RU Moscow social card 3x4 cm Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Dimensions: photo must measure exactly 30 × 40 mm with a 3 cm width and 4 cm height
• Head size: height from top of hair to bottom of chin must occupy 70–80 % of the photo (approx. 28–32 mm)
• Background: uniformly light (white or light grey), matte finish, no patterns or shadows
• Photo quality: high-resolution color print on smooth, non-glossy (matte) photo paper, free of creases or ink marks
• Face orientation: full-face view, head centered and level, no tilting or turning
• Expression: neutral facial expression with closed mouth, eyes open and clearly visible
• Eye contact: direct gaze into camera lens, no hair or glasses frames obscuring eyes
• Head covering: only permitted for religious reasons; must not cast shadows or cover facial features
• Glasses: thin-rimmed frames allowed if eyes are fully visible, no glare or tinted lenses
• Lighting: even, frontal lighting with no shadows on face or background, natural skin tones
• Recency: photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance
• Clothing: everyday attire (no uniforms or military dress), avoid large logos or busy patterns
• Photo surface: clean and undamaged—no scratches, dents, fingerprints or smudges
• Digital capture (if submitting electronically): minimum 600 dpi resolution, true-to-life color without over-/under-exposure

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Prepare the digital capture
• Use a high-resolution camera (minimum 300 dpi) set to capture a 3 × 4 cm frame at 354 × 472 pixels to ensure print clarity
• Position the subject 5–2 meters from the background to minimize shadows and achieve even lighting
• Use a neutral white or light-grey background with no patterns, textures, or visible objects
• Second step: Position the subject and set framing
• Ask the subject to face the camera directly with head centered and eyes level to the lens (no tilt or turn)
• Instruct a neutral expression: mouth closed, eyes open, eyebrows relaxed, no smile showing teeth
• Ensure the head (from crown to chin) occupies 70–80% of the photo height—about 28–33 mm on the printed 3 × 4 cm photo
• Third step: Check attire and accessories
• Wear everyday clothing in solid, dark colors—avoid uniforms, camouflage, headgear, or large jewelry
• Glasses: remove tinted or heavy-frame glasses; single-vision prescription glasses without reflections are allowed if eyes are fully visible
• Head coverings for religious reasons are acceptable but must not cast shadows on the face or cover facial features
• Fourth step: Review lighting and image quality
• Use diffuse, frontal lighting to eliminate shadows under the chin or behind the head; avoid overexposure and glare
• Confirm even skin tones, natural eye color, and clear eye whites—no red-eye or color casts
• Check sharpness: all facial features (ears, hairline, eyebrows) must be in focus, with no blurring or pixelation
• Fifth step: Print the photo to exact specifications
• Print on high-quality, matte or glossy professional photo paper—no home-inkjet prints on plain paper
• Final size must be exactly 30 mm wide by 40 mm high; verify dimensions with a ruler before trimming
• Do not retouch, digitally alter, or apply filters—photos must represent the subject naturally
• Sixth step: Trim, inspect, and validate dimensions
• Trim excess margins to retain only the 3 × 4 cm image; ensure straight, clean edges with no white borders
• Measure head height (28–33 mm) and eye level (approximately 2/3 up from the bottom edge) with a ruler or template
• Inspect under natural daylight to confirm color accuracy and absence of defects (scratches, dust, fingerprints)
• Seventh step: Attach and submit with the social card application
• Affix the photo using photo-safe glue or archival double-sided tape in the designated area—no staples or paper clips
• Complete the back of the photo with the applicant’s full name and date of birth using a soft pencil or fine-tip pen
• Submit along with the completed application form at the Moscow social card office or via the authorized service portal—retain a spare copy for your records

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Dimensions: Make your print exactly 30×40 mm so it fits official holders and avoids rejection
• Plain Background: Use a uniformly light (white or pale gray) backdrop so biometric scanners capture your features clearly
• Correct Head Position: Center your face, keeping chin and crown within specified margins, to meet biometric ratio requirements
• No Glasses or Headwear: Remove tinted lenses and hats (unless for religious reasons) to prevent glare and ensure all landmarks are visible
• Recent Neutral Photo: Submit a straight-faced image taken within the last six months to guarantee up-to-date identity verification

Conclusion

In summary, the RU Moscow social card photo must meet strict 3 × 4 cm standards to ensure your application proceeds without delay.

• Size: exact 3 × 4 cm print with no cropping or borders
• Head position: face centered, 70–80% of frame height, eyes ~1/2 from top
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, no teeth visible, both eyes open
• Background: uniform white or very light grey, no shadows or patterns
• Attire & accessories: no hats/headwear (unless for religious reasons), no sunglasses, minimal jewelry
• Image quality: high resolution, sharp focus, true-to-life colors, matte photo paper

By adhering to these points, you’ll satisfy Moscow’s social card requirements and avoid costly rejections.