Greek Passport Photo (40×60 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Greek passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant biometric photo at home.

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Greek Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryGreece (Ελλάς)
Document TypePassport (Διαβατήριο)
Photo Size40 × 60 mm (1.57 × 2.36 inches)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size31–35 mm from chin to top of head
Background ColorLight grey (RGB 190, 190, 190 ±10) or white
PrintableYes — on high-quality photo paper (no inkjet on plain paper)
Digital Photo SizeRecommended: 945 × 1417 pixels at 600 DPI
Photo Paper TypeHigh-quality white photographic paper
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
Quantity2 identical photos required
Important: Greek passport photos use a 40×60 mm format, which is different from the standard EU/Schengen 35×45 mm size. The 35×45 mm format is only used for Greek visa applications, not for Greek passports.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 40×60 mm size, remove and replace the background with light grey, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all biometric requirements.

Detailed Greek Passport Photo Requirements

Greece follows strict biometric photo standards for passport photos as specified by the Hellenic Police (Αστυνομία). Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be sharp and in focus, with proper contrast
  • No filters or digital editing — do not alter your appearance
  • Must be printed on high-quality photographic paper — inkjet prints on plain paper are not accepted
  • Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 40 × 60 mm (1.57 × 2.36 inches)
  • Your head must measure between 31–35 mm from chin to top of head
  • The face must be centered in the photo
  • No borders or frames around the photo

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
  • No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead, and ear to ear

Background

  • Use a light grey background (RGB value approximately 190, 190, 190)
  • White or cream-white backgrounds are also accepted
  • The background must be uniform — no patterns, textures, or objects
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Greek passport photos. You must remove all eyeglasses, including prescription glasses, before taking the photo. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn daily for religious or cultural purposes
  • If worn for religious/cultural reasons, your full face must still be clearly visible from chin to forehead
  • The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
  • Avoid clothing that blends with the light grey background

Children and Baby Photos

  • The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands visible
  • The child's eyes must be open and visible
  • No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible
  • A plain light grey or white sheet may be used as background for babies
  • The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Hellenic Republic — Passport Photo Specifications (passport.gov.gr)

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How to Take a Greek Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Greek passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo — avoid selfies.

Taking passport photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight. Use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate all shadows on your face and background.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly grey. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required light grey color.
Proper lighting setup for passport photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and clothing that blends with the light grey background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Appropriate attire for passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed, head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible and centered.

Correct posing for passport photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or make exaggerated expressions. Look straight into the camera lens.

Neutral facial expression for passport photo

Good and Bad Examples of Greek Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Greek passport photo?

A Greek passport photo must be exactly 40×60 mm (4×6 cm or 1.57×2.36 inches). Note that this is larger than the standard EU 35×45 mm format. Your head must measure between 31 and 35 mm from chin to top of head.

Is the Greek passport photo the same size as other EU passport photos?

No. Greece uses a larger 40×60 mm format for its own passport, unlike most other EU countries that use the standard 35×45 mm size. The Greek visa photo, however, follows the standard Schengen 35×45 mm format.

What background color is required for a Greek passport photo?

The background must be light grey (RGB value approximately 190, 190, 190). White or cream-white backgrounds are also accepted. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or objects.

Can I wear glasses in my Greek passport photo?

No. Glasses are not allowed in Greek passport photos. You must remove all eyeglasses, including prescription glasses, before taking the photo.

Can I smile in my Greek passport photo?

No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are permitted.

Can I take my Greek passport photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your Greek passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 40×60 mm size, remove the background, and ensure it meets all biometric requirements.

How recent must my Greek passport photo be?

Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.

How many photos do I need for a Greek passport application?

Greek passport applications require 2 identical color photographs sized 40×60 mm, printed on high-quality photographic paper.