United Arab Emirates photo requirements

United Arab Emirates photo requirements are set by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). We publish 4 documents: 1 passport, 1 ID card, 1 visa and 1 residence permit. The most common print size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in); 4 documents accept a digital upload. Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-08).

Passports

UAE Passport Photo (ICP Smart Services upload, 3.5 x 4.5 cm)For the personal photo a UAE national attaches when applying for a new or renewed Emirati passport through the ICP Smart Services website or ICP UAE app, or that the ICP FAQ lists for a renewal lodged from abroad. Not for the Emirates ID card, a visit visa or a residence permit, which have their own pages, and not for travellers who are not UAE citizens.35 x 45 mmA personal photo sized 3.5×4.5 cm with a white background.verified 2026-10-08

Visas

UAE Visit / Entry Visa Photo (ICP e-visa upload, white background)For the coloured personal photo attached to a UAE entry permit or visit visa application (tourist, family visit, business, study, medical, job exploration) filed through ICP Smart Services, the ICP UAE app or an approved typing or tourism office. Not for the UAE passport or Emirates ID, not for the residence permit (separate page), and not for Dubai-sponsored visas handled through GDRFA, which we have not read.35 x 45 mmA colored personal photo with a white backgroundverified 2026-10-08

ID cards

Emirates ID Card Photo (ICP upload, 3.5 x 4.5 cm ICAO standard)For the personal photo attached to a new Emirates ID card application or an ID card renewal for UAE nationals, GCC nationals and residents, submitted through ICP Smart Services, the ICP UAE app or an approved typing office. Not for the UAE passport, a visit visa or the residence permit itself, which have separate pages.35 x 45 mmthe photo must be recentverified 2026-10-08

Residence permits

UAE Residence Permit Photo (ICP residency upload, ICAO standard)For the personal photo attached to a new UAE residence permit (employment, family sponsorship, student, investor, Golden or Blue Residence) filed by the sponsor or applicant through ICP Smart Services or the ICP UAE app. Not for the Emirates ID card that is issued with the permit (separate page), not for a visit visa, and not for Dubai permits filed through GDRFA.35 x 45 mmthe photo must be recentverified 2026-10-08

Authorities and portals

Passport authority: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Sources we read: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), FAQ (Passport and Identity Card sections) and 'Issue New Passport' / 'Renewal Passport' service cards; Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), 'New Identity Card Issuance' and 'Identity Card Renewal' service cards, with the ICP FAQ; Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), 'Issuance of a Visa' service card and ICP FAQ (Visas section); Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), 'Issuing Residency Permit' and 'New Identity Card Issuance' service cards and ICP FAQ
Upload portals: ICP Smart Services (UAE): known issues Official page

We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.