Lithuania Visa, Residence Permit (MIGRIS) and Passport Photo 2026: Requirements and Size
In short. In 2026, Lithuanian documents require a 40x60 mm (or 35x45 mm) photo, where the face occupies 70-80%, taken on a light background no older than 6 months.
- The official paper photo size for Lithuanian documents is 40 x 60 mm (from which 35 x 45 mm is cut out); for visas, 35 x 45 mm is often accepted directly.
- The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo's height (the distance from the chin to the crown must be 31–35 mm).
- The background must be very light, solid (white or light gray), without shadows and foreign objects.
- The photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months before the document submission date.
- Children under 2 years old do not need to be present when submitting the application, but in this case, two identical printed photos must be provided.
The Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania (Migracijos departamentas) sets strict rules for photos for identity cards, passports, visas, and temporary residence permits (via the MIGRIS system). Although biometric data (including photos) for most adult applicants is taken directly at the branch during the visit, paper photos remain mandatory for issuing visas, submitting documents through consulates, and for children under 2 years old who are not present in person.
What has changed and current 2026 requirements
According to the official rules of the Migration Department of Lithuania, the photo must be printed on high-quality thin photo paper with a smooth surface. For most internal documents, a size of 40 x 60 mm is required, from which a standard 35 x 45 mm rectangle is cut out during processing. For visa applications, the 35 x 45 mm format is usually submitted directly.
| Parameter | Official requirement of the Migration Department of Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 40 x 60 mm (to cut out 35 x 45 mm) or 35 x 45 mm (for visas) |
| Facial proportions | 70–80% of the photo height (from chin to crown — 31–35 mm) |
| Margins | 2–4 mm from the top edge to the crown; 8–10 mm from the chin to the bottom edge |
| Background | Very light, solid (white or light gray), without shadows and patterns |
| Age of photo | Taken no earlier than 6 months before the document submission date |
| Quantity | Depends on the document (usually 1 for a visa, 2 identical for children under 2) |
Who this applies to
These requirements are mandatory for:
- Foreigners (including Ukrainians) applying for a national D visa or a Schengen visa.
- Applicants in the MIGRIS system, if the system requires uploading a digital photo or if the applicant submits documents through an external service provider.
- Children under 2 years old. Their presence during the application submission is not mandatory. If the child is not present, parents must provide two identical photos corresponding to the child's age.
- Citizens of Lithuania applying for a passport or identity card (ID card) through diplomatic missions abroad.
What to do now
- Check the need for a photo: If you are applying for a residence permit in Lithuania in person at a Migration Department branch, you will be photographed on-site. If you are applying for a visa or for a child under 2 years old — take a photo in advance.
- Follow the posing requirements: Sit straight, look directly into the lens. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed. Hair must not cover the face or eyes.
- Pay attention to glasses and headwear: Headwear is prohibited (except for religious reasons, but the face from chin to forehead must be visible). Glasses are allowed only for those who wear them constantly, while the lenses cannot be tinted, and the frames must not cover the eyes. Flash reflections on the lenses are not allowed.
- Print correctly: The photo must be printed on high-quality paper without white corners, creases, stains, or scratches.
Common mistakes
- Incorrect background: Using a dark, colored, or textured background, as well as the presence of head shadows on the background.
- Incorrect proportions: The face is too large or too small (must be exactly 31–35 mm from chin to crown).
- Retouching: It is forbidden to use software to alter facial features, eye color, or skin.
- Old photo: Submitting a photo that was taken more than 6 months ago or has already been used in previous visas or passports.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- Do I need to bring my own photo to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania?
- If you apply in person at the Migration Department, your photo will be taken on-site using biometric equipment. A paper photo is only required in exceptional cases, for example, for children under 2 years old who are not present during submission.
- What photo size is required for a Lithuanian visa?
- For a visa, a standard 35 x 45 mm photo is usually required (or 40 x 60 mm, from which the required format is cut out). The face must occupy 70–80% of the image area.
- Can I be photographed wearing glasses?
- Yes, but only if you wear them constantly. The lenses must not be tinted, the frames must not cover the eyes, and there must be no glare from the lighting on the glass.