Greece

About photo requirements

When applying for a Greek travel document, ensuring your image meets the strict standards set by the Hellenic Police is essential. The process is governed by specific technical regulations that ensure biometric facial recognition compatibility. Whether you are renewing your passport or applying for the first time, following the official guidelines is the only way to avoid unnecessary delays during your application at the local Passport Office.

The official dimensions for a Greek passport photo are exactly 40x60mm, with the head occupying 70 to 80 percent of the vertical space. You must use a plain, solid white background with balanced lighting that eliminates shadows on your face or the backdrop. A neutral expression with closed mouth and direct eye contact is mandatory. Glasses are generally discouraged, and head coverings are strictly prohibited unless for documented religious or medical reasons, provided they do not obscure facial features.

See the full 40 × 60 mm §t:bb17a21e§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.

For those submitting applications through the gov.gr portal or related digital channels, the file must be captured with high resolution and saved in a standard JPEG format. The file size should generally remain under 5MB to ensure compatibility with the official upload systems. If you prefer to manage the process yourself, idpic.app serves as a convenient tool to verify that your self-captured portrait complies with these precise biometric standards before you submit your digital file.

Common issues

The most frequent cause for rejection in Greece is the presence of shadows behind the head or across the face due to poor lighting. Many applicants also fail the size requirement, as the 40x60mm ratio is larger than the standard 35x45mm used in many other European countries. Furthermore, wearing accessories like thick-rimmed glasses or having hair that covers the eyebrows often leads to immediate disqualification by the Hellenic Police processing software.

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 photography studios in Greek cities are well-versed in these specific dimensions, they can be costly. For a cost-effective solution, you can take a high-quality photo at home against a white wall using natural daylight. Ensure you stand at a sufficient distance to avoid lens distortion before printing your image on high-quality matte photo paper, ensuring the final physical dimensions are exactly 40x60mm to meet local requirements.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.