Everything you need to know about Kazakhstan passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant biometric photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Kazakhstan (Қазақстан) |
| Document Type | Passport (Паспорт) |
| Photo Size | 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Face Size | 31-36 mm from chin to top of head |
| Space Above Head | Approximately 3 mm from top of hair to top of photo |
| Head Proportion | 70-80% of the photograph |
| Background Colour | Plain white or light grey |
| Printable | Yes — 2 identical photos required |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy photographic paper |
| Colour | Colour only, high resolution |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Number of Photos | 2 |
Kazakhstan passport photos follow biometric standards as specified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and published on the e-Gov portal (egov.kz). Photos that do not meet these requirements will be rejected, causing delays to your application. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
The Republic of Kazakhstan issues biometric passports that require machine-readable, ICAO-compliant photographs. Your photo will be embedded in the passport's electronic chip, so it must meet strict quality and dimensional standards. The photo must be a true likeness of you, taken recently, and free from any alteration or retouching.
You may wear prescription glasses in your Kazakhstan passport photo, provided the following conditions are met:
If possible, removing glasses before taking the photo is recommended to avoid any risk of rejection due to glare or reflection.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Kazakhstan passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking 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 for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion, so always have someone else take the picture.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows on your face. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows completely.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms, and choose colours that contrast with the white or light grey background. Make sure your shoulders are visible in the frame. If you wear a religious head covering daily, you may keep it on as long as it is dark-coloured and your full face is visible.
Stand about 1.5 metres (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible, with head, shoulders, and upper body in the frame.
Keep your face completely relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and looking straight at the camera, and your mouth must be closed. Do not smile. No squinting, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions. The photo must be biometric-compliant.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Kazakhstan passport photo must be exactly 35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm). The face must measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to the top of the head, and the head should occupy 70-80% of the frame. There should be approximately 3mm of space from the top of your hair to the top edge of the photo.
The background must be plain white or light grey. There must be no patterns, objects, shadows, or textures visible behind you. The background should provide clear contrast with your face and be uniform in colour across the entire area.
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open. Smiling is not permitted in Kazakhstan passport photos. Keep your face relaxed and natural, looking directly at the camera.
Your Kazakhstan passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. The photo should accurately reflect your current appearance. Using an older photo may result in rejection of your application.
You need 2 identical printed photos for a Kazakhstan passport application. Both photos must meet all the official requirements, be printed on quality photographic paper at 600 DPI, and be identical to each other.
Yes, you may wear prescription glasses with clear lenses. However, tinted, reflective, or sunglasses are strictly prohibited. Your eyes must be fully visible through the lenses with no glare or reflection. Removing glasses before the photo is recommended to avoid any issues.
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons. If worn, they must be dark-coloured and must not obscure any part of your face from the chin to the forehead and ear to ear. No shadows should be cast on your face by the head covering.
Your face must measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to the top of the head. There should be approximately 3mm of space from the top of your hair to the top edge of the photo. The head should cover 70-80% of the vertical frame. These measurements are critical for biometric compliance.
