EE Estonia long stay D visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high with no white borders
• Head size: crown-to-chin height between 32 mm and 36 mm, eyes positioned 15–20 mm from bottom edge
• Background: uniform light gray or off-white, free of patterns, shadows or objects
• Pose and expression: full front view, neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Head orientation: centered and straight, no tilt or turn, direct gaze into the camera lens
• Photo age: taken within the last 6 months to accurately reflect current appearance
• Photo quality: high resolution, sharp focus, natural skin tones, no red-eye, no visible pixels or printing defects
• Finish and print: on high-quality photographic paper with matte or semi-matte finish, uncreased and unstained
• Glasses: allowed only if normally worn; frames must not cover eyes, no tinted or mirrored lenses, no glare or reflections
• Head coverings: permitted solely for religious reasons; must not obscure any facial feature, full face and hairline visible
• Clothing: everyday attire without uniforms, military garments, large logos or busy patterns
• Retouching and enhancements: strictly prohibited any digital alterations or filters that change natural appearance
• Copies required: submit two identical photos printed from the same negative or digital file, unmounted and un-stapled

Step-by-Step Process

Content about EE Estonia long stay D visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Requirements Guide - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Uniform Background: Use a plain light grey or white background free of patterns or shadows, because non-uniform backgrounds are a top cause of photo rejections.
• Correct Head Size and Position: Position the head centrally with face height 32–36 mm and leave even margins around, because misaligned or incorrectly sized heads delay processing.
• Neutral Expression: Keep a straight face with closed mouth and open eyes, because smiling or raised eyebrows often triggers consular rejection.
• Even Lighting: Ensure uniform lighting that eliminates shadows on both face and background, because uneven lighting can obscure facial features and lead to automatic refusal.
• Glasses and Headwear: Remove glasses or, if worn for religious reasons, ensure eyes are fully visible with no glare, because reflections and obscured features are grounds for photo disqualification.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Compliance with Estonia’s long-stay D visa 35 × 45 mm photo requirements ensures a smooth application process and avoids costly delays.

• Size and framing: photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm with head height 32–36 mm and 3 mm clearance above hairline
• Background and lighting: plain light grey or off-white background with even, shadow-free illumination
• Expression and pose: neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open and directly facing the camera
• Headgear and eyewear: no hats or head coverings (unless for religious reasons) and clear, non-tinted glasses without reflections
• Image quality: high-resolution color print on matte or semi-matte photo paper with no creases or digital artifacts
• Recency and authenticity: photo taken within the last six months, without filters or edits, to reflect current appearance
• Final check: verify all measurements with a ruler or professional service before submission to guarantee full compliance