Russia
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 1 document type.
Helpful pages for document photos in Russia
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a passport in Russia, you must strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MID). Whether you are applying for an internal passport or the biometric international passport, the quality of your photograph is critical for processing. Using a reliable tool like idpic.app ensures your image meets these stringent criteria before you submit your application through the local passport office or Gosuslugi portal.
The mandatory size for all Russian passport photos is 35mm x 45mm, with the face occupying 70 to 80 percent of the frame. The background must be a solid, uniform white colour, and the photo must be taken in full-face view with a neutral expression and closed mouth. Glasses are not allowed, and head coverings are strictly prohibited unless worn for religious reasons, provided they do not cast shadows or hide facial features.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:69d5b0b4§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For international biometric passports, digital photos are uploaded directly through the Gosuslugi portal or provided on a storage device at the MFC multifunctional centre. The file must be in JPEG format; check your country's official portal for exact file size limits and resolution requirements. Ensure the digital file is not compressed excessively, as the automated facial recognition systems used by the Russian government require high-contrast, clear imagery to successfully process your application.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in Russia include poor lighting that creates shadows on the face or background, and incorrect head positioning. Many applicants fail because their photo is too dark or the background is not perfectly white, often caused by using a light grey or off-white wall. Additionally, wearing reflective jewellery or garments that blend into the background can lead to an immediate denial of your application, forcing you to restart the process.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
While professional photo studios are widely available in cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg for approximately 300 to 500 roubles, you can save time by creating your own photo at home. If you choose the DIY route, ensure you use natural, even lighting and a plain white sheet as a backdrop. Always check that your ears are visible and your hair is pulled back, as this is a common point of contention during the official verification process.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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