How should a Czech Republic visa photo look?
The Czech Republic uses a 35×45 mm frame with head height (excluding hair) 32-36 mm chin to crown and an eye-to-chin distance of at least 13 mm. The backdrop rule is unique: "white to light blue or light grey colour. A smooth transition between these colours is also allowed." For Občanský průkaz (national ID) the photo is captured at the official counter; passports still accept brought-in prints.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by Ministerstvo vnitra ČR (Interior). The recency rule is not a fixed month value: the photo must show the applicant's "current appearance". Sunglasses are rejected unless the applicant is blind with proof.
Workflow after the shoot
For passports or fallback work, open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the Česko preset; the app aligns the face, places the backdrop within the allowed range (white through light blue/grey, transitions allowed) and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a 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"; sunglasses are not accepted.
Where Czech counters reject
• Backdrop outside the white ↔ light blue/grey range (vivid, dark). • Head (excluding hair) outside 32-36 mm; eye-to-chin under 13 mm. • A frame that no longer matches current appearance. • Sunglasses with no documented blindness. • A smile, visible teeth, an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes. • A print outside the 35×45 mm spec.
Občanský průkaz counter plus passport prints
Even though Občanský průkaz biometrics are captured at the counter, passport prints and fallback work keep demand alive year round. The PhotoID Studio Česko preset locks the 35×45 mm frame and the in-range backdrop, and switching to a Schengen visa from the same shot is one click.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Czech Republic really allow a smooth backdrop transition?
Yes. The spec allows a smooth transition between white and either light blue or light grey; vivid colours and dark backdrops are rejected.
Do I bring a studio print for Občanský průkaz?
No. The photo is captured at the official counter for the national ID; passports still accept studio prints.
What is the recency rule?
The Czech spec does not lock a month count; the photo must reflect the applicant's current appearance. Clearly outdated frames are rejected.
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