Complete France Asylum Seeker (Demande D'asile) 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Requirements for FR - Expert Tips
Navigating France’s asylum process starts with one simple yet crucial element: your 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) “demande d’asile” photograph. As the very first impression your dossier makes on OFPRA (Office Français de Protection des Réfugiés et Apatrides), this image must adhere to exacting standards of size, composition, lighting and background—and even the slightest deviation can trigger costly delays or outright rejection. In the following guide, you’ll gain crystal-clear, step-by-step insights into every technical and stylistic requirement—from the exact head-to-chin dimensions and eye-line placement to the permissible contrast and printing quality—empowering you to submit a flawless photo that keeps your asylum application moving forward without a hitch.
Requirements
- Dimensions: photo must be exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high with sharp, untrimmed borders
- Head size: distance from chin to crown must be between 32 mm and 36 mm to ensure proper face filling
- Eye position: eyes should sit 15 mm–22 mm from the bottom edge of the photo for correct framing
- Background: uniform light grey or off-white background without shadows, textures or patterns
- Pose & framing: head and shoulders square to camera, direct gaze, centered, with space above crown and below chin
- Expression: neutral facial expression, mouth closed, no visible teeth, relaxed face (no exaggerated smile or frown)
- Lighting & focus: even front lighting, no reflections or glare on face or background, crisp sharp focus, no red-eye
- Color & contrast: natural skin tones, correct white balance, no over- or under-exposure, true-to-life color rendition
- Head coverings: prohibited except for documented religious reasons—must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on face
- Glasses: allowed if eyes fully visible, lenses clear (no tinted or photochromic), frames thin and not covering eyes, no glare
- Photo age: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance, unaltered by digital retouching of facial features
- Print quality: high-resolution inkjet or professional lab print on matte or semi-matte photo paper, no creases or marks
- Number of copies: submit 6 identical photos printed on the same sheet or batch to guarantee uniformity
- Identification on reverse: lightly print surname, given name and date of birth on back of each photo without obscuring edges
Step-by-Step Process
Content about Complete France Asylum Seeker (Demande D'asile) 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Requirements for FR - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Uniform Background: use a smooth white or light-grey backdrop free of shadows or patterns because inconsistent backgrounds are a top reason French asylum photos are rejected
- Head Size & Centering: position your face so the crown-to-chin height is 32–36 mm and eyes sit 15–20 mm from the bottom of the 35×45 mm frame to comply with ICAO standards and avoid automatic cropping errors
- Neutral Expression: keep a straight face with mouth closed and eyes open, avoiding smiles or frowns since non-neutral expressions are frequently refused and delay your Demande d’asile
- No Glasses or Non-Religious Headwear: remove spectacles and any hats or scarves (unless for religious reasons) to ensure full facial visibility, as reflections or obstructions regularly lead to photo invalidation
- Print Quality & Recency: deliver prints on high-resolution (≥600 dpi) matte photo paper taken within the last 6 months to prevent pixilation or date issues that can invalidate your application
Conclusion
In conclusion, France’s Demande d’asile photo requirements are designed to ensure clear, consistent identification of asylum seekers. Adhering precisely to the 35 × 45 mm format and its related specifications—background, head size, expression and technical quality—will prevent application delays and rejections. Follow these key points carefully:
- Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm with a head height (crown to chin) of 32–36 mm
- Background: uniform light gray or white, no patterns or shadows
- Head position: centered, facing straight ahead, full face visible, neutral expression
- Eyes and gaze: open and clearly visible at 16–22 mm from the bottom edge, no hair or accessories obscuring eyes
- Glasses and headgear: remove hats and tinted lenses; religious head coverings permitted only if they do not obscure facial features
- Lighting and contrast: even illumination, no red-eye, no reflections or harsh shadows
- Print quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), glossy or matte paper, no creases or damage
- Currency and labeling: taken within the last 6 months; on the back, lightly write the date and place of capture without harming the image surface
By following these specifications to the letter, applicants can ensure their photo meets French asylum service standards and avoids unnecessary processing setbacks.
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