UAE Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Size, Background & Rules
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UAE Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

45 × 55 mm Plain white background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 UAE Passport Photo Specifications

SpecificationRequired Value
Photo Size45 × 55 mm  1.77 × 2.17 inches
Digital Dimensions531 × 650 pixels minimum
Resolution300 DPI
File FormatJPEG
File SizeMax 1 MB
BackgroundPlain white  No colour
Face Coverage70–80% of photo area
GlassesNot allowed
Photo RecencyWithin last 3 months
Photo size45×55 mm (unique — not 35×45)
Face coverage70–80% of photo
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed
HeadwearAllowed for national dress / religious reasons
Issuing AuthorityFederal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)

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✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

  • Photo taken Within last 3 months
  • Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Plain white background — no patterns or shadows
  • Face centred and occupying 70–80% of photo area of the photo
  • Head upright, looking directly at the camera
  • Even lighting — no shadows on face
  • High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
  • Not allowed
  • No headwear (except religious with documentation)
  • No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
  • No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

  • Wrong size (must be 45×55 mm, not 35×45)
  • Non-white background
  • Glasses
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Photo older than 3 months
  • Smiling or open mouth

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

  • Stand against a plain white wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
  • Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
  • Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
  • Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo
  • Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the white background
  • Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
  • Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
  • Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 45 × 55 mm size automatically.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

45×55 mm (531×650 pixels at 300 DPI). Note: this is different from the standard 35×45 mm used by most other countries.
Yes. Head coverings worn for religious or cultural reasons are permitted as long as the face is fully visible.
Within the last 3 months — stricter than most other countries.