Obtaining or renewing your Ukraine internal passport hinges on a single, uncompromising element: a flawless 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) photo that meets the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ exacting standards. From head positioning and neutral background to print quality and recentness, every detail carries the power to fast-track your application—or send it back for costly revisions. In the following section, we’ll break down each requirement with crystal-clear guidance, ensuring your photo earns approval on the first submission.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (width × height) with no white borders or margins
- Head size: vertical distance from chin to top of hair 34–38 mm (≈75–85 % of frame height)
- Eye level: positioned 21–24 mm from bottom edge, ensuring eyes are centered horizontally
- Background: plain light-gray or neutral white, uniform color, no patterns, shadows, or objects
- Lighting: even frontal illumination, no harsh shadows on face or background, no red-eye
- Pose & expression: full face, directly facing camera, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Head positioning: head centered and vertical, no tilt or turn, shoulders visible with slight upper torso
- Glasses: only clear prescription lenses allowed, no tinted lenses, no frame glare or reflections
- Head coverings: only for verified religious reasons, must not obscure face or cast shadows, edges visible
- Photo quality: sharp focus, high resolution (min. 600 dpi), accurate skin tones, no pixels or blur
- Recentness: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance, no outdated looks
- Finish & material: printed on high-quality photographic paper, matte or glossy finish, no creases
- Retouching: minimal to natural appearance, no digital enhancements, filters, or airbrushing
- Number of copies: submit two identical photos, both meeting all above specifications
Step-by-Step Process
Content about UA Ukraine Internal Passport 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application: Photo Guidelines - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Accurate Dimensions: ensure your photo is exactly 35×45 mm with the head height 32–36 mm and positioned centrally; incorrect sizing or cropping leads to instant rejection and delays
- Neutral Expression: maintain a closed mouth and relaxed, natural look without smiling; any exaggerated expression can be flagged and force a retake
- Even Lighting: use soft, diffuse lighting to avoid shadows on your face or background; harsh shadows distort facial features and violate biometric standards
- Plain Background: choose a uniform light-grey or white background without textures or patterns; busy backgrounds prevent automated systems from recognizing your face
- No Headwear or Accessories: remove hats, scarves, glasses with tinted lenses and large jewelry; obstructions hinder identity checks and result in photo disqualification
Conclusion
Conclusion: Compliance with Ukraine’s 35 × 45 mm internal passport photo guidelines is essential to avoid application delays and rejections. Adhering to the following key requirements ensures acceptance on first submission.
- Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm)
- Head size: occupies 70–80 % of image height (31–36 mm)
- Background: smooth, uniform white or light grey, no patterns or shadows
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Quality: high resolution, sharp focus, natural color, matte finish
- Attire: no hats or head coverings (except for recognized religious reasons), no tinted or reflective glasses
- Lighting: even illumination, no shadows on face or background, no red-eye or glare
- Recency: photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
- Digital specs: 300 dpi minimum, no digital alterations, accurate color balance
By following these guidelines precisely, applicants will meet official standards and expedite their internal passport issuance.