Emirates ID Photo Size: 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) for the Residence Visa
Official rules: 35 × 45 mm, background: plain white. Source: icp.gov.ae, checked 6 Oct 2026.
UAE Emirates ID photo size at a glance
The UAE Emirates ID photo is 35 × 45 mm, on a plain white background.
| Printed size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| In other units (a conversion) | 35 × 45 mm · 3.5 × 4.5 cm · 1.38 × 1.77 in · 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI · 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI · ratio 7:9 |
| Pixels (official rule) | Not stated in pixels; ICP's services guide asks for a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo for the ID card |
| File size | Not stated in the official rules |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head size | 70% to 80% of the photo height, chin to top of head |
| Source | icp.gov.ae |
| Checked | 6 Oct 2026 |
What the official pages say about the UAE Emirates ID photo
The Emirates ID is compulsory for UAE nationals, GCC nationals and residents, and for a resident it is linked to the residence permit. ICP's services guide says both are requested on one unified form, except for domestic workers, whom the guide sends through Tadbeer offices. You can apply on the ICP website or app, at an accredited typing centre or at a Customer Happiness Centre, and in Dubai GDRFA lists Amer centres for the residence permit. ICP and GDRFA both ask for a recent photo on a white background, which ICP's guide sizes at 4.5 by 3.5 cm.
ICP's FAQ says the photo must meet ICAO standards and must differ from the one printed on your current card. Hats and sunglasses are refused, and medical glasses are accepted only if the eyes stay visible. From age 15 you also give fingerprints and a signature in time, or the application is deactivated. Pupils aged 15 or older can give fingerprints at school under the Basmah 15 initiative; otherwise a centre visit needs an appointment. For a resident child under 15, ICP asks for the original birth certificate and a parent's passport or Emirates ID.
Sources, checked 25 Oct 2026: Services guide (ICP, version 4), Frequently asked questions (ICP), Emirates ID (UAE government portal, updated 17 Feb 2026), Issuance of a residence permit for foreigner family members (GDRFA Dubai) and Issuing residence permits for the private sector (GDRFA Dubai).
How to make your UAE Emirates ID photo
- Stand about an arm's length from the camera in front of a plain wall (plain white). Face a window for soft, even light.
- Add the photo on this page. It stays on your device.
- Drag and zoom until your face fills the green oval: top of the head on the top line, chin on the bottom line.
- Download the photo. The pixels, file size and format are checked before you save it.
- Upload it to the official application.
Questions and answers
What size is the UAE Emirates ID photo?
The photo is 35 × 45 mm. The official rules do not fix a pixel size. SafeResize makes a sharp 413 × 531 pixel file that fits every other rule.
What is the UAE Emirates ID photo size in cm, inches and pixels?
35 × 45 mm is 3.5 × 4.5 cm or 1.38 × 1.77 inches, in a 7:9 shape. Printed at 300 DPI it is 413 × 531 pixels, and at 600 DPI 827 × 1063 pixels. These are conversions of the official size, not extra rules.
What file size does the UAE Emirates ID photo need to be?
The official rules do not state a file size. SafeResize shows the size of your file before you download it, so you can compare it with what the application screen asks for.
What background colour does the UAE Emirates ID photo need?
Plain white. Stand in front of a plain wall with no pattern, and face a window so there are no shadows behind you. If your wall is not plain enough, the photo maker on this page can make the background white with an AI that runs on your device. Check the edges around your hair afterwards.
How big should my head be in the UAE Emirates ID photo?
From the chin to the top of the head, your head should fill 70% to 80% of the photo height. The face guide in the tool shows both lines.
Can I wear glasses in my UAE Emirates ID photo?
The official rules say: No hats or sunglasses. Medical glasses only if they do not cover the eyes.
Can I use the same photo for my Emirates ID renewal?
No. ICP's FAQ says the photo for the identity card must be recent, meet ICAO specifications and not be identical to the photo printed on your current card.
What size is the Emirates ID photo?
ICP's services guide asks for a 4.5 by 3.5 cm personal photo with a white background for a new, renewed or replacement ID card. GDRFA Dubai's residence permit pages ask only for a recent colour photo with a white background and give no size.
When should a resident renew the Emirates ID, and what is the fine?
ICP's FAQ says GCC nationals and residents can renew in the last six months of the card's validity or after it expires, with a 30-day grace period. After that, the fine is AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000.
Do children need fingerprints for the Emirates ID?
The UAE government portal says people who have completed 15 years of age must give fingerprints and a signature when they renew. ICP's Basmah 15 initiative takes all 10 fingerprints of school students aged 15 and over at their schools.
What else do the UAE Emirates ID photo rules say?
A recent photo that meets international (ICAO) photo rules and is NOT the same photo as on your current Emirates ID. White background, face and eyes clear, no shadows or reflections, neutral expression, head straight. No hats or sunglasses. Medical glasses only if they do not cover the eyes.
Which file format should I use?
Not stated (JPG is safest). SafeResize saves a JPG (JPEG) file.
Can I take this photo at home?
Yes. A photo taken at home is fine if it follows the rules above. It is easier if someone else takes it for you.
Is my photo uploaded to SafeResize?
No. The photo is processed inside your browser and never leaves your phone or computer.
Source: icp.gov.ae, checked 6 Oct 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
More tools for this photo
- Resize a photo to 3.5 × 4.5 cm (35 × 45 mm) the same size from any photo, without the face guide
- Passport photo 4 × 6 template several copies on one 4 × 6 inch print
- Check my file test your file against these rules before you upload it
Related photo rules
- UAE Visa Visa / entry permit
- Bahrain ID card also in the Middle East
- Israel eVisa-B2 / visitor visa also in the Middle East
- Qatar Hayya e-Visa / entry permit also in the Middle East
- Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa also in the Middle East
Related photo sizes
- Jordan e-Visa no fixed size
- Kuwait e-Visa 30 × 40 mm
- Oman eVisa no fixed size
- South Korea Passport 35 × 45 mm
- Australia Citizenship 35 × 45 mm
- Australia Passport 35–40 × 45–50 mm