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

Requirements

• Photo size: 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) print on high-quality photographic paper
• Head dimensions: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (top of hair) measured vertically
• Eye position: 18–22 mm from bottom edge of photo to eye line
• Background: uniform light-grey or off-white, no patterns, shadows or textures
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no smiling or frowning
• Head orientation: square to camera, no tilt, full face centered and occupying 70–80% of frame
• Lighting: even and diffuse, no shadows on face or background, no red-eye or glare
• Glasses: permitted if normally worn, lenses must be clear (no tinted or sunglasses), frames thin and not covering eyes, no reflections
• Head coverings: only for religious reasons, must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on face, full facial features visible
• Photo quality: sharp focus, natural skin tones, no ink marks or creases, matt or semi-matte finish
• Colour and contrast: true-to-life colour rendering, good contrast between face and background
• Recency: taken within the last 6 months, reflecting current appearance (no major changes)
• Retouching: not allowed to alter facial features, minor colour correction acceptable but no airbrushing or digital morphing
• Quantity: submit two identical prints, numbered or labeled with applicant’s name on the back
• Paper and resolution: minimum 600 dpi digital capture or professional lab print, no home-inkjet quality photos

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

• Background Uniformity: Use a plain white or light grey background without shadows or textures to meet Estonia’s solid-color requirement and avoid rejections due to uneven backdrops.
• Precise Head Dimensions: Ensure the head measures 32–36 mm from chin to crown with a 2–6 mm top margin to comply with biometric sizing and prevent cropping errors.
• Correct Eye Level: Position the eyes 17–22 mm from the bottom edge so facial-recognition systems can accurately detect key landmarks and avoid manual retakes.
• Neutral Expression: Maintain a natural, relaxed expression with mouth closed and eyes open to adhere to Estonia’s no-smile rule and reduce the risk of immediate disqualification.
• Glasses & Glare Control: Remove tinted lenses and heavy frames or use anti-reflective coatings to prevent reflections that obscure the eyes and trigger photo rejections.

Conclusion

In summary, your Estonia Long-Stay D Visa photo must adhere strictly to these key requirements:

• Size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with head height of 32–36 mm from chin to crown
• Background: uniform light grey or off-white, no shadows or patterns
• Head positioning: centered and facing forward, eyes at 57–75 % of photo height
• Expression: neutral facial expression with closed mouth, both eyes open and visible
• Lighting & quality: even lighting, no red-eye, high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), matte finish
• Attire & accessories: plain clothing without uniforms, no glasses or tinted lenses, permitted religious headwear must not obscure face
• Children & infants: eyes open if possible, no toys or pacifiers, adhere to same size/head proportions
• Digital specifications: JPEG or TIFF format, color space sRGB, file size between 150 KB and 500 KB

Always double-check your final print or digital upload against these standards before submission to avoid delays or rejections.