Russia Passport Photo Size & Requirements

Official photo size: 35 x 45 mm (1.4 x 1.8 inches) at 300 DPI

Photo Specifications

Width35mm (413px)
Height45mm (531px)
BackgroundWhite
Head Size70-80%
Resolution300 DPI
File FormatJPEG or PNG

Overview

Russian passport photos are governed by the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (GUVM MVD) and follow the 35x45mm format with a white background. Russia requires separate photo standards for domestic passports (grazhdanskiy pasport) and international passports (zagranichniy pasport), though both use the same physical dimensions. Russian migration offices are notably strict about the head position within the frame, requiring the face to be centered with specific millimeter margins from the edges.

Plain white background with no patterns, objects, or shadows

Requirements

  • Photo must be 35x45mm with the face height between 32 and 36mm from chin to crown
  • Background must be plain white with uniform lighting and no visible shadows
  • Expression must be neutral with mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera
  • Head must be precisely centered: 3mm margin from the top edge and equal margins on each side
  • Prescription glasses are permitted with clear, non-tinted lenses and thin frames that do not cover the eyes
  • No headwear except for religious purposes, and the face from forehead to chin must remain fully visible
  • Photo must be taken within the last 6 months for an international passport application
  • Printed on matte photo paper; glossy finish may be rejected at some migration offices

Common Rejection Reasons

  • Head not centered within the frame or top margin not approximately 3mm
  • Background appearing grey or unevenly lit rather than pure white
  • Thick eyeglass frames casting shadows or covering part of the eye contour
  • Glossy photo paper that reflects light during the scanning process at GUVM offices
  • Any expression, head tilt, or gaze direction that is not perfectly straight and neutral
  • Photo that does not match the applicant's current appearance

Tips

  • Request matte paper at the photo studio, as many Russian migration offices specifically prefer it over glossy
  • Ask the photographer to verify the 3mm top margin and centered positioning before printing
  • Bring 4 identical photos to the migration office; the exact number required varies by region
  • For the zagranichniy pasport (international), photos at MFC centers are taken on-site but having backup prints is advisable
  • Remove thick-framed glasses and switch to contact lenses if possible to avoid the most common rejection cause

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