Estonian Passport Photo [Easy Online Service]

How does it work?

Get the perfect biometric photo in 3 minutes or less.

Check out just how simple it is!

Snap or upload a photo

That's the only thing you need to do. Snap or upload a photo - we'll take care of the rest.

AI prepares the photo

Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.

Expert verification

Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.

Digital or print photos

You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-4 days. Delivery is free!

Why?

Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home

You save time and money

Convenience

Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.

Professional service

Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 11 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.

Money-back guarantee

We guarantee the authorities will accept your photo(s) or we will refund double your purchase cost!

Satisfaction guarantee

Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.

How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow these simple instruction to take the perfect ID photo.

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Estonian Passport Photo - Size & Requirements

Estonian Passport Photo [Easy Online Service]

Size

Width: 40 mm

Height: 50 mm

Resolution

600 dpi

Is it suitable for online submission?

Yes

Image definition parameters

Head height: 75 %

Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 6 %

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More about Estonian Passport Photo - Requirements

Estonian passport photo guidelines

The passport is one of the most important documents used worldwide as an identity and travel document. If you have to apply for an Estonian passport for yourself or maybe for your children, read this guideline and find out more.

Today, you will find out how to take a photo for your Estonian passport, what the passport photo size is supposed to be, as well as about all the general requirements regarding passport photos, passport application, and passport fees.

Estonian passport photo specification

As an Estonian citizen, you have to meet some requirements if you want to get an Estonian passport.

The same applies to the photographs - you have to know the dimensions, rules and specifications for the Estonian passport photos to take the right picture. Even when you decide to take a photo at a photography studio, you should know how to prepare for it.

Furthermore, read this guide and you might change your mind and try to take photos by yourself with our photo tool!

Estonian passport photo size

The dimensions of an Estonian passport photo are 40 mm x 50 mm and a minimum of 1300 x 1600 pixels (1MB min and 5MB max) in JPEG format where the person’s face covers 70-80% of the height of the photo.

Other specifications regarding an Estonian passport photo:

it must be in colour
it’s a frontal portrait view
it’s taken against a light, advisably grey background
no older than six months
it’s sharp and in focus
the photographed person has to have a neutral expression
if glasses are worn, they may not reflect light
you’re allowed to wear headwear only for dictated religious reasons (if there is a head covering for religious reasons, a written opinion from the Ministry of the Interior must be submitted)
the headwear may not cast shadows on the person’s face
you cannot wear headphones or any other similar accessories (except for a medical device, which must be supported by a medical note), both ears must be visible

Estonian passport photo rules for children and babies

If you need to apply for your baby’s or child’s Estonian passport, it is good to know the requirements regarding photos for children passports. Mostly, the same rules concern adults and children with the difference that if you take photos for your babies you must pay even more attention.

Here is a simple guide on how to take the right photo for your babies’ and young children’s passport:

The child should have as much of a neutral facial expression as possible and look straight at the camera.
The little model has to be alone in the picture, parents can’t hold them, none of someone else's body parts or any items like arms, chairs, toys, dummies can be visible. They’re not allowed in the picture.
If the child cannot support himself, the picture should be taken from above as they are lying down.

Estonian passport photo tool

If you’re considering taking a photo for your passport at home, you should use a photo maker available on the Passport Photo Online site, which lets you do everything online without leaving your house!

Just follow the above rules to take the right photograph for your Estonian passport. Then, use your phone to take a picture and upload it. Our photo editor service will resize, crop, edit and even verify the photo regarding the official requirements. You have a warranty that the picture for your Estonian passport will have the acceptance of an Estonian institution.

When your photo is ready, you still don’t have to leave your house! Just order a digital version which will be sent to your email address so that you can print it by yourself or we will print it for you and deliver it to your place!

The most common mistakes in Estonian passport photos

By following the above rules you’ll probably know how to help yourself with our service but you might still make some mistakes. This is why you can have a look at the most common ones to not repeat any of them. Taking photos for a document might not be a piece of cake - we know this! This is why it is important to make sure you meet all the requirements and not repeat the disqualifying mistakes while taking photos for your Estonian passport.

Incorrect size

Usually, the government sets forth the rules about specific dimensions of photo size for documents. For Estonia, it is 40 mm x 50 mm so be sure you measure your photo to this size. However, if you still have a problem with the size, you don’t have to worry about it at all! Just use our resize service, which crops and resizes your photo to meet the official requirements. You have a 100% guarantee that it is going to be the correct one and accepted by an Estonian institution!

Smiling

You have to keep a neutral facial expression in an Estonian passport photo. So please do not smile, don’t show your teeth or grimaces, just keep your eyes open.

Taking a selfie

The most popular way of taking photos? Selfies! However, it is not popular and appreciated as a document photo such as a passport. This occasion just does not suit the selfie as it is your identity document for years. It might be your showcase, so try to look the best you can in it.

Poor quality

Whatever you use to take photos for documents, they cannot be damaged, overexposed, underexposed or scratched. This concerns both the photo and the photo paper. Try to pay strong attention to the highest possible quality as documents are your showcase.

Using flash

Many people think that photos have to be taken with a flash but it is not true - the passport picture should be natural and express your natural skin tone. A flash can give you red-eye and make you look a little bit unnatural. However, if you are a professional, flash is used in most photographic studios.

Editing

One of the most frequently asked questions is: Can I use Photoshop to edit my passport photos? The answer is: no, because any ways of interfering in the photo might cause rejection. Retouching and removing wrinkles, tattoos, or scars is forbidden, because it changes your natural features. Use professional services like Passport Photo Online to edit your photo without breaking the official rules set for Estonian passport applications.

Wrong background

You cannot forget that the background has to be light and of a solid color. If you do not have a white wall anywhere in your house, feel free to hang a sheet on the wall. If you still find some imperfections after the session, you can remove them with our background removing photo editor.

Wrong lighting

It is recommended to try to take photos in daylight. Natural light will make your skin look better and natural. Avoid shadows appearing on your face, position the camera in a way that allows you to catch the sun coming from the window, but be sure you do not squint your eyes while doing it. Too much bright sun is not that great of an idea either, so just find a balance.

Last update: 6/2/23

About the document

The Estonian passport is an international travel document issued to citizens of Estonia and also serves as proof of Estonian citizenship.

Every Estonian citizen is a citizen of the European Union as well. The passport, together with the Estonian national identity card, allows for free rights of movement and residence in any of the states of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland.

How to apply for an Estonian passport?

There are three possible ways of applying for an Estonian passport:

Using the self-service portal of the Police and Border Guard Board (passport renewals for adults and passports for minor children)
At the service offices of the Police and Border Guard Board. An employee prepares the application form and takes your fingerprints at the service office.
At diplomatic missions of the Republic of Estonia. It’s required to submit the necessary documentation for a passport application at the diplomatic mission. An employee of the diplomatic mission will take your fingerprints.

Another option is booking an appointment to apply for a passport at a client service office.

Estonian passport application requirements

While applying for an Estonian passport you should meet the requirements and collect the following documents:

an identity document;
one digital colour photograph not older than 6 months;
proof of payment of the state fee/state fee payment details.

You might be asked to submit some additional documents:

Proof of your Estonian citizenship if you have never been issued an Estonian passport.
A document certifying your disability (e.g. a medical expert assessment, a pension certificate) if you have a disability and you qualify for a reduced state fee.
Proof of the change of personal data, e.g. marriage certificate.
A letter of explanation of the need for an additional passport or other relevant proof (e.g. a statement from your employer) if you are applying for an additional passport.
If you have changed your personal data (e.g. your name) in a foreign country and the changes have not been entered in the Estonian population register.

Estonian passport fees

Depending on age and expediting time the prices for the Estonian passport vary:

Ages 15 and up: €40 at the service office, €35 at the self-service portal and €70 at a foreign representation.
Under 15 years of age: €20 at the service office, €20 at the self-service portal and €20 at a foreign representation.
Those who have reached retirement age in Estonia: €20 at the service office, €20 at the self-service portal, €20 at a foreign representation.
People with moderate, serious or severe disabilities: €20 at the service office, €20 at the self-service portal, €20 at a foreign representation.
Passport under expedited procedure: €58 at the service office and €58 at the self-service portal.

Passport without fingerprints and with a term of validity of 1 year: €40 at the service office.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Can I get an Estonian passport?

You can apply for an Estonian passport if you are Estonian citizen and both of your parents are Estonians but also if you have a long-term residence permit or the right of permanent residence or you have lived in Estonia, for at least eight years on the ground of a residence permit or by right of residence, of which at least the last five years on a permanent basis and more.

Can you take a photo for an Estonian passport?

It is important to know the official requirements before starting take photos to document. However, it is allowe to take photos at home to a passport. Make sure that the background is light-coloured or white, the photos are sharp and in focus, the photographed person is in the middle of frame, etc.

What size is an Estonian passport photo?

The dimensions of an Estonian passport photo are 40 mm x 50 mm and a minimum of 1300 x 1600 pixels (1MB min and 5MB max) in JPEG format where the photographed person face covers 70-80% of the height of the photo.

Is Estonian passport powerful?

According to 2019 Henley Passport Index, Estonian citizens is in the 12th position in the list of the most powerful passports in the world with visa-free access to 179 countries.

What is considered a passport quality photo?

The passport quality photo must be in colour, printed on a photo-quality paper and in high resolution. Photographs cannot be older than six months. If two photos are required, these must be identical. The photos need to be in sharp focus and of high quality with no creases or ink marks. The lighting shall be uniform with no shadows and no reflection on the face.

How do I apply for an Estonian passport?

There are three possible ways of applying for an Estonian passport. First, by using the self-service portal of the Police and Border Guard Board. Second, at the service offices of the Police and Border Guard Board. An employee prepares the application form and captures your fingerprints at the service office. Third, at diplomatic missions of the Republic of Estonia.

Will my passport be rejected if I smile?

It is important to have a netural facial expression. Smiling, especially by showing teeths is not allowed and will cause a passport rejection. Smiles, frowning, raised eyebrows or unusual expressions are not permitted.

What are the rules for passport pictures?

The pictures for passport should be in colour, in a frontal portrait view, taken on daylight, advisably grey background, no older than six months, sharp and in focus, be in the correct size, captures only the applicant, no other items or people cannot appear in the photo.

Can you take a passport photo on your phone?

Trying take photo by your phone is possible by following the official rules. Use a phone to take a picture and upload it to photo editor service which will resize, crop, edit and even verify the photo regarding the official requirements.

Do ears have to be visible in the passport photo?

Ears cannot be covered by hairs, headphones or earphones, heavy earrings and any head coverings unless for medical or religious reasons but ears have to be visible on both sides.