Serbia Visa, Residence and Work Permit Photo: Size 35×45 mm (2026)
Serbia
In short. For a visa and for temporary residence and the single permit for residence and work in Serbia, you need a color photo of 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm), full face (en face). The MFA requires one photo for the visa, while the MoI requires two such photos for temporary residence.
- Photo size — 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm); this is confirmed both by the MFA (mfa.gov.rs: «Photo, size 3.5x4.5cm») and the MoI of Serbia (mup.gov.rs: «Two photos, 35x45mm, color, full face»).
- Officially, the MoI specifies only three parameters: size 35×45 mm, color, full face. The exact head height, dpi or background are not separately published by the Serbian authorities.
- For temporary residence, the MoI requires TWO photos of 35×45 mm; for the visa, the MFA notes one photo of 3.5×4.5 cm.
- An application for the single (combined) permit for residence and work is submitted exclusively online on the welcometoserbia.gov.rs portal; an application for temporary residence may be submitted online or in person.
- Biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature) for the biometric card are taken on site — at the MoI police directorate after the application is approved.
In brief: which photo is needed
Serbia uses a single photo size for a visa (type C/D), temporary residence (boravak) and the single permit for residence and work. The basic parameters are officially confirmed: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.rs) in the list of documents for a visa notes «Photo (size 3.5×4.5cm)», and the Ministry of the Interior (mup.gov.rs) for temporary residence requires «Two photos (35×45mm, color, full face)».
Important: the official MFA and MoI pages describe only the size, color and «full face». More detailed parameters (head height as a percentage, dpi, top margin, age) are not published on the Serbian government sites — they are given only by third-party photo services, and the data there varies.
Official specification (MFA/MoI)
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) |
| Quantity (visa) | 1 photo |
| Quantity (temporary residence) | 2 photos |
| Color | Color |
| Pose | Full face, en face |
General recommendations (not an official Serbian norm)
These are typical requirements for biometric photos given by photo services; the Serbian authorities do not separately enshrine them, so cross-check with the consulate:
- Light even background (white or light gray), without shadows or patterns.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, both ears and the entire face visible.
- It is better to take off glasses, especially those with glare or tinted.
- Headwear — only for religious reasons and not covering the facial features.
- A recent photo is preferable (usually advised no older than 6 months), matching the current appearance.
Where to apply
- Visa (C/D) — through a diplomatic-consular mission of Serbia; for some countries, since 23 April 2025, an electronic entry authorization (Digital Travel Authorization) applies via welcometoserbia.gov.rs. An application for a D visa can also be submitted electronically on this portal.
- Temporary residence — the application can be submitted in person or electronically on the welcometoserbia.gov.rs portal.
- Single (combined) permit for residence and work — the application is submitted exclusively online on this same portal (eForeigner).
- After approval, the MoI schedules a personal visit to the police directorate, where biometrics are taken: photo, fingerprints and signature for the biometric card.
Why photos get rejected
- Wrong size — the frame is not 35×45 mm or the head is too small/large.
- Dark or busy background — a light, even one is advised.
- Glasses with glare or tinted lenses that hide the eyes.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head, uneven lighting.
- Old photo that does not match the current appearance.
- Smile, head tilt, closed eyes, hair covering the face.
- Low quality of the print or file (graininess, small size).
Before submitting, cross-check the current requirements with the consulate or the portal — the mission has the right to request additional documents.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- What is the photo size for a Serbia visa and residence permit?
- 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) — the same size for a visa, temporary residence and the single permit for residence and work. The MFA notes one photo for the visa, while the MoI requires two color photos (full face) for temporary residence.
- Which photo parameters are officially enshrined?
- Officially, the MFA and MoI specify only the size 35×45 mm, color and «full face». The background, head height as a percentage and dpi are not separately published by the government sites — these are only recommendations from third-party services, so it is better to cross-check with the consulate.
- Where to submit documents for a residence and work permit?
- The single permit for residence and work is submitted exclusively online on the welcometoserbia.gov.rs portal. An application for temporary residence may be submitted online or in person. Biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature) are taken in person at the MoI police directorate after approval.
- Can you take the photo yourself at home?
- Yes, if the basic requirements are met: size 35×45 mm, color, full face, a light even background, without shadows. An online tool will help crop your shot to the 35×45 mm format.