Bulgarian Passport, ID, and Visa Photo Requirements
Prepare your Bulgarian identity documents by following official photo rules. You can use the tool above to crop your pictures easily.
Covered Bulgarian Documents
Bulgaria requires specific photos for many official documents. This page covers the Bulgarian passport photo, Bulgarian child passport photo, and Bulgarian national ID card photo[1].
You also need them for the Bulgarian driving licence photo and the Bulgarian visitor visa photo[1][2]. Additionally, the Bulgarian international driving permit photo and the Bulgarian residence permit photo follow similar sizing standards[3][4].
Knowing these rules helps you prepare your paperwork correctly before you visit an official office.
Official Size Standards
The listed photo size for these documents is 35×45 mm. It is official for passports, child passports, national ID cards, driving licences, and visitor visas[1][2], and common for international driving permits and residence permits[3][4]. The listed submission method is printed.
The supplied facts do not set a head-height measurement for these photos.
Printing your cropped image as a standard 4x6-inch photo sheet at a local kiosk saves you both time and money.
Understanding Document Differences
While documents like the Bulgarian passport, child passport, national ID card, driving licence, and visitor visa follow strict official sizing rules, others have minor distinctions[1][2].
For instance, the Bulgarian international driving permit photo and the Bulgarian residence permit photo rely on a common size rather than a single official size mandate[3][4].
Despite these small background differences in how they are defined, they all share the standard 35×45 mm physical dimensions[1][3][4][2]. Always check the exact office guidelines for your specific application type.
Practical Steps for Taking Your Photo at Home
You do not need a professional studio to take a valid identification photo. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to keep your proportions natural.
Face a bright window to catch soft, even light across your features without casting dark shadows. Ask a friend or family member to snap the picture so you avoid the distorted angles of a selfie.
Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level and look straight ahead with a neutral expression.
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
Local authorities can reject your application if your photo fails to meet basic visual standards. Avoid wearing dark glasses, tinted lenses, or heavy frames that obscure your eyes.
Head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and even then, your face must remain fully visible from your chin to your forehead.
Make sure your mouth is completely closed and you do not smile broadly. Finally, check that your background is plain and light-colored.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
The listed submission method for Bulgarian passports, IDs, driving licences, international driving permits, residence permits, and visitor visas is printed[1][3][4][2].
You can place your cropped photo onto a standard 4x6-inch photo template. Take this digital file to any local printing kiosk or print it at home on photo paper.
Cut the photos carefully along the edges before you bring them to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What size do Bulgarian passport photos need to be?
They must be 35×45 mm in size[1].
Is there a specific head height requirement?
The official regulations do not set a specific head height requirement, but your face should be centered clearly[1].