BGBulgaria

Bulgaria Visa Photo Size

Bulgarian photo follows EU standards. White background required.

Real application output35 × 45 mm

Real 35×45 mm Biometric Photo Example for Bulgaria

Top of head%5.7
Pupil line%44.0
Bottom of chin%80.7

Requirements may vary by document type. Check the official authority's current rules for Bulgaria before applying.

Photo Size

35×45 mm

Background Color
White
Head size
70-80%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm

ICAO 9303

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Used For

  • Passport
  • ID card
  • Visa

With the PhotoID Studio desktop app you can create a custom photo size for any document used in any country, save it as a preset, and reuse your saved preset with a single click.

Always verify the size before an official application

The information here reflects the sizes commonly accepted for visa applications. Authorities can change photo requirements without prior notice, and different documents in the same country (passport, ID card, driving licence, residence permit) may require different sizes. Check the current guidance of the authority you are applying to before preparing your photo.

How should a Bulgaria visa photo look?

The required biometric photo size for a Bulgaria passport and national identity card (lichna karta) is 35×45 mm. The background must be plain white and the face clearly visible. As an EU member state, Bulgaria issues fully ICAO-compliant biometric documents. The photo must have been taken no more than 6 months before the application date.

Issuing authority: Ministry of Interior (MVR) and Regional Directorates

Passport and identity document services in Bulgaria are handled by the Regional Directorates of the Ministry of Interior (Oblastni direktsii na MVR) under the Ministry of Interior (Ministerstvo na vatreshnite raboti). Applications can be submitted at your local MVR office. Both passport and identity card applications require biometric photos.

Preparing your photo: correct size and format

PhotoID Studio automatically crops and resizes your photo to Bulgaria passport and identity card standards (35×45 mm, 300 DPI, white background). Face detection ensures the correct head ratio and eye alignment according to ICAO rules. Print the resulting digital file at a print centre near your MVR office and attach it to your application.

How to take a good photo

Stand in front of a well-lit plain white background and look directly at the camera. Your head should be upright, your face straight ahead, and your expression neutral. It is recommended to remove glasses. Avoid flash glare and shadows; natural light is preferred.

Common reasons for photo rejection

• Photo was taken more than 6 months ago. • Background is not white or contains shadows. • Face appears in the wrong proportion within the frame. • Eyes are closed, squinting, or partially covered by glasses. • Head is tilted or turned.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Bulgarian identity card (lichna karta) also require a biometric photo?

Yes, the national identity card requires the same 35×45 mm biometric photo with a white background as the passport.

How does EU membership affect passport photo rules in Bulgaria?

As an EU member state, Bulgaria applies a fully EU-compliant ICAO format. These standards are largely consistent with those of other EU member states.

How long is a passport photo valid in Bulgaria?

The photo must have been taken no more than 6 months before the application date. Older photos may be rejected by MVR.

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