Photo requirements

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS FOR IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS (HUNGARY)

Providing the correct photo is an essential part of your immigration application. Incorrect or non-compliant images may lead to delays, additional requests from the authority, or rejection of the application.

This guide is intended to help you obtain a fully compliant photograph quickly and without uncertainty.

1. Physical Photo Requirement (Important)

For paper-based immigration applications in Hungary, one physical passport-style photograph must be submitted together with the application form.

• The photo must be printed and physically attached to the application form
• You must also bring one additional printed photo with you to your in-person immigration appointment

This is a standard procedural requirement of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.

The authority explicitly requires one facial photograph to be submitted with the application package, even though biometric data will also be captured later during the appointment.

2. Biometric Data Collection (Separate Process)

Please note that the submitted physical photograph is separate from biometric data collection.

At your in-person appointment:

• A digital biometric facial image will be taken
• Fingerprints will be recorded

This applies to all applicants and is independent of any printed photograph submitted in advance.

The biometric photo taken at the authority replaces the need for a studio-quality image in their system, but does not replace the requirement to submit a printed photo with the application.

3. Where to Get a Suitable Photo in Budapest

Below are reliable and commonly used options in Budapest, ranging from professional studios to self-service solutions.

3.1 Professional Photo Studios (Recommended / Lowest Risk)

These are the safest options, as they are fully familiar with official immigration requirements.

Puskás Fotó

• Located in Mammut I shopping centre (Buda side, Széll Kálmán tér area)
• Inside the mall, easily accessible from the main internal corridors
• Experienced in passport, visa and ID photo requirements
• Quick turnaround and compliant sizing (35×45 mm)

Pálvölgyi Fotó

• Located in Westend City Center, level -1
• Accessible from main mall escalators and central walkways
• Long-standing photo studio specialising in official documents
• Familiar with Hungarian immigration standards

3.2 DIY Photo + Instant Printing (Fast & Cost-Effective Option)

This is a widely used alternative and fully acceptable if requirements are followed carefully.

Step 1 – Taking the photo

• Use a plain white or light grey background
• Ensure strong, even lighting (no shadows on face or background)
• Face directly towards the camera
• Maintain a neutral expression

Step 2 – Printing the photo

• Print at Rossmann stores using CEWE photo terminals
• Select ID/passport photo format (typically 10×15 cm sheet with multiple images)
• Printing is usually immediate and low-cost
• Multiple copies can be produced from the same file

3.3 Photo Booths (Convenient / On-the-Go Option)

Automated photo booths are available at major transport hubs and central locations in Budapest.

Fotoautomatik booths can be found at:

• 1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc tér (central metro hub)
• 1087 Budapest, Keleti pályaudvar (Baross tér)
• 1065 Budapest, Nyugati pályaudvar (Nyugati tér)
• 1053 Budapest, Astoria (Kossuth Lajos utca)
• 1085 Budapest, Blaha Lujza tér
• 1011 Budapest, Batthyány tér
• 1012 Budapest, Déli pályaudvar

These are suitable for urgent situations, especially when travelling or short on time.

3.4 Last-Minute Option (Backup Only – Not Recommended)

• Some immigration offices (e.g. 1135 Budapest, Szegedi út 35–37) may have photo booths on-site
• This option should only be used as a last resort
• Machines may occasionally be out of service
• Relying on this option may create avoidable delays on the day of your appointment

4. Photo Requirements (Official Summary)

To ensure compliance, the photograph must meet the following criteria:

• Size: 35 mm × 45 mm (passport format)
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
• Background: Light, uniform (white or light grey)
• Expression: Neutral (no smiling), mouth closed
• Eyes: Open and looking directly at the camera
• Face: Fully visible and centred in frame
• Head position: Straight, not tilted
• Accessories: No glasses permitted; ears must be visible
• Head covering: Only permitted for religious reasons; must not obscure any part of the face
• Quality: Colour photo, high resolution, sharp, no shadows or blur

5. Practical Photo Tips

To avoid issues or rejection of photo:

• Use a plain, light background (white preferred)
• Ensure even lighting across the face
• Keep a neutral expression (no smile or frown)
• Maintain direct eye contact with the camera
• Ensure the face is centred and properly framed
• Avoid any items that cast shadows or cover facial features

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an outdated or previously submitted photo
• Informal or portrait-style images (non-passport format)
• Shadows on face or uneven lighting
• Smiling or non-neutral facial expression
• Low-resolution or blurry images
• Improper cropping or off-centre positioning
• Wearing glasses or non-religious head coverings

7. Technical Checklist

• Face should occupy approximately 70–80% of the image height
• Head and upper shoulders only (strict passport framing)
• No reflections, glare, or overexposure
• No underexposed or overly dark images
• Background must be fully uniform without texture or shadows
• For children:
– Eyes open
– Looking at the camera
– Neutral expression
– No movement blur
• Ensure compliance with any additional specifications issued by the immigration authority

8. Quick Decision Guide

If you are unsure which option to choose:

• Lowest risk / fully compliant → Professional photo studio (Puskás Fotó or Pálvölgyi Fotó)
• Fast and inexpensive → Take photo yourself + print at Rossmann CEWE terminal
• On the move / urgent → Fotoautomatik booth
• Emergency fallback only → Immigration office photo booth