Poland Passport Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Polish passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, the unique light grey background requirement, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

How PassportPhoto.help works - Upload, Crop, Download

Poland Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryPoland (Polska)
Document TypePassport (Paszport)
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size70–75% of the photo (approximately 34.5 mm from chin to top of head)
Background ColorLight grey (single, uniform, clear)
PrintableYes — on photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
Digital Photo Size827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Photo Paper TypePhoto-quality paper
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
Number of Photos3 identical photographs
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 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background with light grey, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Poland Passport Photo Requirements

The Polish government passport office has strict requirements for passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

1. 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

2. Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
  • Your head should occupy 70–75% of the photo area
  • Head height (from chin to top of head): approximately 34.5 mm
  • Top margin above the head: approximately 3–5 mm
  • Printed on photo-quality paper

3. Background Requirements

Important: Light Grey — NOT White! Unlike most countries that require a white background, Poland requires a light grey background for passport photos. This is a distinctive Polish requirement. The background must be a single, uniform, clear light grey color. Do not use white, as your photo may be rejected.
  • Use a light grey background — this is mandatory for Polish passport photos
  • 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

4. 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
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
  • Both edges of your face must be clearly visible

5. Glasses Policy

Glasses are NOT allowed in Poland passport photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. No tinted lenses, no reflections, and no frames blocking any part of your eyes.

6. Head Coverings

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

7. Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
  • Avoid wearing light grey or white tops that may blend with the grey background
  • Choose clothing that contrasts well with the light grey background

8. 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 light grey sheet may be used as a background for babies
  • The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Polish Government — Apply for a Passport (gov.pl)

Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries →

How to Take a Poland Passport Photo at Home

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

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

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.

Taking Poland passport photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

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

Dress Appropriately

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

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Appropriate attire for Poland passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (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.

Correct posing for Poland passport photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.

Neutral facial expression for Poland passport photo

Good and Bad Examples of Poland Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of Poland passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Poland passport photo?

A Poland passport photo must be 35×45 mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). The head should occupy 70–75% of the photo, measuring about 34.5 mm from chin to top of head.

What background color is required for a Poland passport photo?

The background must be light grey — NOT white. This is a distinctive requirement for Polish passport photos that differs from most other countries. The background must be a single, uniform, clear light grey color with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible. If you don't have a light grey wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with light grey.

Can I wear glasses in my Poland passport photo?

No. Glasses are not allowed in Poland passport photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily.

Can I take my Poland passport photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your Poland passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Poland passport photo requirements.

How recent must my Poland passport photo be?

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

Can I wear a head covering in my Poland passport photo?

Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.

How many photos are required for a Poland passport application?

You need 3 identical photographs for a Poland passport application. All three photos must meet the official requirements and be printed on photo-quality paper.

What happens if my Poland passport photo is rejected?

If your passport photo does not meet the requirements, your application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official Poland passport requirements before you submit.