May 29, 2026 · Bulgaria
Bulgarian Passport Photo Requirements 2025/2026
Bulgaria issues its biometric passport (биометричен паспорт) and national identity card (лична карта) in accordance with ICAO biometric standards and EU regulations. This guide covers the official photo specifications, the Bulgarian лична карта as an EU travel document, where to apply through the General Directorate "Civil Registration and Administrative Services" (GRAO), Bulgaria's Schengen accession in 2024/2025, and consular services for Bulgarians abroad.
Bulgaria Joined Schengen in 2024 — Check Current Land Border Rules
Bulgaria lifted air and sea border controls in March 2024. Land border controls were subsequently lifted in 2025. Non-EU visitors should verify the current land border entry requirements for their specific nationality, as transitional rules may apply.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. Bulgarian biometric паспорт with ICAO chip since 2010.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Bulgarian passport (паспорт) and identity card (лична карта) applications and renewals, both in Bulgaria and at Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO biometric standard).
- Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Bulgaria follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric document photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Bulgarian Biometric Passport (Биометричен Паспорт) Since 2010
Bulgaria introduced its biometric passport in 2010. The document contains a contactless chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU Council Regulation 2252/2004. The chip enables verification at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers, including those within the Schengen Area.
Adult Bulgarian passports are typically valid for 10 years. Passports for children are issued with a shorter validity period. Always confirm the current validity terms with the issuing authority before applying.
Лична Карта (Lična Karta): Bulgarian ID Card for EU Travel
Bulgarian citizens can use the лична карта (lična karta, national identity card) for travel within the European Union. Since Bulgaria joined Schengen in 2024/2025, the card is accepted at internal Schengen air, sea, and land borders. Verify the entry rules of your destination before travel, particularly for non-EU nationals who may still be subject to border checks.
The photo requirements for the лична карта are identical to the passport: 35×45mm ICAO, white background, no glasses, neutral expression, both eyes fully open. Both documents are issued through GRAO (General Directorate "Civil Registration and Administrative Services") and regional Ministry of Interior offices.
Where to Apply: GRAO and Ministry of Interior Offices
Bulgarian passport and identity card applications are submitted at offices of the General Directorate "Civil Registration and Administrative Services" (ГРАО — Главна дирекция "Гражданска регистрация и административно обслужване") and at regional sections of the Ministry of Interior (Министерство на вътрешните работи).
The biometric photo and fingerprints are typically captured on-site at the application office using a controlled camera. Some applications may also require a printed photo. Confirm the current procedure with your local office or the Bulgarian embassy before attending your appointment.
Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin
Bulgarian citizens in Germany can contact the Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin for passport and consular services. The embassy serves Bulgarian citizens resident in Germany and handles document applications in line with the same ICAO photo specifications used at offices in Bulgaria. Current contact details and appointment information are available at mfa.bg/embassies/germany.
Bulgarian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian Passport (паспорт) | 35×45mm | White | No | 10 years (adult), 5 years (child) |
| Bulgarian ID Card (лична карта) | 35×45mm | White | No | Varies by age |
Always verify current validity periods and requirements with the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior (mvr.bg) or your nearest Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Bulgarian Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not permitted under the ICAO standard.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Avoid off-white, cream, light grey, or any coloured backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall and use even frontal lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed, neutral expression with both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
Digital filters or retouching applied
Submit the photo without any filters, skin smoothing, or digital alterations to your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Bulgarian passport photo?
Bulgarian passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall, following the ICAO biometric standard. The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Bulgarian passport photo?
No. Bulgaria follows the ICAO biometric standard, which prohibits glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription frames, before the photo is taken.
Can I use my Bulgarian ID card (лична карта) to travel in the EU?
Yes. Bulgarian citizens can use the лична карта (lična karta) for travel within the European Union. Since Bulgaria joined Schengen in 2024/2025, the card is accepted at internal Schengen borders. Verify the current rules for your destination before travel.
Where do I apply for a Bulgarian passport?
Bulgarian passport applications are submitted at offices of the General Directorate "Civil Registration and Administrative Services" (GRAO) and at regional offices of the Ministry of Interior. Bulgarian citizens abroad can apply at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen Area?
Yes. Bulgaria joined Schengen progressively: air and sea border controls were lifted in March 2024, and land border controls were lifted in 2025. Non-EU visitors should verify the current land border entry requirements for their specific nationality.
How long has Bulgaria issued biometric passports?
Bulgaria introduced its biometric passport (биометричен паспорт) in 2010. The document contains a contactless chip with the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU biometric passport regulations.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior (mvr.bg) or your nearest Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
Create Your Bulgarian Passport Photo Online
ICAO-compliant 35×45mm biometric photo with correct white background. Free preview — pay only when satisfied.
Get Your Compliant Passport Photo — From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99