Mexico Resident Visa Photo (31×39mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Mexico resident visa photo requirements for temporary and permanent resident visa applications, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

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Mexico Resident Visa Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryMexico
Document TypePermanent Resident Visa / Temporary Resident Visa
Photo Size31 × 39 mm (3.1 × 3.9 cm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size70–80% of the photo (~22–27 mm from chin to top of head)
Space Above Head2–4 mm from top of head to photo edge
Background ColorPlain white
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size732 × 921 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Photo Paper TypeMatte or glossy photo paper
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
Quantity Required2 identical photos

Mexico Resident Visa Photo Size Diagram

Mexico Resident Visa Photo Size Diagram - 31x39mm
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 31×39mm. Some consulates specify a maximum of 39×31mm or approximately 1.5"×1.3". Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo, with 2–4mm of space above.
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 31×39mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Mexico Resident Visa Photo Requirements

Mexico resident visa photos are required for both temporary and permanent resident visa applications. This 31×39mm format is used at Mexican consulates for processing resident visa applications. 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 clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 31 × 39 mm (some consulates specify max 39×31mm or 1.5"×1.3")
  • Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo
  • Your head should measure approximately 22–27 mm from chin to top of head
  • There should be 2–4 mm of space between the top of your head and the upper edge
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
  • No white border around the photo

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Keep your mouth closed
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead, and ear to ear

Background

  • Use a plain white background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are not recommended for Mexico resident visa photos. If you must wear them, the frames must not obscure any part of your eyes and lenses must be clear with no glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious reasons
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from chin to forehead
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background

Children and Baby Photos

  • The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
  • The child's eyes must be open and visible
  • No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
  • A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
  • The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head
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How to Take a Mexico Resident Visa Photo at Home

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

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable. 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.

Taking passport photo with smartphone
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with white.
Proper lighting setup
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.

Appropriate attire
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters from the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep shoulders relaxed and head level.

Correct posing
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and mouth closed. No shadows on your face.

Neutral expression

Good and Bad Examples

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Mexico resident visa photo?

A Mexico resident visa photo must be 31×39mm with a white background. Some consulates specify a maximum of 39×31mm or approximately 1.5"×1.3". The head should occupy 70–80% of the photo.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Can I take my Mexico resident visa photo with my phone?

Yes! Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official requirements.

How many photos do I need?

Typically 2 identical photos are required for a Mexico resident visa application. Check with your specific consulate for exact requirements.

How recent must my Mexico resident visa photo be?

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

Can I wear glasses?

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear them, frames must not obscure your eyes and lenses must be clear with no glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent resident visa photos?

Both temporary and permanent resident visa applications use the same photo format: 31×39mm with a white background. The photo requirements are identical for both visa types.

Source: Consulmex SRE — Temporary Resident Visa