Italy Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) photo requirements
Permesso di soggiorno applications ask for recent 35 x 45 mm passport-style photos (fototessera) on a white background to ICAO standards, with the face oval 29–36 mm high and 17.5–25 mm wide (Polizia di Stato). The Questura di Sassari's checklist asks for 2 or 3 identical photos depending on the permit; other offices may differ.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 65–80% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain white |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Not offered; we crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-11-06 |
Official source: questure.poliziadistato.it
How to take your Italy Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain white wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a Italy Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) photo in pixels?
- 413 x 531 px, JPEG, on a plain white background. The printed size is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in). The head should take up 65–80% of the photo height.
- How many photos do I need for a permesso di soggiorno?
- It depends on the permit and the office. The Questura di Sassari's checklist asks for 3 for permits such as those for minors and stateless people, and 2 for others such as international protection. It also asks for 2 more for each child under 14 added to a parent's permit. Check your own Questura's list.
- Do the photos have to be identical?
- Yes. The checklist asks for fototessera "di posa uguale", meaning the same pose, so make all your copies from one shot. A 4x6 print sheet gives you identical copies.
- What background should I use?
- White ("sfondo bianco"), in ICAO format. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- How big should the face be?
- The Polizia di Stato gives a face oval 29–36 mm high and 17.5–25 mm wide on the 35 x 45 mm photo.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://questure.poliziadistato.it/statics/15/documenti-per-permesso-di-soggiorno.pdf?lang=it. Last verified: 2026-11-06.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.