. Make sure the lighting is bright and even without harsh shadows on one side of your face.
Before You Go
Gather your printed photos along with your completed visa application form and supporting papers. Keep the pictures flat in an envelope so they do not bend or get scratched before you hand them over.
Check the photo and application requirements before your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What size must a Bulgarian visitor visa photo be?
The official size is 35 by 45 mm, or about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Bulgarian visa photo?
Dark glasses are not accepted by the issuing authority[1]. The page does not specify whether other glasses are allowed.
Does the background need to be a specific colour?
You need a light-coloured background, but the official page does not specify an exact colour[1].
Are digital photo uploads accepted for Bulgarian visas?
The submission method is printed, and the authority explicitly rejects non-professional and amateur-cropped photos[1].
Do children need to follow the same photo rules?
Yes, the same requirement applies to a child entered in a parent's passport[1].
How should I store my printed photos before submitting them?
Keep your printed pictures flat inside a clean envelope or folder to protect them from bends, creases, or surface scratches before your appointment.