Costa Rica Biometric Photo Size
35×45 mm, ICAO 9303
How should a Costa Rica passport photo look?
The standard photo size for the Costa Rican cédula de identidad (national ID card) and passport is 35×45 mm. A plain white background is required and photos must comply with ICAO biometric standards. Both documents are issued by separate authorities but share identical photo requirements.
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
Costa Rican photo follows ICAO standards. White background required.
Issuing authorities: TSE and Migración
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) manages cédula de identidad applications. Passport applications are handled by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. Both institutions require ICAO-compliant biometric photos.
Preparing your photo with PhotoID Studio
PhotoID Studio automatically crops and resizes your uploaded photo to the 35×45 mm Costa Rican specification. After face detection verifies head position, the app produces a print-ready or digital JPEG. You can print the result at any photo shop or on your own printer.
Tips for a compliant photo
Take the photo in front of a plain white wall under natural light. Face the camera directly and keep a neutral expression. Avoid using flash. Remove your glasses and ensure your hair does not cover your face.
Common rejection reasons
• Non-white background or shadows on the background. • Glasses, hat, or accessories (unless required for religious reasons). • Hair or jewellery partially covering the face. • Blurry, overexposed, or low-resolution image. • Photo taken more than 6 months before the application date.
Photo cost and the PhotoID Studio advantage
Studio biometric photo prices in Costa Rica typically range from CRC 1,500 to CRC 4,000. A single PhotoID Studio annual subscription lets you prepare compliant photos for both the cédula and the passport without visiting a studio.
Used For
- Passport
- Cedula identity
- Visa
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Frequently asked questions
- Can the same photo be used for both the cédula and the passport?
Yes. Both the TSE and Migración apply the same 35×45 mm ICAO standard, so a single compliant photo can be used for both applications.
- Are glasses allowed in a Costa Rican passport photo?
No. Both the TSE and Migración reject photos with glasses, as they can cause reflection and identification issues.
- How recent must the photo be?
Photos taken no more than 6 months before the application date are accepted.
Create Costa Rica Biometric Photos
Creating Costa Rica-compliant photos with PhotoID Studio takes just seconds. Get professional results with AI face detection and automatic background removal.