Requirements

• Dimensions: photo must measure exactly 35 mm width × 45 mm height (tolerance ±1 mm)
• Head size: distance from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head must be between 32 mm and 36 mm, with head centrally positioned
• Background: uniform light-colored background (white or very light grey) with no shadows, patterns or objects
• Pose & orientation: full-face view, head straight, shoulders square to the camera, with the face fully visible
• Expression: neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible (no smiling showing teeth)
• Eyes & gaze: direct eye contact with the camera, both pupils fully visible, no hair or frames obscuring eyes
• Glasses: allowed only if medically necessary, slim non-reflective frames, clear lenses, no tinted glasses or glare
• Head coverings: permitted solely for religious or medical reasons, must not obscure any facial features or cast shadows
• Lighting & contrast: even lighting across face and background, no shadows, hotspots, glare or red-eye
• Color & quality: natural skin tones, sharp focus, high resolution (no grain, pixelation or color casts)
• Print finish: borderless, high-quality photographic paper (glossy or matte), unmarked, undamaged and unedited
• Photo age: taken within the last six months to accurately represent current appearance

Step-by-Step Process

Content about AT Austrian residence permit 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Requirements Guide - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Perfect dimensions & head positioning: Ensure the printout is exactly 35×45 mm with a head height of 32–36 mm and eyes 28–35 mm from the bottom – incorrect sizing or off-center heads trigger automatic rejection, so always use VisaPics-approved cropping templates or calibrated software.
• Uniform neutral background: Use a plain white to light-gray backdrop with no patterns or textures – busy or colored backgrounds can confuse biometric scanners, so position your subject at least 1 m from the wall and shoot against a seamless panel.
• Balanced lighting & no shadows: Illuminate the face and background evenly from both sides to eliminate shadows, glare or overexposure – harsh contrasts distort facial features and lead to refusal, so employ two diffused light sources at 45° angles or use a professional lightbox.
• Neutral expression & direct gaze: Keep a relaxed, closed-mouth expression with eyes looking straight at the camera – smiling, frowning or tilted heads hinder automated face recognition, so practice a neutral stare and use a head-level spirit level if needed.
• Manage accessories & attire: Remove hats, scarves and glasses (unless worn daily for religious reasons or medical necessity) and avoid tinted lenses or large frames – obscured facial contours result in non-compliant photos, so always verify that ears and jawlines are fully visible.

Conclusion

In summary, the Austrian residence permit (35 × 45 mm) photo must meet all technical and appearance standards to avoid delays or rejections.

• Dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm high with no cropping or scaling
• Head size and position: head height between 32 mm and 36 mm, centered vertically and horizontally
• Background: uniform light grey (preferred) or white, no shadows, patterns, or textures
• Facial expression and eyes: neutral expression, closed mouth, eyes open and clearly visible behind glasses (no tinted lenses)
• Lighting and quality: even lighting, no red-eye, high resolution (min. 600 dpi), sharp focus, true-to-life color
• Attire and accessories: no headwear except for medical/religious reasons (must not obscure facial features), minimal jewelry

Next steps:

• Review your photo against each specification above.
• If in doubt, consult a professional photographer experienced in Austrian residence permit photos.
• Submit digitally or as prints only when you are 100% confident the photo adheres to these standards.

Adhering strictly to these guidelines ensures a smooth application process and timely issuance of your Austrian residence permit.