Ukraine Passport Photo

Ukraine Passport Photo -- The DMSU Standard

Ukraine's passport system is administered by the State Migration Service (DMSU) (Державна міграційна служба України, ДМСУ) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. DMSU processes both the biometric international passport (закордонний паспорт) and the internal ID-card passport (ID-картка), which replaced the old booklet-style internal passport in 2016. Both documents require ICAO-compliant photos, and since 2015 all Ukrainian international passports contain a biometric chip storing facial data.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, demand for Ukrainian passports surged dramatically as millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad needed valid travel documents. DMSU expanded processing capacity through Ukrainian consulates, and temporary measures were introduced to handle the volume. Photo requirements, however, remain unchanged -- strict ICAO compliance is enforced at all DMSU offices and consulates.

These specifications apply to biometric international passports, internal ID cards, and visa applications. The authoritative source is the DMSU website and the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on biometric document issuance.

Official Photo Specifications

Dimensions:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height (chin to crown): 30-36 mm
• Face centered horizontally with equal margins on both sides

Background:

• Pure white only -- no off-white, cream, grey, or tinted backgrounds
• Completely uniform with no shadows, gradients, or visible objects
• The background must contrast with the applicant's hair, skin, and clothing

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression, mouth closed, no visible teeth
• Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
• Face perfectly frontal, not tilted or rotated
• Full face visible from forehead hairline to chin, ear to ear

Glasses:

• Clear prescription glasses are permitted if the lenses produce no glare or reflection and the eyes are fully visible through the lenses
• Frames must not obscure any part of the eyes or eyebrows
• Tinted lenses, sunglasses, and transition lenses in any tint state are prohibited
• DMSU recommends removing glasses to avoid complications, as glare is a frequent cause of rejection

Head coverings:

• Not permitted except for religious reasons
• Religious head coverings must leave the entire face visible and must not cast shadows
• No hats, headbands, or decorative accessories

Recency: Taken within the last 6 months and must represent your current appearance.

In-Office Digital Capture

At DMSU offices within Ukraine, passport photos are typically captured on-site using a standardized digital camera and white backdrop. The system validates biometric compliance in real time. If you apply in person at a DMSU office, you generally do not need to bring your own photo -- the office photographs you during the application process.

For applications at Ukrainian consulates abroad, the process varies by location. Some consulates have in-office photo equipment; others require you to bring compliant photos. Check with your specific consulate before your appointment.

Ukraine Document Photo Sizes

Baby and Child Passport Photos (Дитячий Паспорт)

Ukrainian children need their own biometric international passport for travel abroad. DMSU applies adjusted rules for children, but the white background and biometric framing requirements remain strict at all ages.

Infants under 1 year (немовля): Place the baby face-up on a plain white sheet or cloth. Photograph from directly above. Eyes do not need to be fully open -- DMSU accepts photos of sleeping newborns under 12 months. No pacifiers (соска), toys, or patterned blankets may be visible. The baby must be the only person in the frame. If a parent supports the baby's head, the hand must be hidden under the white cloth. At DMSU offices in Ukraine, staff have infant photography setups for this purpose.

Children aged 1 to 5: Eyes must be open. Neutral expression, though DMSU officers apply practical leniency for very young children. The child should be seated or held by a parent, but the parent must not be visible in the photo. A plain white background must fill the frame behind the child. Colourful clothing is acceptable, but avoid white tops that blend with the background.

Children aged 6 to 13: Full adult photo rules apply. The child must face the camera directly with a neutral expression. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child and sign the application.

All children: Ukrainian child passports are valid for 4 years for children under 16 (compared to 10 years for adults aged 16+). Head height must fall within 30-36 mm. Photos showing car seat straps, colourful blankets, toys, or a visible parent are rejected.

For Ukrainian families abroad: Since 2022, many Ukrainian consulates have experienced high demand and longer wait times. Some consulates accept walk-in photo submissions while others require advance appointments. Photo studios near Ukrainian consulates in Warsaw, Prague, Berlin, and Lisbon are familiar with the DMSU spec. Cost varies by country -- expect 5-20 EUR at studios near consulates in EU cities.

Practical tip: For infants, take many shots in rapid succession. Babies move constantly, and you need one frame where the face is centered, the eyes are in a usable state, and no hands or props are visible. Ten attempts for one usable photo is normal.

How to Take Your Ukraine Passport Photo at Home

Camera setup: Use a smartphone rear camera (minimum 5 megapixels). Mount on a tripod at face height. Stand at least 1.2 metres from the lens. Use a timer or have someone else take the shot.

Background: Plain white wall or a white sheet taped flat to the wall. Check for any yellowing, patterns, or uneven paint. Stand at least 20 cm from the wall to prevent shadows from forming behind your head.

Lighting: Natural daylight from a window facing you gives the most even illumination. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using artificial light, two lamps at 45-degree angles eliminate shadows. Do not use overhead-only lighting, which casts shadows under the nose and eye sockets.

Framing: Center face horizontally. Head height should be 30-36 mm in the final 35x45 mm print. Leave space above the crown and below the chin.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Ukraine and Abroad

DMSU offices (in Ukraine): Photos are taken on-site during the application appointment at most DMSU centres in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities. No separate photo fee -- included in the passport fee ( 682.76 UAH for standard processing, 1361 UAH for expedited).

Photo studios (фотосалон): Studios near DMSU offices and CNAP administrative centres charge 50-200 UAH for a set of passport photos. Ask for фото на паспорт (passport photo). Studios know the DMSU spec and handle the white background and framing correctly.

Ukrainian consulates abroad: Photo availability varies. Consulates in Warsaw, Prague, Berlin, and other major cities either take photos on-site or have nearby partner studios. Check the consulate website for current photo submission requirements.

Photo booths: Automated photo booths in Ukrainian shopping centres and metro stations (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro) offer passport photos for 30-80 UAH. Select the passport/document setting for correct dimensions and white background.

Print shops: If you have a compliant digital file, any print shop (друкарня) can print passport photos for 10-30 UAH per sheet. Many copy centres near government offices offer this service.

Budget approach: Use a free online passport photo tool to validate your image, then print a 10x15 cm photo at a print kiosk for under 15 UAH. Two 35x45 mm passport photos fit on a single 10x15 cm print.

Common Rejection Reasons for Ukraine Passport Photos

DMSU officers and the biometric screening system flag these issues most frequently:

1. Background not white -- Off-white, grey, cream, and shadowed backgrounds are rejected. This is especially common in home photos where wall colour appears neutral to the eye but registers as tinted in the photo.
2. Tinted glasses or glare -- While clear glasses are permitted, any tint, reflection, or glare across the lenses causes rejection. Removing glasses entirely is safest.
3. Shadows on face -- Harsh shadows under the nose, eyes, or chin from improper lighting are a top rejection cause.
4. Digital retouching -- Skin smoothing, filters, beauty mode, and AI alterations are detected by the biometric system and rejected. Submit unretouched photos only.
5. Head tilted or turned -- Even a slight rotation is flagged. The face must be perfectly frontal.
6. Photo too old -- The 6-month recency rule is enforced, and DMSU officers compare your photo against your appearance at the counter.
7. Baby photos with visible parent or props -- Hands, car seat straps, pacifiers, and patterned blankets are all rejected for child passport applications.
8. Wrong dimensions -- Using 30x40 mm or other non-standard sizes instead of the required 35x45 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size is the Ukraine passport photo? A: 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI) for both the biometric international passport and the internal ID card.

Q: Do I need to bring my own photo to the DMSU office? A: At most DMSU offices in Ukraine, photos are taken on-site. For consular applications abroad, check with your specific consulate through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs -- some take photos on-site, others require you to bring compliant prints.

Q: Can I take my Ukraine passport photo at home? A: Yes. The key requirement is a pure white background with even lighting and no shadows. This is particularly useful for Ukrainians applying through consulates abroad.

Q: Can I wear glasses in my Ukraine passport photo? A: Clear prescription glasses are permitted if the lenses have no glare and the eyes are fully visible. Tinted lenses are prohibited. DMSU recommends removing glasses to avoid rejection.

Q: How much does a Ukrainian passport cost? A: Standard processing: 682.76 UAH. Expedited (urgent) processing: 1361 UAH. Children under 16 pay the same rates. Additional fees may apply at consulates abroad.

Q: How recent does my Ukraine passport photo need to be? A: Taken within the last 6 months. It must reflect your current appearance.

Q: Do Ukrainian children need their own passport? A: Yes. All Ukrainian children, including newborns, need their own biometric international passport (закордонний паспорт) for travel abroad. Children can no longer be added to a parent's passport.

Q: My baby won't open their eyes for the photo. Will it be rejected? A: For infants under 12 months, DMSU accepts photos with closed or partially closed eyes. For children over 12 months, both eyes should be open.