Italian passport photos follow the EU standard: 35x45mm with a 32-36mm head on a plain light background. The same photo works for the carta d'identità.
Fit your head inside the guide
Chin to crown should measure 32-36mm.
Center your face on the vertical line
Frontal pose, head straight.
Leave a small gap above your head
Hair should not touch the top edge.
The EU-standard 35x45mm format used for Italian passport applications.
Plain uniform background
Light and even, with no shadow behind you.
Frontal pose, neutral expression
Head straight, mouth closed, eyes open.
No glare on glasses
Removing them is safer.
Taken within the last 6 months
Must reflect your current appearance.
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The EU-standard 35x45mm photo — including what to send if you are applying through a consulate for citizenship by descent.
The background must be uniform and evenly lit.
Neutral expression, mouth closed.
The EU standard Italy uses.
White or light grey, uniform across the frame.
Italy uses 35x45mm, like most of the EU.
Italian passport photos follow the 35x45mm ICAO layout used across the EU for passports, national ID cards and residence permits. The head measures roughly 32-36mm from chin to crown.
The same photo works for the carta d'identità elettronica. Spain is the notable exception in Europe at 26x32mm — if you are moving between the two systems, check before reusing photos.
Consulates handle applications for Italians living overseas.
If you live outside Italy, your application goes through the Italian consulate for your area rather than a Questura or Comune. That is also the route for people recognised as Italian citizens by descent.
Consulates usually ask for photos to be supplied with the application rather than taking them on site, so getting the size right yourself matters more than it would in Italy. Check your consulate's own page — several publish additional requirements about how photos should be submitted.
Plain, light and uniform, with no shadows.
Use a plain light background — white or light grey — that is uniform across the whole frame. Stand about a metre from the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Light your face evenly from the front. Shadows across one side of the face are a common reason for a photo to be sent back.
Frontal, neutral, glasses best removed.
Face the camera straight on with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open and clearly visible.
Glasses are tolerated only when there is no glare and the frames do not cross your eyes; removing them avoids the question entirely. Head coverings are accepted for religious reasons provided the full face stays visible.
Printed at 35 x 45mm, 827 x 1063px, JPG/PNG. Computed from this photo's own specification, not typed by hand.
Requirements verified · Source: poliziadistato.it
Watch out — Identical prints needed: 1
Create the 35x45mm photo an Italian passport or carta d'identità needs — EU-standard crop, plain background, free and 100% private.
Choose a clear, recent photo from your phone or computer.
We crop to 35x45mm with your head at 32-36mm.
Save the file for your consulate application or print it.
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