Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 40 × 40 mm (4 × 4 cm) with no white borders
• Head size: vertical distance from chin to crown between 28 mm and 33 mm, filling approx. 70–80 % of frame
• Head position: centred and straight, eyes level with camera lens, no tilt or turn
• Background: uniform, plain white or very light grey, free of shadows, patterns or objects
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, no smile, both eyes open and visible
• Eye contact: direct gaze into camera, no looking down, up or sideways
• Glasses: preferably removed; if worn, frames must be thin, lenses clear and free of glare, eyes fully visible
• Head coverings: only for religious reasons, must not obscure face or cast shadows, hairline and facial features fully visible
• Lighting: even, frontal light to avoid shadows on face and background, natural skin tones, no red-eye
• Clothing: everyday attire, avoid uniform-like or camouflage patterns, collars visible, no head-to-toe matching background
• Photo currency: taken within the last six months, reflecting current appearance (no drastic hair or makeup changes)
• Print quality: high-resolution colour print on professional photo paper, matte or semi-matte finish, no creases, tears or fingerprints
• Retouching: strictly prohibited—no airbrushing, filters or digital enhancements of facial features
• Back of photo: lightly inscribe applicant’s full name and date of birth in pencil (do not staple, glue or write across the image)

Step-by-Step Process

• Prepare your camera and workspace: use a digital camera (min. 8 MP) or modern smartphone on a tripod at eye level to eliminate tilt and blur; why – steady, high-res images prevent pixelation and rejections.
• Set correct framing and crop guidelines: configure your camera or post-crop so final dimensions are exactly 40 × 40 mm (4 × 4 cm) with the head height 28–33 mm from chin to crown; why – RENAPER mandates these measurements for machine readability.
• Arrange uniform background and lighting: position your subject 1 m from a plain white or light-gray wall, use two softbox lights at 45° angles to eliminate shadows, and avoid overhead lighting; why – consistent, shadow-free backgrounds meet ISO/ICAO standards.
• Position subject and pose correctly: have the subject face the camera squarely, keep eyes leveled, mouth closed with neutral expression, and both ears visible; why – direct gaze and neutral expression are required for biometric matching.
• Verify attire and accessories: ensure no uniforms, except daily clothing; remove hats, headscarves allowed only for religious reasons (fully revealing face outline), remove glasses or use non-reflective lenses without tinted or thick frames; why – unobstructed facial features prevent refusal.
• Capture and inspect the digital shot: zoom or crop to fill 70–80% of the frame with the head, check for red-eye, glare, shadows, and ensure sharp focus on eyes; why – machine-readable traits require clear, artifact-free images.
• Prepare for printing: resize the image to 1200 × 1200 pixels (300 dpi) for 40 × 40 mm output, export in JPEG format with minimal compression (quality ≥ 90%); why – proper pixel dimensions and formats preserve clarity during printing.
• Print on high-quality photo paper: use matte or glossy white-background paper, set printer to “photo – best quality,” print at 100% scale on A4 or 4R sheets without borders; why – accurate scale and paper type meet embassy requirements.
• Measure and validate the physical print: use a metric ruler to confirm overall photo is 40 × 40 mm and head height is 28–33 mm, ensure no ink smudges or edge trims; why – precise sizing and cleanliness avoid instant rejection.
• Final compliance check and signing: compare against official Argentine passport sample, confirm all specifications (background, lighting, expression, sizing) then lightly sign your name and application number in pencil on the back; why – completes identification protocol and ensures traceability.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact 40×40 mm Crop: use a calibrated template or photo app to match 40×40 mm and head proportions (32–36 mm height) to avoid non-compliant sizing that causes instant rejections
• Uniform White Background: position subject ≥1 m from a blank white wall and use diffused lighting to eliminate shadows or color casts, preventing background issues in the automated review
• Neutral Expression & Eyes Visible: ask subjects to maintain a relaxed, closed-mouth look with eyes fully open and no head tilt to meet the neutral expression rule and avoid expression-related refusals
• No Glasses or Headgear: remove eyeglasses, hats, scarves and excessive jewelry to prevent glare, frame shadows or feature obstruction, ensuring clear facial recognition
• Recent High-Quality Print: submit a photo taken within 6 months, printed on matte photo paper at ≥600 dpi to avoid fading, pixelation or outdated images that trigger retakes

Conclusion

In summary, the Argentina 4×4 cm (40×40 mm) passport photo must adhere to precise size, composition, and quality standards to ensure approval and avoid delays.

• Photo dimensions: exactly 40 mm wide × 40 mm high
• Head size & position: head height 70–80 % of photo (≈28–32 mm), eyes 20–30 mm from bottom edge
• Background & lighting: plain white or light neutral backdrop, even lighting with no shadows or reflections
• Expression & pose: full face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, direct gaze
• Attire & accessories: no glasses or colored lenses, no headwear except for documented religious reasons, no uniforms
• Image quality: sharp focus, high resolution, true-to-life skin tones, no red‐eye or printing defects