Italy requires passport photos measuring 35×45 millimeters (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). At standard 300 DPI, this translates to 413×531 pixels. These specifications are set by the Polizia di Stato and apply to all Italian passport applications processed through Questura offices throughout Italy and Italian consulates worldwide.
The 35×45mm format is one of the most common passport photo sizes globally, shared by many Asian and European countries. This standardization means you may find it easier to obtain compliant photos than citizens of countries with less common dimensions.
Italian Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
Italy's 35×45mm format is shared by most of Europe, but not all passport photos are the same size worldwide:
| Country | Size | Shape | Head height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 35×45mm | Rectangle | 60–80% |
| France / Germany | 35×45mm | Rectangle | 60–80% |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | Rectangle | 64–76% |
| Spain | 26×32mm | Rectangle | 63–78% |
| United States | 51×51mm | Square | 50–69% |
| India | 35×35mm | Square | 60–80% |
A photo taken for France or Germany will match Italy's size exactly. A US photo (square) or an Indian photo (square, different height) cannot be used.
Your photo must show your face with enough surrounding space for biometric capture. Too tight a crop compromises the biometric data; too much empty space fails head-height requirements.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Italian Passport Photo Digital Size Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 35mm / 1.38 inches / 413px |
| Height | 45mm / 1.77 inches / 531px |
| Aspect Ratio | 7:9 |
| Minimum DPI | 300 |
| Color Space | RGB |
| File Format | JPEG |
Verify these exact dimensions in your photo editing software before submission. Many programs default to different aspect ratios — always check and adjust manually.
Italian Passport Photo Head Height Requirements
Italy requires the head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull — to 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 (70-75%): 31.5–34mm — the safest positioning
Your eye line should sit at approximately 56% from the bottom of the image. This naturally centers your face with appropriate space above the head and below the chin. If your shoulders are barely visible or cut off at the bottom, you're likely too close. If there's a large gap between your shoulders and the bottom edge, you're likely too far.
The 60-80% range is relatively forgiving compared to countries like the UK (64-76%) or Indonesia (70-80%), but photos at the extremes still risk rejection — aim for the middle of the range.
Common Italian Passport Photo Sizing Errors
These mistakes frequently cause Italian passport photo rejections:
Assuming all EU countries use the same size. Spain's official passport photo is 26×32mm — much smaller than Italy's 35×45mm. Don't assume neighboring countries share dimensions.
Ignoring aspect ratio. The 7:9 ratio is critical. A 35×40mm photo fails even though 35mm is correct. Crop to exact proportions before resizing.
Starting with low-resolution images. Taking a small photo from your phone's library and stretching it to passport dimensions produces pixelated, unusable results. Always capture at the correct resolution from the start.
Using US 2×2 inch photos. American passport photos are square. They cannot be cropped or resized to Italy's rectangular format. New photos are required.
Digital Submission Requirements for Italian Passport Photos
When applying online through the Polizia di Stato portal or through consulate online systems:
- Upload a JPEG file at exactly 413×531 pixels
- Ensure the file is 300 DPI minimum
- Check that the image is in RGB color space (not CMYK, which some scanners produce)
- The system will reject images that fall outside the expected aspect ratio
If you already have a printed 35×45mm photo, you can scan it at 300 DPI or higher. Scan flat against the glass with no shadows — even slight shadows from a curled photo edge can trigger rejection.
Where to Get Correctly Sized Italian Passport Photos
Several reliable options exist throughout Italy:
Photographic booths in Questura offices. Many police stations have self-service photo booths that produce correctly sized images. These typically cost €5-10 and provide instant results. Look for "distributore automatico foto" signs.
Professional photographers. Italian cities have numerous photographers offering passport photo services. Studio Fotografico services in town centers charge €15-30. They understand Questura requirements thoroughly.
Tabaccherie and cartolerie. Many tobacco shops and stationery stores offer basic passport photo services. These are convenient and affordable (€8-15), though quality varies.
Online services. Various websites specialize in Italian passport photos. Upload your portrait and specify Italian requirements. Digital delivery typically costs €5-10.
How to Take Your Own Italian Passport Photo at Home
DIY Italian passport photos are possible with careful attention:
- Use good lighting — natural window light works best
- Position against a pure white background
- Ensure proper dimensions (413×531 pixels at 300 DPI)
- Check head height falls within 60-80% range
- Maintain neutral expression
- Verify no reflections if wearing glasses
Use our passport photo checker to verify compliance before submitting your application.
Appearance Rules That Affect Italian Photo Framing
These rules interact directly with how you size and frame your photo:
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF). Any coloration, gradient, or shadow behind the head causes rejection.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling. Even a slight smile changes the facial measurements that biometric systems use.
- Glasses: Prescription glasses are permitted in Italy, unlike many countries that ban them entirely. However, there must be no glare on the lenses, no tinted lenses, and both eyes must be fully visible through the lenses. If you can't eliminate reflections, remove your glasses.
- Hair: Must not cover the face. Both ears should ideally be visible. If you have long hair, pull it back so it doesn't obscure your facial outline.
Italy's permission of prescription glasses is shared with a few other countries — Germany and the UK also allow them conditionally. However, France and most other EU countries ban glasses entirely. If you're getting photos that need to work across multiple EU countries, consider removing glasses regardless to avoid complications.
Italian Passport Photo Size Rules for Babies and Children
Children's Italian passport photos follow the same 35×45mm size and 60-80% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The Questura accepts some flexibility on expression for very young infants, but the face must be clearly visible and centred.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centred. Photo booth services at Questura offices are often the easiest option for restless toddlers, as staff handle children's photos regularly.
All children under 12: Italian children's passports have shorter validity periods (3 years for under-3s, 5 years for 3-12). This means more frequent renewals and more frequent photos.
Need to verify all Italian requirements? Our passport photo checker analyzes your image against Polizia di Stato standards.
For complete background requirements to accompany these dimensions, read our guide to Italy passport photo background. And if you're traveling across Europe with your Italian passport, our Schengen area guide explains what you need to know.
