Professional Russia citizenship 35x45 mm Photo Tips for RU Applications

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: must be exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm high (tolerance ±1 mm) on final print
• Head size and position: head (from chin to top of hair) should measure 32–36 mm and be centered both vertically and horizontally with eyes 19–25 mm from the bottom edge
• Background: plain light-neutral (white or very light gray) with even illumination, no shadows, patterns, textures or objects visible
• Facial expression and pose: full-face, frontal view, neutral expression (mouth closed, no smile), eyes open and looking directly at the camera, no head tilt
• Lighting and color quality: uniform front lighting without overexposure or dark shadows, accurate natural skin tones, printed in color with continuous tone on high-quality photographic paper
• Eyewear: generally no glasses; if medically necessary, wear thin-rimmed or frameless clear lenses with no glare, reflections or tinted/colored glass, ensuring full visibility of eyes
• Head coverings: prohibited except for bona fide religious reasons; covering must not obscure the face from chin to hairline or the sides of the face
• Hair and face visibility: hair must be pulled back or styled so that the full contour of the face and both eyebrows are clearly visible, with no stray shadows
• Print quality and finish: sharp focus, no pixelation, glossy or matte finish acceptable, free of creases, ink smudges or surface damage
• Recency: photo must be taken within the last six months to represent current appearance, and must not be digitally altered or retouched in a way that changes natural features
• Clothing and accessories: wear normal street clothing (no uniforms or camouflage), choose dark or mid-tone garments that contrast with background, minimal jewelry that does not cover facial features

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Professional Russia citizenship 35x45 mm Photo Tips for RU Applications - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Correct dimensions & head placement: ensure the printed photo is exactly 35×45 mm, with your face measuring 32–36 mm tall and a 4–6 mm margin above the head to meet Russian biometric cropping rules and avoid automatic rejections
• Pristine white background & even lighting: use a matte white backdrop and balanced frontal illumination to eliminate shadows or color casts so both automated systems and officers can clearly distinguish your facial features
• Neutral expression & glare-free glasses: maintain a relaxed, expressionless face with a closed mouth and eyes open, remove or adjust glasses to prevent reflections—critical for accurate biometric matching
• Recent, high-resolution capture: submit a photograph taken within the last six months at ≥600 dpi and printed on quality matte paper so details remain sharp and digital uploads don’t pixelate or blur
• Appropriate attire & unobstructed features: wear dark, non-reflective clothing with a simple collar, keep hair off the forehead and ears visible, and avoid jewelry or headwear (unless for religious reasons) to comply with identity-verification standards

Conclusion

In summary, adhering to Russia’s strict 35×45 mm citizenship photo standards ensures your application proceeds without delay. By controlling size, framing, lighting, background and expression, you’ll produce a compliant image that meets government requirements and avoids rejection.

• Size: exact 35 × 45 mm print with a head height of 32–36 mm and top margin of 3–5 mm
• Background: uniform light grey or white, matte finish, no patterns or shadows
• Framing: face centered, full front view, eyes 16–20 mm from the photo’s bottom
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no smile
• Lighting: even, soft lighting to eliminate glare and shadows on face or background
• Attire: everyday clothes without uniforms, headwear only for religious reasons (face fully visible)
• Photo currency: taken within the last six months, high-resolution print on quality photo paper