Resident Card Photo Requirements (Poland)

To apply for a Polish residence card (karta pobytu), you must submit a recent photograph that meets official standards issued by the Polish Ministry of Interior. This photo will be used in your ID document and must follow specific technical and visual rules.

Format and recency

• Size: 35×45 mm
• Photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months before submission
• Color photo on a light, uniform background

Head and face position

• Head must be upright and facing forward
• Eyes open and clearly visible; mouth closed
• Neutral facial expression, no mimicking
• Eyebrows must be visible, pupils not covered

Background, lighting, quality

• Light, even background without shadows or decorative elements
• Even face lighting with no glare on skin or hair
• Sharp photo, free of scratches, folds, or red-eye effect
• Natural colors, proper contrast and tone depth

Additional notes

• Prescription glasses allowed if eyes are clearly visible and no glare appears
• Contact lenses allowed if they don’t alter the natural look of your eyes
• Head coverings permitted for religious reasons with official confirmation
• Beard and mustache allowed if they do not interfere with identification
• Jewelry allowed if it does not cover the face
• Ears do not have to be visible; hairstyle may go beyond frame

• No other people or objects allowed in the photo

   

Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/uw-mazowiecki/wymagania-dotyczace-zdjec-do-dokumentow-potwierdzajacych-tozsamosc-cudzoziemcow