France requires passport photos measuring exactly 35×45 millimeters (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). At 300 DPI, this translates to 413×531 pixels. These specifications are set by the Ministère de l'Intérieur and enforced through the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) portal.
Exact French Passport Photo Specifications (35×45mm)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 35mm / 1.38″ / 413px |
| Height | 45mm / 1.77″ / 531px |
| Aspect ratio | 7:9 |
| Minimum DPI | 300 |
| File format | JPEG or PNG (ANTS portal) |
| File size | 20KB–500KB (ANTS portal) |
| Background | White |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
Get a compliant passport photo online
French Passport Photo Head Height: The 60–80% Rule
Your head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull — must occupy 60-80% of the photo's 45mm vertical space.
In concrete terms:
- Minimum (60%): 27mm from chin to crown
- Maximum (80%): 36mm from chin to crown
- Target (70%): approximately 31.5mm — the safest position
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
France follows the standard ICAO range, giving more flexibility than Japan (71-80%) or the UK (64-76%). However, the ANTS portal's automated system still rejects photos outside this range.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for French Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. This is strictly enforced by the ANTS portal's automated face detection.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face or forehead. Both ears should be visible.
- Head coverings: Only for religious reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
French Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 35×45mm | 60–80% | White |
| Germany | 35×45mm | 60–80% | Light grey |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | Light grey |
| Spain | 26×32mm | 63–78% | White |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | White |
| China | 33×48mm | 60–80% | White |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | White |
France shares the 35×45mm format with Germany and the UK, but background requirements differ. France requires white; Germany and the UK use light grey. A photo taken for Germany (with grey background) may not work for France.
France and the Schengen Passport Photo Size Standard
France's 35×45mm size matches the standard across all 27 Schengen Area countries. A photo taken for a French passport will also work for German, Italian, Dutch, and all other Schengen member passports in terms of dimensions. This is by design — the EU harmonised photo dimensions for cross-border identity verification.
However, background requirements differ between Schengen countries. France requires white (255,255,255). Germany and the UK use light grey (230,230,230). Spain is an outlier at 26×32mm — a completely different size. If you travel frequently within the EU, verify both the size AND background for each country.
Where to Get a 35×45mm Passport Photo in France
Photomaton booths. Approved automated photo booths are ubiquitous across France — in metro stations (Paris, Lyon, Marseille), post offices (La Poste), shopping centres, and near préfectures. These machines are pre-programmed with correct French specifications and produce ephoto codes accepted by the ANTS portal. Cost is typically €5-8.
Photo studios (photographes). Professional photographers throughout France offer "photo d'identité" services. Specify "pour passeport" to ensure the correct format. Prices range from €10-20. Studios near préfectures handle passport photos daily.
Ephoto code system: France uses a unique code-based system for digital passport applications. When you take photos at an approved photomaton or studio, you receive a code (numéro ephoto) that you enter on the ANTS portal. The system retrieves your photo directly — no file upload needed.
Outside France: Specify "35×45mm French passport" explicitly. Most international photo services understand EU sizing, but always verify the dimensions yourself. In the US, the default is a 2×2 inch square (wrong). In the UK, the background defaults to grey (wrong for France — you need white).
Digital Submission via ANTS for French Passport Photos
When applying through the ANTS portal, you have two options:
Option 1 — Ephoto code (recommended): Get photos at an approved booth or studio, enter the code on ANTS. The photo is retrieved automatically and guaranteed to meet specifications.
Option 2 — Direct upload: Upload a JPEG or PNG between 20KB and 500KB, at least 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. The ANTS system runs automated validation — it checks dimensions, file format, file size, and face detection. If rejected, the system usually explains why.
For in-person applications at the préfecture or mairie, bring two identical printed copies on glossy or matte photo paper. Prints must be exactly 35×45mm — verify with a ruler before leaving the studio.
File size tip: If your photo exceeds 500KB, reduce JPEG quality to 80-85%. This typically brings a 2-3MB file down to 200-400KB without visible quality loss. If it's under 20KB, the image is too heavily compressed and will lack the detail needed for facial recognition.
French Baby and Children's Passport Photo Size Rules
Children's French passport photos follow the same 35×45mm size and 60-80% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. Photomaton booths are not suitable for infants — use a studio or take the photo at home.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centered. Studios near préfectures handle children's photos regularly.
All children under 18: French children's passports are valid for 5 years (vs 10 for adults). This means more frequent renewals and more frequent photos. Keep a compliant digital copy — you'll need it again sooner than for an adult passport. The ephoto code system makes this easier: the code remains valid for 6 months after creation.
Common French Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Using a US 2×2 inch photo. The US square format (51×51mm) is a completely different size and shape. French citizens in the US need a separate 35×45mm photo for their French passport.
Wrong background colour. France requires white — not the light grey used by Germany and the UK. If you have a photo taken for a German passport, the background may be wrong for France.
Face too small from selfie distance. Arm's-length selfies produce a face at roughly 40-50% of the frame — below the 60% minimum. Use a tripod at 1.5 metres distance, or have someone else take the photo.
Wrong aspect ratio from phone cameras. Most phones default to 4:3 or 16:9. France requires 7:9. Crop to the correct ratio before resizing.
Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted in French passport photos. Remove all eyewear — including prescription glasses — before the photo is taken.
Verifying Your French Passport Photo Size Before Submission
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo against French requirements before uploading to ANTS. For complete background requirements, see our guide to France passport photo background. View all specifications on the France passport photo hub.
