Everything you need to know about France passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home. Important: white background is strictly NOT allowed for French passports.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Document Type | Passport (Passeport) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 32–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of photo height) |
| Background Color | Light blue or light grey (white is strictly NOT allowed) |
| Printable | Yes — on matte photo-quality paper |
| Digital Photo Size | 826 × 1062 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Color | Color strongly recommended |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity Required | 1 photo |
The French government (ANTS — Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) follows the ISO/IEC 19794-5:2005 biometric standard for passport photos. France has a unique requirement: white backgrounds are strictly prohibited.
Glasses are permitted but only with thin frames. If you wear glasses:
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera works. Clean the lens and use the highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo. Avoid selfies as they tend to have the wrong angle.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources.
Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and colors that blend with the light blue or light grey background. If you wear glasses, make sure they have thin frames with no tinted lenses.
Stand about 1.5 meters from the camera. Face directly forward, head level, shoulders relaxed. Make sure both head and shoulders are visible in the frame. Your head must be bare — no hats or head coverings.
Keep your expression neutral with mouth closed and both eyes open. Look straight at the camera. No smiling or exaggerated expressions. Ensure your ears are visible and hair does not obscure your face.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A France passport photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Your head must occupy 70–80% of the photo height, approximately 32–36 mm from chin to crown.
No. White background is strictly prohibited for French passport photos. You must use a plain light blue or light grey background. This is a French government requirement under the decree of April 10, 2007.
Yes, glasses are permitted but only with thin frames. No thick frames, no tinted or coloured lenses, and no reflections on the lenses. Your eyes must be fully visible through the lenses.
Yes! Upload it to Passport Size Photo and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background with compliant light blue or light grey, adjust the head size, and ensure it meets all ANTS requirements.
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
No. France prohibits all head coverings for passport photos, including religious headwear. This policy is enforced by ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) per service-public.gouv.fr. Your head must be bare.
You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open. No smiling or exaggerated expressions. Look straight at the camera.
If your photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using Passport Size Photo ensures your photo meets all ANTS requirements before submission.
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