What is the photo size for a Kazakhstan visa?

The standard size is 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). For online submission you need a file of 413×531 pixels, up to 30 KB in size and with a color depth of 24 bits.

How many photos are needed for a Kazakhstan residence permit?

For a residence permit, 2 photos of 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) are required according to the egov.kz portal.

What background is required for Kazakhstan document photos?

The background must be plain and light. Gray is officially recommended: for light hair — medium-gray, for dark hair — light-gray. The background must contrast with the hair and face, with no shadows or patterns.

Can you smile in the photo?

No. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight into the camera. The head strictly full face.

Photo standards

Kazakhstan Visa, Passport and Residence Permit Photo: Size and Requirements 2026

Published Jun 17, 2026 · Updated Jun 17, 2026 · 4 хв read

Source: Електронний уряд РК (egov.kz) — вимоги до фотографій при оформленні документів Verified Jun 17, 2026 Affects:

Kazakhstan

In short. A photo for a Kazakhstan visa, passport or residence permit must be 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm); for digital submission — 413×531 pixels, up to 30 KB, on a light plain background, strictly full face, with a neutral expression and taken no earlier than 6 months ago.

Printed photo size — 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm), at least 300 dpi.
Digital file — 413×531 pixels, up to 30 KB, color depth 24 bits.
Face height (from chin to the top of the head) — 32-36 mm, i.e. 70-80% of the photo height.
Background plain and light; gray is recommended, blue is not recommended.
The photo must be in color and taken no earlier than 6 months before submission.

Short answer

A single document photo standard applies to a Kazakhstan visa, passport and residence permit. The size is 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). For online submission (eVisa, the egov.kz portal) a digital file of 413×531 pixels is used, with a size of up to 30 KB and a color depth of 24 bits. The photo must be in color, sharp and taken no earlier than 6 months before submitting the documents.

Exact photo parameters

Parameter	Requirement
Print size	35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
Digital size	413×531 pixels
File size	up to 30 KB
Color depth	24 bits
Print resolution	at least 300 dpi
Face height	32-36 mm (70-80% of the photo height)
Background	plain light (gray recommended)

Face height is measured from the lowest point of the chin to the top of the head. For children, 50-80% (22-36 mm) is acceptable, and in the case of thick hair — from 17 to 40 mm. For children under 6, deviations regarding head position, facial expression and gaze direction are officially allowed.

Regarding the file format: the official egov.kz page specifies only the size in pixels, the file size and the color depth. In practice, JPEG is usually accepted for online submission — the exact format should be confirmed with the service through which you submit the application.

Background, pose and facial expression

The background is plain and light; the officially recommended one is gray, blue is not recommended. For light hair, a medium-gray tone background is chosen, for dark hair — a light-gray one; the background must contrast with the hair and face.
No patterns, drawings, shadows, extraneous objects or people in the frame.
The head strictly full face, without tilt or turn.
Facial expression neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight into the camera.
Hair must not cover the eyes.

Glasses, headwear, clothing

Headwear is prohibited, except for religious or medical reasons — provided that the face is fully visible from the lower edge of the chin to the forehead.
Glasses with tinted lenses and sunglasses are prohibited. Ordinary glasses are acceptable if they do not cover the eyes and have no glare.
Uniform clothing is not allowed.

Where it applies

Electronic visa (eVisa) and consular applications — uploading a digital photo of 413×531 px.
Passport and ID card of a Kazakhstan citizen — via a PSC (Public Service Center) or the egov.kz portal.
Residence permit — 2 photos of 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) are required.

Common reasons for rejection

Wrong size or file size over 30 KB.
Dark, colored or patterned background, shadows behind.
Smile, open mouth, tilt or turn of the head.
Glare on glasses or tinted lenses.
Black-and-white photo, pixelation, blur or signs of retouching.
Old photo (over 6 months), a scan or photocopy, artistic retouching and any image manipulation.

Related guides

Official sources

Questions

What is the photo size for a Kazakhstan visa?: The standard size is 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). For online submission you need a file of 413×531 pixels, up to 30 KB in size and with a color depth of 24 bits.
How many photos are needed for a Kazakhstan residence permit?: For a residence permit, 2 photos of 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) are required according to the egov.kz portal.
What background is required for Kazakhstan document photos?: The background must be plain and light. Gray is officially recommended: for light hair — medium-gray, for dark hair — light-gray. The background must contrast with the hair and face, with no shadows or patterns.
Can you smile in the photo?: No. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight into the camera. The head strictly full face.