Czech RepublicPhotos for a Czech Visa D and Residence Permit for Ukrainians: 2026 Requirements
A photo for a Czech national visa D and a residence permit is colour or black-and-white, measuring 35×45 mm, against a light background (white, light grey or light blue), with a neutral expression and closed lips. The head takes up 70–80% of the frame and the photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months ago. Two identical shots are required.
Key points
5 points- The photo size is 35×45 mm (height 45 mm, width 35 mm), with corners of radius r = 3 mm ± 0.5 mm.
- The face height from the eyes to the chin is at least 13 mm, the head takes up 70–80% of the frame, and the distance from the crown to the top edge is at least 2 mm.
- The background is light: from white to light grey or light blue, with no shadows or objects. The expression is neutral, lips closed, eyes open.
- The photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months (180 days) ago; 2 identical shots are required for submission.
- A visa D is submitted at the Czech embassy/consulate in person; a residence permit — at the OAMP of the Czech Ministry of the Interior. Retouching and editing are prohibited.
If you are Ukrainian and applying for a national visa type D, a long-term stay permit or a residence permit in the Czech Republic — the photo must be 35×45 mm, against a light background, with a neutral facial expression. The shot must comply with the current ICAO biometric standards that apply throughout the Schengen area. Below are the exact requirements from official sources.
Photo requirements
| Parameter | Exact value |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm (width 35 mm, height 45 mm) |
| Corners | square or rounded, radius r = 3 mm ± 0.5 mm |
| Face height (eyes–chin) | at least 13 mm |
| Share of the head in the frame | 70–80% |
| Margin from the crown to the top edge | at least 2 mm |
| Background | white, light grey or light blue, no shadows |
| Colour | colour or black-and-white |
| Facial expression | neutral, lips closed, eyes open |
| Gaze | straight into the camera, head and shoulders full face |
| Age of the photo | no older than 6 months (180 days) |
| Quantity | 2 identical shots |
Czech RepublicNational Visa (Type D) · requirements
Czech RepublicResidence Permit · requirements
Czech RepublicSchengen Visa · requirements
Glasses with tinted lenses and eye patches are allowed only for medical reasons. Retouching, processing or any alteration of the image are prohibited.
Where to apply
- National visa D — the application is submitted in person at the embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic (for Ukrainians — according to territorial jurisdiction), after which the case is forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (MV ČR). During the visit, fingerprints are taken.
- Residence permit / extension of stay — submitted at the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy (OAMP under the MV ČR) in person.
- In some countries, applications are accepted by the accredited visa centre VFS Global.
For the application you need 2 photos and a passport. The photo must match your current appearance.
Why photos get rejected
- A dark, coloured or textured background, shadows behind.
- A smile, raised eyebrows, parted lips.
- The head too small or too large (the 70–80% proportion is breached) or shifted to the side.
- A photo older than 6 months.
- Glasses with glare, hair covering the eyes.
- Traces of processing, retouching, spots or uneven lighting.
How to prepare the photo
- Stand full face against an even, light-coloured wall, under soft, uniform lighting.
- Make a neutral expression: look straight into the camera, keep your lips closed.
- Remove glasses and headwear (except religious items that do not cover the face).
- Check the proportions: the head — 70–80% of the frame, eyes–chin — from 13 mm.
- Obtain the file in the 35×45 mm format and print 2 identical shots on quality photo paper.
05Questions
4 answers01What is the photo size for a Czech visa D and residence permit?
35×45 mm — width 35 mm, height 45 mm. The head takes up 70–80% of the frame, the face height from the eyes to the chin is at least 13 mm, and the margin from the crown to the top edge is at least 2 mm.
02Can you smile or wear glasses?
No. The expression must be neutral, the lips closed, the eyes open and not covered by hair. Glasses with tinted lenses and eye patches are allowed only for medical reasons.
03How many photos are needed and what should the background be?
Two identical shots are required for submission. The background is light: from white to light grey or light blue, with no shadows, objects or patterns.
04Are old photos accepted?
No. The photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months (180 days) ago and match your current appearance. Retouching and processing are prohibited.
06Official sources
- ipc.gov.cz — Photograph (photo requirements, Czech Ministry of the Interior)
ipc.gov.cz - MZV ČR — Long-Stay Visa (національна віза D)
mzv.gov.cz - Консульство ЧР у Торонто — Passport Picture Standards
mzv.gov.cz
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
Czech RepublicCzech Passport Photo: Taken at the Office in Czechia, 5 x 5 cm at Some Embassies Abroad
In Czechia the official takes your facial image when you apply — no photo to bring.
Czech RepublicCzech Residence Permit Photo: 35 x 45 mm, Eyes to Chin at Least 13 mm, White to Light Grey Background
Czech residence filings need a 45 x 35 mm photo: eyes to chin at least 13 mm, 2 mm above the head, white to light blue or light grey background.
Schengen Area
Germany
Austria+5National D visa photo requirements: set by each country, not the EU
A type D visa photo is governed by the national laws of the specific country, not the EU Visa Code: the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for example, requires a 35x45 mm size with a 32–36 mm face height.
Make the photo for this document
Upload a selfie — we crop it to 35 × 45 mm, replace the background and check it against the document rules. Free.
National Visa (Type D) · Czech RepublicUpload