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Russia vs Kazakhstan passport photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Russia and Kazakhstan both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background and glasses, side by side.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Russia and Kazakhstan publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Russia: Plain white; Kazakhstan: White or light grey). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
Russia and Kazakhstan use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | Russia | Kazakhstan |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | The authority does not publish this detail | 413 × 531 px |
| File size limit | The authority does not publish this detail | ≤ 30 KB |
| Head height≠ differs | up to 80% of photo height | 71–80% (32–36 mm) |
| Background | Even white background without stripes, spots, foreign objects, or shadows. | Plain white or light grey background. |
| Glasses | Citizens who permanently wear glasses must be photographed wearing glasses without tinted lenses; frame must not cover the eyes. | Clear glasses only, no reflections; sunglasses prohibited. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Permitted for religious reasons, provided the head covering does not conceal the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, neutral expression, mouth closed. | Strictly full face, head without rotation or tilt, shoulders level. |
| Lighting / shadows | Shadows and foreign objects in the background not permitted. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Attire | Uniforms, outer clothing, and scarves covering part of the chin not permitted. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Authority | Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (MVD) | eGov.kz / Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan |
| Last verified | 21 Sep 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Russia and Kazakhstan?
Russia and Kazakhstan publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Russia: Plain white; Kazakhstan: White or light grey). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — Russia or Kazakhstan?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Russia and Kazakhstan require?
Russia requires: Plain white. Kazakhstan requires: White or light grey. A plain white background satisfies both.