Photos for a Czech Visa D and Residence Permit for Ukrainians: 2026 Requirements
Czech Republic
In short. 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.
- 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 |
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.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- What 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.
- Can 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.
- How 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.
- Are 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.