Quick Reference: Naturalisation Photo Specs by Country
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Photos Needed | Same as Passport? |
|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | White | 2 | Yes |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey / cream | 2 (1 countersigned) | Yes |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | 1–2 | Yes (biometric) |
| 🇫🇷 France | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey / light blue | 2–3 | Yes |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | 1–2 | Yes |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 50 × 70 mm | White | 2 | Yes |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 35 × 45 mm | White | 2 | Yes |
| 🇮🇳 India | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | White | 2–4 | Yes |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | 2 | Yes |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | 1 | Yes |
Key takeaway: In almost every country, naturalisation photos follow the exact same specifications as passport photos. The main differences are the number of copies required and whether a referee must countersign one of them.
🇺🇸 United States — N-400 Naturalisation Photo
When applying for US citizenship through Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), you must submit 2 identical passport-style photographs. The specs are the same as a US passport photo.
US Naturalisation Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 1 – 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Recency | Within 30 days of filing |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos |
Important Notes for N-400
- Write your A-Number (Alien Registration Number) lightly in pencil on the back of each photo
- Do not staple or paperclip photos to the application
- Photos must be printed on thin photo-quality paper
- If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, your face must still be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Naturalisation (Form AN) Photo
UK naturalisation applications (Form AN for adults, Form MN1 for minors) require 2 identical passport-style photographs. One photo must be countersigned by a referee who can confirm your identity.
UK Naturalisation Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 29–34 mm |
| Background | Plain light grey or cream |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Recency | Within the last month |
| Quantity | 2 (one countersigned on the back) |
Countersigning Requirements
- One photo must be signed on the back by your referee
- The referee writes: "I certify that this is a true likeness of [your full name]"
- The referee must be a professional person (doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.) who has known you for at least 3 years
- The referee must be a British citizen or hold a professional position in the UK
🇩🇪 Germany — Einbürgerung (Naturalisation) Photo
German naturalisation (Einbürgerung) requires biometric photos identical to those used for the German passport (Reisepass) or ID card (Personalausweis). The application is handled by your local Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority).
German Naturalisation Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Light grey (uniform, no patterns) |
| Biometric | Yes — strict ICAO compliance |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed (since 2017) |
| Quantity | 1–2 (varies by Bundesland) |
Note: Germany has some of the strictest biometric photo requirements in Europe. Photos from automated booths are often rejected. Consider using WithSwag to ensure exact compliance with the Fotomustertafel (official photo template).
🇫🇷 France — Naturalisation Photo
French naturalisation (naturalisation par décret or par déclaration) requires photos that meet the same ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) standards as French passport photos.
France Naturalisation Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Light grey or light blue |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Quantity | 2–3 (check your préfecture) |
Tip: For online naturalisation applications through the ANEF portal, you may need a digital photo in JPEG format. WithSwag exports in the correct format and resolution.
🇳🇱 Netherlands — Naturalisatie Photo
Dutch naturalisation (naturalisatie) requires photos that meet the same specifications as Dutch passport photos. Your application is submitted at your local gemeente (municipality).
Netherlands Naturalisation Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height | 26–30 mm (from chin to eye line) |
| Background | Light grey (uniform) |
| Both ears | Must be visible |
| Glasses | Not allowed (since 2007) |
| Quantity | 1–2 |
🇨🇦 Canada — Citizenship Application Photo
Canadian citizenship applications require 2 identical photos that meet the same specifications as Canadian passport photos. The photos must be taken by a commercial photographer.
Canada Citizenship Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 50 × 70 mm |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Recency | Within the last 12 months |
| Quantity | 2 identical |
Canadian Citizenship Photo Rules
- One photo must have the photographer's name, address, and date taken on the back
- The other photo must have your name and date of birth on the back
- Photos must be taken by a commercial photographer (not self-taken)
- Black and white or colour photos are both accepted
🇦🇺 Australia — Citizenship Application Photo
Australian citizenship applications require 2 identical passport-style photos. One must be signed by an approved witness who can verify your identity.
Australia Citizenship Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Recency | Within the last 6 months |
| Quantity | 2 (one signed by approved witness) |
🇮🇳 India — Citizenship / OCI Photo
India does not have a traditional naturalisation pathway for most applicants, but Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card applications require passport-style photos. Indian citizenship by registration or naturalisation (under the Citizenship Act, 1955) also requires photos.
India OCI / Citizenship Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches) |
| Face coverage | 50–69% of frame |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not recommended |
| Quantity | 2–4 (varies by application type) |
🇨🇭 Switzerland — Einbürgerung Photo
Swiss naturalisation (ordentliche Einbürgerung or erleichterte Einbürgerung) requires biometric photos identical to Swiss passport photo specifications.
Switzerland Naturalisation Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height | 30–36 mm |
| Background | Light grey (uniform) |
| Biometric | Yes — ICAO compliant |
| Glasses | Discouraged |
| Quantity | 2 |
🇳🇴 Norway — Statsborgerskap Photo
Norwegian citizenship (statsborgerskap) applications require a biometric photo identical to Norwegian passport photo specifications. Applications are submitted through UDI (Utlendingsdirektoratet).
Norway Citizenship Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Light grey |
| Biometric | Yes — ICAO compliant |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Quantity | 1 |
Naturalisation Photo vs. Passport Photo — Key Differences
| Aspect | Passport Photo | Naturalisation Photo |
|---|
| Photo specs | Country standard | Same as passport (in most countries) |
| Number of copies | Usually 1–2 | Often 2–4 |
| Countersigning | Sometimes required | Often required (UK, Australia, Canada) |
| Writing on back | Varies | Often required (name, A-number, date) |
| Recency | 1–6 months | Usually within 30 days – 6 months |
Common Rejection Reasons for Naturalisation Photos
- Photo too old — Must be recent (check your country's specific timeframe)
- Wrong background colour — Must match country requirements exactly
- Missing countersignature — Required in UK, Australia, and Canada
- Wrong size — Must be exact dimensions for your country
- Glasses worn — Most countries now prohibit glasses
- Shadows or uneven lighting — Must be evenly lit
- Expression not neutral — No smiling, mouth must be closed
- Wrong number of copies — Submit the exact number required
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost |
|---|
| Photo booth | €5–€12 / $5–$15 |
| Professional photographer | €10–€25 / $10–$25 |
| WithSwag (at home) | €3.00 |
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