RU Russia Pensioner ID 3x4 Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)

Requirements

• Photo size: 30×40 mm (width×height) printed on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper with no borders
• Head dimensions: crown to chin height 28–32 mm and eye line positioned 18–22 mm from top edge
• Background: plain light-gray or white with no patterns, shadows or gradients
• Face orientation: full front view, centered and vertically aligned, eyes looking directly at camera
• Expression: neutral expression with closed mouth, both eyes open, no smiling or raised eyebrows
• Headgear: only allowed for religious reasons and must not cover hairline or cast shadows on face
• Glasses: if worn daily, thin-rimmed clear lenses only, no tinted or reflective lenses, eyes must be fully visible
• Lighting: even, diffuse lighting with no flash reflections, shadows on face or background
• Photo age: taken within last 6 months to reflect current appearance
• Color quality: true‐to‐life natural skin tones without over- or under-saturation
• Paper quality: professional photo lab print, resolution at least 600 dpi, no pixelation or blurriness
• Finish: matte or semi-gloss finish, free of creases, stains, scratches or ink marks
• Head covering: prohibited except for documented religious headwear, ears and hairline must be partially visible
• Clothing: plain dark or medium-tone clothing, avoid white tops to ensure contrast with background
• Number of copies: submit two identical prints on a single sheet or as specified by local authority
• No accessories: remove headphones, hair clips, necklaces or visible accessories that obscure facial features
• Border: photograph must be borderless; do not leave white margins
• Mounting: do not staple, tape, crop or alter photo; submit loose prints per application instructions

Step-by-Step Process

• Clarify Official Photo Requirements: Review the Pensioner ID specifications on the Federal Migration Service website to confirm you need a 3 × 4 cm color photo printed on matte or semi-gloss photo paper with exact dimensions of 30 × 40 mm, head height 70–80% of the frame (approx. 21–24 mm), neutral gray or white background, no shadows, full-face forward view, natural skin tones, closed mouth, no glasses reflections, and no digital alterations beyond cropping and color correction.
• Prepare & Position the Subject: Have the applicant wear everyday clothing in contrast to the background (no uniforms, logos, or headgear unless for religious reasons) and sit or stand 1–5 m from the background; explain that a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed is mandatory for clear facial recognition.
• Set Up Lighting & Background: Arrange two soft, diffused light sources at 45° angles to eliminate shadows on the face and background; use a plain white or light-gray backdrop at least 2 m wide and tall, ensuring no creases, patterns, or objects are visible.
• Select & Configure Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 50 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens or a high-resolution smartphone camera; set resolution to at least 600 dpi (minimum 300 dpi), ISO 100–200, aperture f/6–f/8 for sharp focus, and mount on a tripod at the subject’s eye level.
• Capture the Image: Center the subject’s head both vertically and horizontally in a 4:3 frame, ensuring the top of the hair is 2–3 mm from the top edge; instruct the applicant to look directly at the lens and remain motionless as you shoot multiple frames to select the sharpest.
• Process & Crop to 3 × 4 cm Format: Import the best photo into image-editing software, adjust white balance to eliminate color casts, crop to exactly 30 × 40 mm at 300 dpi, verify head height is between 21–24 mm, position eye line at 17–20 mm from the bottom edge, and export as a high-quality JPEG without excessive compression.
• Print on Photo-Quality Paper: Send the digital file to a professional lab or high-end photo printer using matte or semi-gloss 240–300 gsm photo paper; request borderless printing at true 30 × 40 mm size, then cut precisely with a guillotine cutter or photo trimmer.
• Final Compliance Check & Submission: Measure the printed photo with a ruler to confirm exact 30 × 40 mm dimensions and head proportions, inspect against an official Russia Pensioner ID template, attach to your application form in the designated slot, and hand in according to your local FMS office guidelines.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact dimensions: ensure the photo is precisely 3×4 cm with the head height 5–3 cm from chin to crown – incorrect cropping leads to automatic rejection.
• Uniform background: use a plain, light grey or white backdrop with no shadows or patterns – uneven backgrounds obscure facial features and fail the digital verification.
• Neutral expression: keep a closed mouth and relaxed face, look straight at the camera – smiling or frowning distorts key landmarks used for biometric matching.
• No glare or tinted glasses: either remove eyewear or use non-reflective lenses with zero tint – reflections hide eyes and tinted lenses block iris details, violating ID rules.
• Hair and accessories clear: pull long hair behind ears, avoid hats or head coverings (unless for medical/religious reasons) – obstructed ears or brows interfere with automated face-shape algorithms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adhering strictly to the RU Russia Pensioner ID 3×4 photo guidelines is essential to avoid application delays or rejections. By ensuring every element—from dimensions to expression—meets the official standards, applicants can secure a smooth and efficient processing of their pensioner ID.

Key Points Summary:

• Dimensions: Exactly 30 × 40 mm; head height 22–26 mm with 2–5 mm top margin
• Background: Plain white or light gray, evenly lit with no shadows or patterns
• Pose & Expression: Full-face forward, neutral expression, eyes open and clearly visible
• Attire & Accessories: No hats or headgear (unless for religious/medical reasons), no tinted or dark glasses
• Photo Quality: High resolution color print on matte paper, no scars or markings, taken within the last six months