How to take a CUKR photo for the residence card and temporary-residence application
A CUKR photo is a digital biometric photo of 684×883 px that you attach to the application for a CUKR residence card and for a temporary-residence permit on the MOS portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl). The same requirements apply to the photo for a CUKR application and the photo for a temporary-residence permit. Below we show, step by step, how to take that photo yourself with a phone at home — no photo-studio visit needed.
- ›Stand by a plain, light wall, facing daylight from a window.
- ›Take the photo with the front camera at arm’s length.
- ›Head straight, neutral expression, mouth closed — better to remove glasses.
- ›The face fills 70–80% of the frame, in portrait orientation.
Our tool handles the background for you
A white, uniform background just makes things easier — it is not a requirement. If you have nowhere to shoot on white, the Dopomo tool cuts out the background and turns it white for you.
- Cuts out the background and sets a uniform white — a plain background helps but is not required.
- Frames and crops the photo to 684×883 px.
- Detects errors (shadow, tilt, glare) and rejects a photo that would fail MOS — telling you what to fix.
- Returns a finished biometric photo in a format accepted by offices and the MOS portal.
01Find the right light
Lighting decides whether MOS accepts the photo — it is factor number one.
- Daylight from a window — face the window, not backlit.
- No overhead ceiling lamp — it casts shadows under the eyes and chin.
- No flash — harsh reflections and red eyes.
- No yellow bulbs — the warm tint is often rejected.
02Mind the background — plain is best
A white background is recommended but need not be perfect — a plain, light background is plenty. The tool takes care of the rest.
- A smooth, uniform background is best — a white or light-grey wall.
- Stand 30–50 cm from the wall so your shadow does not fall on it.
- No white wall? No problem — any plain background will do, the tool handles the rest.
- Avoid patterns, furniture and clutter behind you.
03Hold the phone correctly
Hold the phone vertically, at eye level.
- Vertical — a document photo must be in portrait orientation.
- At eye level — not from below, not from above.
- Distance 50–70 cm — at arm’s length.
- In frame: head, neck and a bit of the shoulders.
04Position and expression
Head straight, shoulders level, eyes on the lens, mouth closed — nothing covering the face.
05What to wear
Dress simply and so you contrast with the background.
- Plain single-colour clothing (T-shirt, sweater).
- Avoid a white top on a white background — the face blends in.
- No head coverings (exception: religious reasons).
- No large earrings or accessories near the face.
06Can I wear glasses?
Technically yes — if there are no lens reflections and the frames do not cover the eyes. It is simplest to remove glasses, though: then the photo will not be rejected for glare. Tinted lenses are allowed only if you have a sight impairment — you must then attach a scan of a disability ruling (orzeczenie o niepełnosprawności) or, if you do not have one, your own declaration of disability (oświadczenie o niepełnosprawności).
07Common mistakes that make MOS reject a CUKR photo
The most common reasons for rejection — and how to fix them.
What a correct photo for a CUKR or temporary-residence application looks like
The lines show ICAO proportions: crown of the head, eye line, chin.
- The face fills 70–80% of the frame height.
- The whole head is in frame, with a small gap above the crown.
- A white background with no patterns or shadows.
- Eyes open, pupils visible.
- Even light on the face, no harsh shadows.
Frequently asked questions
Which file does the MOS portal accept?
Only a colour JPG of at least 684×883 px and up to 2.5 MB, in 35×45 mm proportions, taken no more than 6 months ago. PDF, PNG and HEIC files are not accepted.
How many photos must I attach?
For the application for a CUKR residence card and for a temporary-residence permit you attach one digital biometric photo of 684×883 px on the MOS portal. The photo requirements are identical in both procedures.
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
Prescription glasses are allowed if the lenses are clear, the frames do not cover the eyes or eyebrows and there is no glare. It is simplest to remove them, though. Only someone with a sight impairment may wear tinted lenses — you must then attach a scan of a disability ruling (orzeczenie o niepełnosprawności) or, if you do not have one, your own declaration of disability (oświadczenie o niepełnosprawności).
Is a head covering allowed?
Head coverings are not allowed — except those worn for religious reasons. In that case the face must stay fully visible, and you must attach your own declaration of membership of the religious community (oświadczenie o przynależności do wspólnoty wyznaniowej).
Does the photo have to be in colour?
Yes. The photo must be colour and sharp, and reproduce the natural skin tone and eye colour so that it allows clear identification.