Croatian Long-Stay Visa Photo Guidelines
Preparing for your Croatian long-stay visa application requires a photo that meets exact official standards. Use this guide to make sure your picture is ready.
Size and Submission Rules
For a Croatian long-stay visa application, you need a colour photo that measures 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1][2]. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs requires you to submit a physical, printed photograph with your documents[1].
The photo rules set a maximum head height of 36 mm and require the head to be centered[2]. You can use the tool above to crop your photo before printing.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your photo must feature a background that is light, uniform and unpatterned, with sufficient contrast to your face and hair[2]. Avoid busy walls, textured wallpaper, or dark backdrops.
When you take your picture at home, face a window with soft natural light to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
You must maintain a neutral expression when the photo is taken[2]. Do not smile, frown, raise your eyebrows, or scrunch your face.
Your mouth must be completely closed[2]. Relax your facial muscles and look directly into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and clearly visible.
Glasses and Head Coverings
Wearing glasses in your visa photo is conditional[2]. If you wear them, make sure the frames do not hide your eyes and there is no glare on the lenses. It is often safest to take your glasses off to prevent any rejection.
Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons[1][2]. If you wear one for these reasons, it must leave your cheeks, chin, and forehead completely visible[2].
Photo Rules for Children
A child in the photo must be alone, with their face fully visible and eyes open[2].
The child’s face must be fully visible and their eyes must be open[2].
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
Once you have a clear digital image that matches all requirements, you need to format it for printing. You can use the tool above to place your cropped photo onto a standard 4×6-inch photo template.
Take this digital file to a local store or kiosk that prints standard 4×6 photos. Print it out on ordinary glossy or matte photo paper, then carefully cut it out to the exact 35×45 mm size using scissors or a paper cutter.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Visa offices often reject photos that have poor lighting, heavy shadows on the face, or a background that is too dark or patterned[2]. Check that your background matches the light and uniform standard.
Other common mistakes include an open mouth, a smiling expression, or hair falling across the eyes. Review your printed picture closely against all official rules before you hand it in with your application package[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What size does a Croatian long-stay visa photo need to be?
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
Glasses are allowed only under strict conditions, and your eyes must be fully visible without any glare on the lenses[2]. Taking your glasses off is usually safer.
Do I need a digital or printed photo to apply?
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs requires a physical, printed photo to be submitted with your visa application[1].
Can I cover my head in the visa photo?
What kind of background is required?
You must use a background that is light, uniform and unpatterned, with sufficient contrast to your face and hair[2].