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Bulgaria Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Bulgaria passport photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 35×45 mm size, 413×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Bulgaria passport application. A key local rule to remember is: Bulgaria requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Bulgaria passport photo rules
- Bulgaria requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- The ICAO Doc 9303 biometric standard is enforced strictly, including the 32–36 mm face-height rule and neutral facial expression.
- Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Bulgaria passport photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 35×45 mm used by Bulgaria, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Using ordinary printer paper for the print — European scanners require photographic-grade paper and reject standard inkjet output for the background uniformity check.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Passport vs visa photo differences in Bulgaria
The passport photo in Bulgaria is 35×45 mm, while the visa photo is 35×45 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the visa application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Bulgaria visa photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Romania (35×45 mm)Greece (35×45 mm)Turkey (50×60 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria nationals apply through Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service at the nearest passport office. Online prebooking is standard. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a white background required in Bulgaria passport photos?
Yes. Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service requires a white background at the 35×45 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-white tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the official passport photo size for Bulgaria?
The official Bulgaria passport photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Bulgaria passport photo?
Bulgaria passport photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.