Everything you need to know about Ukrainian passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant biometric passport photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Ukraine (Україна) |
| Document Type | Passport (Паспорт громадянина України для виїзду за кордон) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 31–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of photo) |
| Background Color | White or plain light-colored |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | 826 × 1062 pixels at 600 DPI |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte photographic paper |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Number of Photos | 2 identical photos |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The State Migration Service of Ukraine (Державна міграційна служба України) has specific requirements for biometric passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Ukrainian passport photos. Spectacles with toned or reflecting lenses are strictly prohibited. You must remove all eyewear, including sunglasses and tinted glasses, before taking the photo.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Ukrainian 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.
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.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the 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.
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.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling — the Ukrainian biometric passport requires a strictly neutral expression for facial recognition purposes.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Ukraine passport photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm or 1.38×1.77 inches). Your head must measure 31–36 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, occupying 70–80% of the photograph.
No. Glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses are not permitted in Ukrainian passport photos. You must remove all eyewear before taking the photo. Spectacles with toned or reflecting lenses are strictly prohibited.
No. Ukraine requires a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. This is required for the biometric facial recognition system.
Yes! You can take your 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 Ukraine passport photo requirements.
The background must be plain white or light-colored (off-white or light grey). No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
You need to submit 2 identical color photographs with your passport application. Both photos must meet all the official requirements.
No, head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
Ukraine introduced biometric passports in 2016 with an embedded electronic chip containing your facial biometrics and fingerprints. The biometric passport (закордонний біометричний паспорт) is required for visa-free travel to the EU and other countries. The photo requirements are the same 35×45 mm standard.
