How should a Italy visa photo look?
Italy uses the 35×45 mm Schengen spec for passport and ID applications; head height is 32-36 mm with a plain light (white or light grey) backdrop. What makes Italy distinct: the applicant brings two identical prints to the Questura counter: one is glued onto the paper application form and fingerprints are captured on-site.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by Polizia di Stato (Questura) and by MAECI for applications filed abroad. The photo must be submitted within six months of the capture date. The same 35×45 mm spec applies to Italian citizens and to foreign visa applicants.
Workflow after the shoot
Open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the Italia preset; the app aligns the face, normalises the backdrop to a light tone and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI. Two identical copies are laid out on 10×15 cm paper so the customer carries matching prints to the Questura.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the light backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45° with a reflector opposite. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression". Glasses are discouraged; if worn, glare must be eliminated.
Where the Questura sends people back
• A backdrop that is not white or light grey (blue, cream, patterned). • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • Two prints that differ in tone, contrast or crop. • Glasses frames cutting across the eye line; visible glare. • A smile, visible teeth or an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes or eyebrows. • Head too small in the frame; mis-cropped print.
Questura and consulate volume
Passport, carta d'identità and residence permit applications generate steady year-round traffic in Italy, and every file requires two identical prints. The PhotoID Studio Italia preset lays both copies out on 10×15 cm paper from a single frame, so each customer leaves the studio with a Questura-ready set.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Italy passport photo 35×45 mm or 35×40 mm?
Both are accepted. The ICAO/Schengen standard is 35×45 mm, while Italy visa application centres (iData in Turkey) request 35×40 mm.
How many photos do I need to bring in Italy?
Two identical 35×45 mm prints: one is glued onto the paper application form, the second is filed at the Questura counter.
Does the background have to be pure white?
It only needs to be plain and light: both white and light grey are accepted. Blue, cream and patterned backdrops are rejected.
Can the same photo be used for a visa application?
Yes. The 35×45 mm spec is the same for Italian citizens and for foreign nationals filing visas.
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