Face Placement: The face must occupy approximately 70–80% of the photograph.
Top Margin: There must be a minimum of 2 mm between the top of the head and the upper edge of the photo.
Face Height: The distance from the chin to the eyes must be at least 13 mm.
2. Quality and Appearance
Paper: The photo must be printed on high-quality, smooth-surfaced photo paper.
Focus & Contrast: It must be sharp, clear, and in high resolution with natural skin tones.
Neutral Expression: The mouth must be closed with a neutral facial expression. Eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Direction: The person must look directly at the camera (full-face view). Both sides of the face must be visible.
3. Lighting and Background
Background: Must be plain, uniform, and light in color (ideally white, light blue, or light grey).
Shadows: There should be no shadows on the face or on the background.
Lighting: Even lighting across the face is required; no "red-eye" or reflections.
4. Clothing and Accessories
Eyeglasses: Eyes must be fully visible. There should be no reflections on the lenses and no tinted glass. Thick frames that obscure the eyes are not permitted.
Head Coverings: Generally not allowed except for religious or medical reasons. If worn, the face must be fully visible from the chin to the top of the forehead.
Uniforms: Photographs in uniform are not permitted.
5. Additional Technical Standards
Recentness: The photograph must represent the current appearance of the applicant.
No Modifications: Digital retouching or alterations of the applicant's physical appearance are strictly prohibited.
Integrity: The photo must not be creased, stained, or marked by ink or staples.