Country guide — High-volume corridor · Last verified: February 2025
UAE Emirates ID & Passport Photo Requirements
Get your UAE Emirates ID or visa photo right the first time. Official requirements in plain English, plus automatic compliance checks.
Exact specs for Emirates ID, UAE passport, UAE visa, and residency documents — formatted to UAE authority specifications. High-volume corridor.
Each requirement below is automatically checked when you create your photo with PixID.
Written by the pixid.studio compliance team, verified against UAE Federal Authority for Identity (ICA) as of February 2025.
Emirates ID and UAE document photos
Key measurements
Document-specific (Emirates ID, passport, visa). Typically 4×6 cm or as specified. 300 DPI. White or light grey background. Neutral expression.
The UAE uses strict photo specifications for Emirates ID, passport, visa, and residency applications. Authorities check dimensions, background, head size, and expression. This is a high-volume corridor — many applicants need compliant photos for residency and visa. Getting the specs right the first time avoids delays and rejections.
Photo size and dimensions
UAE document photos typically require:
- Size: Usually 4×6 cm or as specified for the document type (Emirates ID, passport, visa may have slight variations)
- Resolution: Sufficient for print and digital submission (e.g. 300 DPI minimum)
- Format: JPEG. No graphics or borders.
Always confirm the exact size for your document (Emirates ID, UAE passport, UAE visa, residence permit) on the official portal or from your typing center / application center.
Head height and position
Head must be centered and fill the required proportion of the frame. Face the camera directly, eyes open and visible. Both ears visible where possible. Neutral expression, mouth closed.
Glasses and background
Glasses: Generally allowed for UAE documents (Emirates ID, passport) if there is no glare and eyes are clearly visible. If in doubt, remove glasses.
Background: Plain, uniform — usually white or light grey as specified by the authority. No patterns, shadows, or other people.
Expression and appearance
- Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Eyes: Both eyes open and looking at the camera.
- Headwear: Religious head coverings are allowed; face from chin to forehead must be fully visible.
Documents that use UAE photos
Emirates ID, UAE passport, UAE visa, residence permit, work permit, and other official applications. High-volume corridor — UAE authority specifications are strict; use a compliant photo to avoid rejection.
Common mistakes that cause rejection
Avoid these — PixID checks for them automatically when you create your photo.
- Wrong dimensions or resolution
- Glare on glasses
- Smiling or non-neutral expression
- Colored or patterned background
- Shadows on face or background
Official sources: UAE government portals (e.g. ICA, typing centers, visa application sites). Confirm latest requirements for your document type.
All photos processed according to UAE authority specifications
Get your compliant UAE photo in 5 minutes
Choose UAE and your document type (Emirates ID, passport, visa), then upload your photo. We'll handle size, head height, and background to UAE authority specifications.
Compliance engine aligned with ICAO Doc 9303 and ISO/IEC 19794-5 — not a beauty filter.
Create your compliant UAE photo ($4.99) →