May 28, 2026 · Poland
Polish Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Official Rules
Applying for a Polish passport or dowód osobisty? This guide covers every official requirement from the Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji (MSWiA), including dimensions, background, head position, and whether online photos are accepted in Poland.
Quick reference
- Size: 35×45mm (width × height)
- Background: white or light grey, plain and uniform
- Head height: 32–36mm (chin to crown)
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Glasses: not permitted (ICAO)
- Recency: taken within 6 months
Photo Dimensions and Format
Polish passport photos must be 35mm wide and 45mm tall, the ICAO standard used across the European Union. The photo must be sharp, in colour, and of sufficient resolution — at least 300 DPI for printed copies, and a high-resolution JPEG for digital submissions.
The head must measure 32–36mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown, not hair). The face should be centred horizontally and positioned so the eyes are roughly in the upper third of the photo. The full head must be visible, along with the upper part of the neck and shoulders.
A head that is too small, too large, or off-centre is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Using an online biometric photo tool ensures the crop is always correct.
Background Requirements
The background must be white or light grey, plain, and uniform. No patterns, objects, or other people may appear in the background. The background colour must contrast clearly with the applicant's face and hair — a plain white wall with even lighting works well for home photography.
Shadows on the background are not permitted. Even a slight shadow behind the head can cause a photo to be rejected. Use diffuse lighting from two sides — or shoot near a window — to minimise shadows.
Expression, Eyes, and Appearance
MSWiA requires a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera without squinting. The face must be evenly lit and in sharp focus.
Glasses are not permitted in Polish passport or dowód osobisty photos. Poland follows ICAO Doc 9303, which bans glasses to protect the accuracy of automated biometric facial recognition. Transparent contact lenses are permitted; coloured or tinted lenses that change the natural eye colour are not.
Religious head coverings are permitted if the full face — from forehead to chin and ear to ear — remains visible. Non-religious head coverings, fashion hats, and caps are not permitted.
Same Rules Apply to the Polish Dowód Osobisty
The dowód osobisty — the Polish national identity card — uses the same photo requirements as the passport. Whether applying for a passport or a dowód osobisty, submit a 35×45mm photo with white or light grey background, head 32–36mm, no glasses, neutral expression, and taken within the last 6 months.
Like the passport, the modern Polish identity card contains a biometric chip used for electronic identification and border control, which is why ICAO-compliant photos are required for both documents.
Are Online Passport Photos Legal in Poland?
Yes — online passport photo tools are fully legal in Poland. Poland has no restriction equivalent to Germany's BSI PointID regulation, which requires German passport and Personalausweis photos to be taken at an accredited in-person station.
A photo taken at home with a smartphone and processed with an online biometric tool — provided it meets all technical requirements for dimensions, resolution, background, and head size — is accepted by Polish authorities for passport and dowód osobisty applications.
Authorities will check the photo visually and may reject any photo that does not appear technically compliant, regardless of how it was produced.
PL / DE / CZ / SK Comparison
| Country | Size | Background | Head | Online photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Allowed |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Restricted (BSI PointID) |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Allowed |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Allowed |
Common Reasons for Rejection
Glasses in the photo
Remove glasses before taking the photo. Transparent contact lenses are permitted.
Head too small or too large
Head must measure 32–36mm in the 45mm frame. Use an online tool to crop correctly.
Non-plain or coloured background
Use a plain white or light grey surface. Remove all objects from the background.
Shadows on the face or background
Use diffuse, even lighting. A window with natural light works well.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Relax your face, close your mouth, and look directly at the camera.
Photo older than 6 months
Take a fresh photo that reflects your current appearance.
Blurry or low-resolution image
Use a recent smartphone or digital camera with adequate light. Minimum 300 DPI for print.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many photos do I need for a Polish passport application?
Typically one photo is required for in-person applications at a Urząd Wojewódzki or Biuro Paszportowe. For some digital portals only a digital file is needed. Confirm with the specific office before applying.
Can I use a colour photo printed at home?
Yes, a colour photo printed at home on photo paper (glossy or semi-matte, minimum 300 DPI) is acceptable, provided all content requirements are met.
Do children need a separate passport photo?
Yes. Children of all ages, including newborns, must have their own passport photo. The same ICAO requirements apply. For infants, the eyes must be open; a plain white or light grey sheet or car seat cover can work as a background.
Create Your Polish Passport Photo Online
ICAO-compliant biometric photo for Polish passport and dowód osobisty. Upload your photo, get a correctly formatted 35×45mm result in seconds. Free preview — pay only when satisfied. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
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