UAE Passport Photo Size & Free Maker
Complete guide to UAE passport photo size, UAE visa photo size and Emirates ID photo size requirements. Includes exact dimensions in mm, cm, inches and pixels, ICAO compliance rules, background specifications, common rejection reasons and photo-taking tips.
Quick reference: UAE photo sizes at a glance
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UAE Passport Photo Size and Requirements
The UAE passport photo size is 40mm x 60mm (4cm x 6cm or approximately 1.57 x 2.36 inches). This applies to UAE citizens applying for a new passport or renewal through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The specifications are aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for biometric passport photos.
UAE passport photo specifications
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 40 x 60 mm | Width x Height. Also expressed as 4cm x 6cm. |
| Background colour | Light grey | Plain, uniform. No shadows, patterns or borders. |
| Resolution (DPI) | 300 DPI | Minimum for printed photos. |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | ~472 x 709 px | Approximate. Digital submissions may vary. |
| File size (digital) | Max 240 KB | JPG format preferred. |
| Head height | 38 mm | From chin bottom to top of hair. |
| Top margin (hair to top) | 6 mm | Space between top of hair and top edge of photo. |
| Eye position | Level, open, centred | Eyes must be visible and looking at camera. |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Photo must accurately represent current appearance. |
| Colour | Full colour | No black and white, greyscale or monochrome. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | No smiling, frowning or exaggerated expressions. |
| Glasses | Not permitted | Medical exceptions require documentation. |
| Retouching | Not permitted | No digital editing of facial features or blemishes. |
UAE passport photo requirements — full checklist
UAE Visa Photo Size and Requirements
The UAE visa photo size is 35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm). This applies to all UAE visa applications — tourist visas, residence visas, work visas and transit visas — submitted through the ICA (Identity and Citizenship Authority), GDRFA Dubai or typing centres. A size of 43mm x 55mm (approximately 2 x 2 inches) is also accepted for Dubai visa applications.
For online digital submissions to the ICA portal or GDRFA website, the photo must be exactly 300 x 369 pixels at 600 DPI, in JPG or PNG format, with a file size between 50 KB and 1 MB.
UAE visa photo size in all units
| Unit | Width | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) | 35 mm | 45 mm | Standard printed photo size |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm | Same as Emirates ID photo |
| Inches | 1.38 in | 1.77 in | 43x55mm = approx 2x2 in (also accepted) |
| Pixels (digital, 600 DPI) | 300 px | 369 px | ICA online portal exact requirement |
| Pixels (print, 300 DPI) | ~413 px | ~531 px | Approximate for print preparation |
UAE visa photo specifications
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printed size | 35 x 45 mm | 43 x 55 mm also accepted for Dubai visa |
| Digital size | 300 x 369 px | Exact requirement for ICA online portal |
| Background | Plain white | No shadows, borders or coloured backgrounds |
| Resolution | 600 DPI | Higher than passport photo requirement |
| File format | JPG / PNG | JPEG also accepted |
| File size | 50 KB – 1 MB | For digital online submission |
| Face coverage | 70–80% | Face from chin to crown must fill most of photo |
| Face measurement | 32–36 mm | Distance from chin to crown of head |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Must reflect current appearance |
UAE visa photo requirements checklist
Emirates ID Photo Size and Requirements
The Emirates ID photo size is 35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm), which is the same physical size as the UAE visa photo. Emirates ID photos are submitted at typing centres or ICP Customer Happiness Centres. Unlike UAE visa photos, Emirates ID photos are generally submitted as printed photos only — digital online upload of the photo is typically not available as the biometric photo is captured during the in-person appointment.
Emirates ID photo specifications
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm | Width x Height. Also: 3.5cm x 4.5cm. |
| Background | Plain white | No shadows or coloured tints on background |
| Resolution | 600 DPI | Minimum. Higher is acceptable. |
| Colour | Full colour | No black and white photos |
| Digital editing | Not permitted | ICP explicitly prohibits any software editing |
| Submission | Printed only | Biometric photo captured at ICP centre in person |
| Expression | Neutral | Mouth closed. Subtle smile sometimes accepted. |
| Eyes | Open, forward-facing | No coloured contact lenses |
| Glasses | Simple corrective only | No fashion/tinted/sunglasses |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Must reflect current appearance |
Emirates ID photo requirements checklist
UAE Passport vs Visa vs Emirates ID Photo: Complete Comparison
The three main UAE document photos have different sizes, backgrounds and resolution requirements. This is the single most comprehensive comparison table available — covering every specification in one place.
| Specification | 📘 UAE Passport | 🧾 UAE Visa | 💳 Emirates ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size (mm) | 40 x 60 mm | 35 x 45 mm | 35 x 45 mm |
| Size (cm) | 4 x 6 cm | 3.5 x 4.5 cm | 3.5 x 4.5 cm |
| Size (inches) | 1.57 x 2.36 in | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 1.38 x 1.77 in |
| Digital (pixels) | ~472 x 709 px | 300 x 369 px | N/A (print only) |
| Background | Light grey | White | White |
| Resolution | 300 DPI | 600 DPI | 600 DPI |
| File size limit | Max 240 KB | 50 KB – 1 MB | N/A (print) |
| Head height | 38 mm | 32 – 36 mm | Not specified |
| Face coverage | ~70% | 70 – 80% | Full face |
| Glasses allowed | No | Caution advised | Simple corrective only |
| Digital editing | No | No | Explicitly prohibited |
| Submission format | Digital + print | Digital + print | Print only |
| Applies to | UAE citizens only | All nationalities | Citizens + residents |
| Authority | ICP / dnrd.ae | ICA / GDRFA | ICP / icp.gov.ae |
| ICAO compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UAE Passport Photo Size in Pixels
To convert UAE document photo sizes from millimetres to pixels, divide the millimetre measurement by 25.4 (mm per inch) and multiply by the required DPI. Below are the exact pixel dimensions for each UAE document type at their required resolutions.
The formula is: Pixels = (mm / 25.4) x DPI. For example, the UAE passport width of 40mm at 300 DPI: (40 / 25.4) x 300 = 472.44 pixels, rounded to 472. For the Emirates ID at 600 DPI: (35 / 25.4) x 600 = 826.77 pixels, rounded to 827.
Why UAE Passport Photos Get Rejected — Top 12 Reasons
The ICP uses automated biometric systems to review submitted photos. These systems are precise and will reject any image that does not exactly meet specifications. Understanding the most common rejection reasons helps you avoid delays in your application.
How to Take a Compliant UAE Passport Photo at Home
While a professional photography studio is the safest option for UAE document photos — as they use calibrated equipment and know the exact requirements — it is possible to take a compliant photo at home with a smartphone if you follow these guidelines carefully.
Lighting setup
Use natural daylight from a large window. Stand facing the window so the light falls evenly across your face — this minimises shadows. Avoid direct sunlight (which creates harsh shadows) and avoid artificial lighting alone (which can create uneven skin tones and yellow casts). Never photograph yourself with a window or bright light source behind you, as this creates a silhouette effect. Switch off your camera flash — it creates hotspots on the face and white background.
Background setup
For UAE visa and Emirates ID photos, hang a plain white sheet or use a white wall. For UAE passport photos, use a plain light grey surface or sheet. The background must be completely uniform with no texture, patterns or creases visible. Stand at least 50cm away from the background to prevent shadows from falling behind you.
Camera position and framing
Position the camera at eye level — not above or below your face. A camera held above the face produces a distorted, unflattering angle that may also fail biometric checks. Ask someone to photograph you from 1–1.5 metres away, or use a tripod with a timer. Ensure the camera is at the same height as your eyes. Your head should fill 70–80% of the frame with a small amount of space above your hair.
What to wear
Wear dark-coloured, plain clothing. Avoid white tops (which blend with the white background), uniforms, costumes, branded clothing or anything with large patterns. Remove all hats, caps and hair accessories. Remove all glasses. If you wear religious headwear, ensure your full face — forehead, eyes, nose, mouth and chin — is clearly visible.
Children and infant UAE passport photos
Children follow the same size, background and expression requirements as adults. For infants who cannot hold their head up, lay them on their back on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. No other person should appear in the photo — remove hands, toys and other objects from the frame. For children under 3 years old, a slightly open mouth is acceptable but all other requirements remain the same.
Where to Get UAE Passport and Visa Photos in Dubai and the UAE
Professional photography studios and typing centres across Dubai and the UAE offer passport photo services tailored to UAE document requirements. They use calibrated cameras, controlled lighting and correct background colours to produce compliant photos guaranteed to pass ICP checks. Typical cost is AED 20–50 for a set of 4–6 printed photos.
Typing centres (Amer, Tasheel, GDRFA)
Authorised typing centres in the UAE (operating under Amer, Tasheel and GDRFA licences) typically offer photo services alongside document processing. Using a typing centre is convenient because the agent can verify your photo before submission, reducing the risk of rejection. Many typing centres also offer digital photo formatting for online portal submissions at the exact 300 x 369 pixel specification required by ICA.
ICP Customer Happiness Centres
For Emirates ID applications, the biometric photograph is captured directly at ICP Customer Happiness Centres during your appointment. You do not need to bring a photo for the biometric capture. However, for certain application types processed through typing centres, a printed 35 x 45 mm photo may be required as part of your physical application file.
Emirates Post and pharmacies
Emirates Post branches and some pharmacies offer passport photo printing services. These can produce printed photos at the correct dimensions. Always confirm with the operator that they know the specific UAE document type requirements, as background colour (grey vs white) differs between documents.