Photographs for residence procedures
Which photographs are needed for a residence permit: format, number of copies, ICAO-standard characteristics, photos for minors and what to avoid.
Quick answer
Residence procedures generally require recent passport-style photographs, identical to each other and compliant with the ICAO standard: front-facing, plain light background, no headwear covering facial features and no dark glasses. The number of copies and exact instructions come from the office.
Photographs are used to produce the electronic permit: a non-compliant photo can lead to rejection or to repeating the application.
The same rules apply to minors: photographs must be recent and clearly show the face.
Who this guide is for
Anyone applying for a permit, renewal or duplicate who must provide photographs.
What you need
- Recent passport-style photographs
- Characteristics matching the required standard (ICAO)
- The number of copies indicated by the office or procedure
What happens next
- Prepare more copies than required.
- Keep the digital files if you have them.
- Bring the photographs to your Questura appointment.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Using old or filtered photographs.
Better approach: Use recent, unedited photographs.
Mistake: Bringing only one photograph.
Better approach: Prepare the number of copies indicated by the procedure.
Characteristics usually required
- Front-facing, neutral expression, eyes visible
- Plain light background without shadows
- No headwear, except for documented religious or medical reasons
- Good print quality, without glare or pixelation
Related guides
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Official sources
This page is based on the official sources listed below. Open them to check the most recent information directly with the competent authority.
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Questure — Immigration Office: procedures and documents (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato — Questure · in italiano
Documento ufficiale di sintesi sulle procedure dell’Ufficio Immigrazione: documenti per tipologia di permesso, contributi e conversioni.
Link last verified:
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Questure — Documents to include in the postal kit (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato — Questure · in italiano
Documento ufficiale con l’elenco dei documenti da inserire nel kit postale per le principali tipologie di permesso di soggiorno.
Link last verified:
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Polizia di Stato — Immigration Office (police headquarters online) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato · in italiano
Pagina delle Questure con le informazioni sui titoli di soggiorno, i moduli e la verifica dello stato delle pratiche.
Link last verified:
Important notice
The information published on ItalyDocsHub is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may change. For current information and advice regarding your specific situation, always consult the relevant official authority or a qualified professional.
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- ItalyDocsHub Editorial Team