Bulgaria Biometric Photo Size
35×45 mm, ICAO 9303
How should a Bulgaria passport 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.
Photo Size
35×45 mm
Head Ratio
70%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm
Background Color
White
Standard
ICAO 9303
Requirements & Notes
Bulgarian photo follows EU standards. White background required.
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.
Used For
- Passport
- ID card
- Visa
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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.
Create Bulgaria Biometric Photos
Creating Bulgaria-compliant photos with PhotoID Studio takes just seconds. Get professional results with AI face detection and automatic background removal.