France Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Size, Background & Rules
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France Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS). Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

35 × 45 mm Plain light grey background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 France Passport Photo Specifications

SpecificationRequired Value
Photo Size35 × 45 mm  1.38 × 1.77 inches
Digital Dimensions413 × 531 pixels minimum
Resolution300 DPI
File FormatJPEG
File SizeMax 5 MB
BackgroundPlain light grey  No white
Face CoverageFace 32–36 mm in height
GlassesNot allowed
Photo RecencyWithin last 6 months
Face height32–36 mm
Head positionFacing forward, centred
ExpressionNeutral, natural
HeadwearNot allowed (except religious)
Issuing AuthorityAgence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS)

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✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

  • Photo taken Within last 6 months
  • Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Plain light grey background — no patterns or shadows
  • Face centred and occupying Face 32–36 mm in height of the photo
  • Head upright, looking directly at the camera
  • Even lighting — no shadows on face
  • High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
  • Not allowed
  • No headwear (except religious with documentation)
  • No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
  • No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

  • Non-grey background (France requires grey, not white)
  • Glasses on the subject
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Photo older than 6 months
  • Smiling or teeth visible
  • Head not centred

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

  • Stand against a plain light grey wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
  • Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
  • Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
  • Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo
  • Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the grey background
  • Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
  • Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
  • Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 35 × 45 mm size automatically.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

35×45 mm (413×531 pixels at 300 DPI).
Plain light grey — France specifically requires a grey background, not white.
No. ANTS guidelines do not permit glasses in biometric passport or ID card photos.