Latvian Long-Stay Visa Photo Rules and Size
You need a clear photo for your Latvian long-stay visa application. Follow the official rules to get your picture right the first time.
Official Size and Head Measurements
The rules for a Latvian long-stay visa photo give a head-height range of 31.5–36 mm, measured from chin to hairline[1].
The regulation measures the face from the chin line to the hairline and requires it to take up 70–80% of the photo’s height[1].
Background and Lighting
The regulation requires a homogeneous white or light-grey background with no visible shadows[1].
Avoid patterned walls, textured wallpaper, or dark backgrounds that might blend with your hair or clothing. Good lighting helps make your face clear and prevents harsh dark shadows. Face a bright window during daylight hours or use soft, balanced lamps so your face has even light on both sides.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
The regulation requires a natural, ordinary, neutral expression and a neutral gaze directed at the camera[1].
If you wear glasses, your eyes must be visible, the frames must not be heavy or cover your face, and the lenses must not reflect light or be shaded[1].
You must be without headwear unless you wear it daily for religious reasons; it must not cover your face[1].
Rules for Children and Infants
Many families apply for long-stay visas together, but babies and young children must still follow proper photographic standards. No distinct infant photo measurements were confirmed; the general visa photo conditions apply[1].
For a baby’s photo, follow the same rules for a neutral gaze, visible eyes, and a plain light background. The regulation requires that no other people or objects appear in the photo[1].
Submission Options and Biometric Enrolment
Latvian national long-stay visa rules allow either a submitted photo or a digital image captured at the time of obtaining it[1]. This means you have flexibility depending on how and where you complete your application process.
The rules allow either a submitted photo or a digital image captured when the photo is obtained[1]. Follow the instructions from the office or mission handling your application.
The regulation lists no minimum or maximum file size for digital images[1].
Taking and Printing Your Photo at Home
Taking your visa photo at home is simple if you follow a few practical steps. Set up a digital camera or smartphone on a tripod or stable surface, keeping the lens at your exact eye level.
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to avoid any facial distortion caused by being too close. Take several shots so you can pick the one with the best lighting and most neutral expression.
Upload your chosen picture to the tool above to crop it accurately to the 35 by 45 millimeter size. Save your edited photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet and print it out at any standard retail photo kiosk.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The long-stay visa rules require the face to occupy 70–80% of the photo’s height[1].
The rules also prohibit shadows on the face or background, reflections in glasses, and hair covering the eyes[1]. They require a front-facing head and eyes directed at the camera.
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a Latvian long-stay visa photo?
The official size is 35 by 45 millimeters, with a head height between 31.5 and 36 millimeters[1].
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
Glasses are allowed conditionally, as long as they do not obscure your eyes or cause heavy glare[1].
Are hats permitted in the photo?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, and it must not hide your face[1].
Do children need a different photo size?
No distinct infant photo measurements were confirmed, so the general visa photo conditions apply to children[1].
How do I submit my photo?
Latvian rules allow both printed and digital submission options, and your portrait may also be captured during biometric enrolment[1].