France Residence Permit Photo Requirements (Titre de Séjour) 2026
The French residence permit (titre de séjour, carte de séjour) photo uses the same 35×45 mm biometric specification as the French passport. Required at the préfecture appointment for all residence card categories (student, salarié, vie privée et familiale, talent passport, etc.). Some préfectures capture the photo on-site during the biometric appointment.
Key details
- Same 35×45 mm biometric spec as the French passport and CNI.
- Some préfectures capture the photo on-site — bring a printed backup.
- No glasses, neutral expression, light grey background.
Shared rules with the country overview
These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.
Background
Plain light grey is the strict French standard. White is not officially accepted because it makes the head outline blend in.
Expression and eyes
Completely neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile. Both eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
Glasses
Since 2017, French biometric photos no longer permit glasses. You must remove them for the photo.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must look exactly like you today.
Frequently asked questions
What size for the French residence permit photo? +
Does the préfecture take the photo? +
Can I reuse my passport photo for the titre de séjour? +
Does the same spec apply to all titre de séjour categories? +
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