Resume basics · 4 min read

Should you put a photo or personal details on your resume? A country-by-country guide

Updated October 2026 · By the ClaudeCV Editorial Team

If you apply for jobs in different countries, you will quickly discover that resume customs vary widely. In some places, including a photo and personal details is normal. In others, it can cause your application to be rejected. This guide explains the general norms, the reasons behind them and how to decide what to include.

Why the rules differ

In countries with strong anti-discrimination rules, employers are often advised not to ask for photos, age, gender, marital status or nationality, so that decisions are based on skills. Applicants in these places are encouraged to leave such information off. In other countries, tradition and local expectations mean that CVs include a photo and personal details. Because norms shift over time and vary between companies, treat the following as general guidance, not strict rules.

General guidance by region

United States and Canada: photos are generally not included, and personal details such as age, marital status and nationality are left off. Employers often avoid photos to reduce legal risk.
United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand: photos are usually not expected. Personal details beyond contact information are generally unnecessary.
Western and Northern Europe: practices vary. Many countries do not require a photo, though it is still common in some, particularly in parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Europass format is used by some applicants across the European Union.
Southern and Eastern Europe: photos and some personal details are more common than in English-speaking countries.
Middle East and parts of Asia: photos and personal information such as nationality, date of birth or marital status may appear on CVs, depending on the country and company.
Latin America: practices vary, and photos are common in many places.

Because habits differ even within countries, the safest approach is to check the job post, look at how local professionals present their CVs, and if in doubt, ask the recruiter.

What to include on any resume

Full name
Phone number with country code if applying abroad
Professional email address
City and country, or city and state, rather than a full street address
Links to a professional profile or portfolio if relevant
Work authorization status if the job requires it and it helps your case, such as "Authorized to work in Canada"

What to leave out for most modern applications

Home street address, for privacy and because it is rarely needed
Date of birth and age
Marital status, children and religion
Government ID numbers, bank details or passport numbers
Salary history, unless specifically requested
"References available on request", since it is assumed

Should you add a photo?

If the country and employer clearly expect one, choose a professional, recent, well-lit portrait with a plain background and a friendly expression. If the norm is to omit photos, follow it. Also remember that photos take space and cannot be read by screening software, so a photo never replaces content. When you apply through an online form, check whether it asks for one before deciding.

Privacy and safety

Your resume may be stored in databases, shared between recruiters and copied to other systems. Limit the personal data you disclose to what is required. Use an email address dedicated to job hunting, and consider a phone number that you are comfortable sharing widely. Be careful with sites that ask for sensitive information before you have even applied; never share ID numbers, banking information or a copy of your passport until you have a real, verified offer.

Consider fairness and comfort

You may feel uneasy sharing details that could lead to bias, such as age or nationality. In regions where these details are expected, you have to weigh local norms against your comfort. In regions where they are not, omitting them is standard and no one will think it strange.

How to check local expectations

1. Read the job posting for specific instructions.
2. Look at the company's careers page or recruiting advice.
3. Search for CV samples from your target country and industry.
4. Ask a local professional, a career advisor or the recruiter.

Example: a safe contact header

Here is an illustrative header that works in many countries:

Alex Morgan
Toronto, Canada | +1 555 010 2345 | alex.morgan@email.com | linkedin.com/in/alexmorgan

It shows enough information for a recruiter to contact you and understand your location, without exposing a full street address or personal details. If you are applying abroad, adding a line such as "Open to relocation" or "Authorized to work in the EU" can help.

Quick decision guide

Does the job posting ask for a photo or personal details? If yes, follow the instructions.
Is the country known for expecting them? If unsure, look at local examples.
Is the employer international, or using an online application system? Then keep the resume simple, with no photo.
Are you uncomfortable sharing a detail? Leave it off unless it is required.

Frequently asked questions

Should I list my nationality? Usually not, unless the employer asks or it clarifies work authorization.

What about languages? Yes. Language skills are valuable, and you can describe your level, such as native, fluent or intermediate.

Can I include a link to a personal website? Yes, if it is professional and relevant, such as a portfolio.

What about a middle name or initials? Use the name that appears on your professional profiles, and keep it consistent.

When you are applying to a country you do not know

Do a small amount of research before you send your first application. Read the careers pages of a few local employers, look at how professionals present their profiles on networking sites, and ask people from that country if you know any. If you find conflicting advice, choose the more conservative approach: a clean resume with contact details, experience, education and skills, and no photo or personal data unless clearly requested. You can always provide additional details later if an employer asks for them.

Final thoughts

There is no single rule that fits the whole world. Follow local conventions where you can identify them, keep personal information minimal, and prioritize content over decoration. A resume that shows strong, relevant experience will always matter more than a photo or a list of personal facts.