May 29, 2026 · Croatia
Croatian Passport Photo Requirements 2025/2026
Croatia issues its biometric putovnica and osobna iskaznica in accordance with ICAO biometric standards and EU regulations. This guide covers the official photo specifications, the Croatian ID card as a Schengen travel document, where to apply through the MUP (Ministry of Interior), and practical information for Croatian citizens abroad since Croatia's Schengen accession in January 2023.
Croatia Joined Schengen in January 2023
Croatia became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2023. German citizens and other Schengen nationals can travel to Croatia without passport controls at the border. Croatia also adopted the Euro on the same date, replacing the Croatian kuna.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. Croatian biometric putovnica with ICAO chip since 2009.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Croatian passport (putovnica) and national identity card (osobna iskaznica) applications and renewals, both in Croatia and at Croatian diplomatic missions abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO biometric standard).
- Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Croatia follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric document photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Croatian Biometric Passport (Biometrijska Putovnica) Since 2009
Croatia introduced its biometric passport in 2009. The document contains a contactless chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU Council Regulation 2252/2004. The chip enables verification at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers, including those within the Schengen Area.
Adult Croatian passports are typically valid for 10 years. Passports for minors are issued with shorter validity periods. Confirm the current terms with the MUP or your nearest Croatian diplomatic mission.
Osobna Iskaznica: Croatian ID Card for EU and Schengen Travel
Croatian citizens can use the osobna iskaznica (national identity card) for travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area without a separate passport. Since Croatia joined Schengen in January 2023, the card is accepted at all internal Schengen land, sea, and air border crossings without systematic passport checks.
The photo requirements for the osobna iskaznica are identical to the passport: 35×45mm ICAO, white background, no glasses, neutral expression, both eyes fully open. Both documents are issued through MUP police administration offices.
Where to Apply: MUP (Ministarstvo Unutarnjih Poslova)
Croatian passport and ID card applications are submitted at local police stations (policijska postaja) and police administration offices (policijska uprava) under the Ministry of Interior (MUP — Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova) throughout Croatia.
The biometric photo and fingerprints are typically captured on-site at the MUP office using a controlled camera. Some applications may also require a printed photo. Confirm the requirements with your local police station or the Croatian embassy before your appointment.
Croatian Embassy in Berlin
Croatian citizens in Germany can contact the Croatian Embassy in Berlin for passport and consular services. The embassy serves Croatian citizens in Germany and handles document applications in line with the same MUP photo specifications. Germany also hosts Croatian consulates in Frankfurt and Munich. Current contact details and appointment information are available at de.mvep.gov.hr.
Croatian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatian Passport (putovnica) | 35×45mm | White | No | 10 years (adult), 5 years (minor) |
| Croatian ID Card (osobna iskaznica) | 35×45mm | White | No | Varies by age |
Always verify current validity periods and requirements with the Croatian Ministry of Interior (mup.gov.hr) or your nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Croatian Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not permitted under the ICAO standard.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Avoid off-white, cream, grey, or any coloured backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall and use even frontal lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed, neutral expression with both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
Digital filters or retouching applied
Submit the photo without any filters, skin smoothing, or digital alterations to your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Croatian passport photo?
Croatian passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall, following the ICAO biometric standard. The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Croatian passport photo?
No. Croatia follows the ICAO biometric standard, which prohibits glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription frames, before the photo is taken.
Can I use my Croatian ID card (osobna iskaznica) to travel within the EU?
Yes. Croatian citizens can use the osobna iskaznica for travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area. Croatia joined Schengen in January 2023, so Croatian citizens and visitors from Schengen states no longer face systematic border controls at internal Schengen borders.
Where do I apply for a Croatian passport?
Croatian passport and ID card applications are submitted at local police stations and police administration offices under the Ministry of Interior (MUP). Croatian citizens abroad can apply at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate.
Do Germans need a passport to travel to Croatia?
No. Croatia joined the Schengen Area in January 2023. German citizens can travel to Croatia using only their national identity card (Personalausweis) without passport controls at the border.
When did Croatia introduce the biometric passport?
Croatia introduced the biometric putovnica in 2009. The document contains a contactless chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU biometric passport regulations.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — the Croatian Ministry of Interior (mup.gov.hr) or your nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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