Emirates ID Photo Size: Dimensions, Background and Quality Rules

When you apply for an Emirates ID in UAE, you need to provide your personal photograph for the ID Card. But there are specific measurements for Emirates ID Photo Size, background, photo quality and other conditions.
Your photograph for Emirates ID Card must meet the requirements set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP UAE). If it does not meet the requirements, the ICP will reject your application for Emirates ID.
Emirates ID Photo Size
The Emirates ID Photo Size Measurements are 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 35 mm x 45 mm. It means that your photograph must have 35 mm width and 45 mm height. You must make your personal photo with 35 mm x 45 mm size dimensions to get it accepted for the Emirates ID application in UAE.
Emirates ID Photo Requirements
The ICP UAE Authority has set specific requirements for a personal photo for the Emirates ID Card. Before applying for an Emirates ID online in UAE, you must learn all the requirements for your photograph needed for the ID Card Application.

Here I provide the Emirates ID Photo Requirements as requested by the ICP, Government of UAE.
- The photo dimensions must be 35 mm x 45 mm i.e. 35 mm width and 45 mm height.
- The photo must have a white background.
- The photo must be high quality.
- The photo must have appropriate brightness and contrast with natural skin tones, not artificial filters or skin tones.
- The photo must have a Resolution (Pixels) of minimum 600 dpi without ink traces or shrinkage or creases.
- The photo must be coloured.
- The photo must be recent, not older than six months.
- The photo must be clicked above the shoulder, covering the entire head.
- The photo must be clicked with sharp focus, clear, not blurred.
- The photo must be clicked with proper lighting, not too dark, not too light.
- The flash reflection on face is not allowed.
- The face shadows behind or on sides are not allowed.
- The red eyes are not allowed.
- The head position in the photo must be straight, not tilted, not leaning forward/backward.
- The head position must be parallel to the photographic lens.
- The head position must be in the center, not too close, not too far.
- The facial expressions must be natural, not exaggerated.
- Open mouth is not allowed, Hiding lips not allowed.
- Smiling or Laughing or Showing Teeth is not allowed.
- The eyes must be open, not closed, not partially open.
- The eyes must be looking towards the camera, not up/down, not sideways.
- Tilted eyes are not allowed, eyes looking away not allowed.
- The hair must not come across the eyes.
- The transparent eye glasses are allowed if the glasses do not reflect flash or any other light.
- The eye glasses must not hide or cover or block the eyes.
- The portrait style pose is not allowed.
- The coloured eye lenses are not allowed.
- The dress code must be similar to the UAE national dress or religious belief.
- Wearing a hat/cap or other accessories on head is not allowed.
- Covering the face with Burkha/Hijab or Other Cloth is not allowed.
- Wearing jewellery in ears is not allowed.
- Other person appearing in the photo is not allowed.
- The photo must be printed on a high quality paper in high resolution.
- The photo clicked with a digital camera must be high quality and printed on a photo-quality paper.
I have shared the list of Emirates ID Photo Requirements that every citizen/resident must follow. The ICP authority will process your application for an Emirates ID Card only if your all documents, including your personal photo, are as per government rules.
Here I am sharing Emirates ID Photo Requirements PDF download link for you. Click on the link to save the Emirates ID Photo Size requirements on your mobile/computer device.
Click to Download Emirates ID Photo Requirements PDF
Emirates ID Photo Size Sample

The Emirates ID Photo Requirements are mandatory for every individual who wish to apply for an ID Card in UAE. To make it easy to understand for you I have shared all requirements for a personal photo for Emirates ID application.
Now I am sharing an Emirates ID Photo Sample that meets all requirements given by the Federal Authority (ICP).
Emirates ID Photo Maker Online Free
I have already explained that the Federal Authority has strict requirements for Emirates ID Photo Size, background and other conditions. So, you need to find a tool to create your Emirates ID photo size online free on your mobile phone.
There are many photo maker websites and software/apps and all of them claim to make a photo according Emirates ID Photo requirements set by ICP Federal Authority, UAE.
These websites/apps charge fees for converting your normal photo/selfie into a personal photograph that fulfills Emirates ID Photo Requirements as per ICP Federal Authority Guidelines.
Here I provide a reliable online photo maker and a step-by-step guideline to convert your photograph as per Emirates ID Photo Size and other requirements.
- Go to PhotoGov Service website @www.photogov.com.
- Find out Step 1/4 section and choose your country as United Arab Emirates.
- Select the type of document as UAE ID Card Online 35×45 mm ica.gov.ae and click on Next Step.
- Upload your high quality photograph and click on Start Processing.
- Check the photo and click on Yes, photo is correct, next button.
- Change the outfit if needed otherwise click No, Skip this step.
- Enter your Email Address and click on Get photo for free.
- Download your Emirates ID Photo in JPG format.
How to change photo in Emirates ID
It is possible that your photo on the Emirates ID Card is approved and you have received your ID Card. But you want to change your photograph in the Emirates ID Card and do not know how to do it.
Well, the Federal Authority (ICP) allows the ID Card holders to change their photo by requesting offline. Yes, you cannot apply for Emirates ID Photo Change online, you have to visit a nearby ICP Customer Happiness Center to apply in-person to change your photo in your Emirates ID Card.
Apply for Emirates ID Photo Change
You can apply for changing photo in your Emirates ID by follow the steps given below.

Click to Find an ICP Customer Happiness Center Near You
Carry your Original Emirates ID, Original Passport and New Photograph to the Service Center.
- Go to your nearest ICP Customer Happiness Center.
- Ask the service employee for Emirates ID Photo Change Service.
- The employee will give you a form.
- Fill up the application form with correct details.
- Submit the form with the New Photo to the service employee.
- Pay the Application Fee (AED 150) and Service Fee (AED 40) to the employee.
- Provide your fingerprints and facial features for biometric verification.
- Exit the service center after completing all formalities.
After you submit the application for Emirates ID Photo Change, the ICP authority will take up to 48 hours to process your application. Then you will receive an email/SMS to inform you that your photograph is updated in the ID Card and your Emirates ID is ready for collection.
After receiving the email/SMS notification, you can go to relevant Emirates Post Office to collect your New Emirates ID Card.
Why was My Emirates ID Photo Rejected?
Your Emirates ID Photo was rejected because it did not meet the requirements set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
To get your photograph accepted for Emirates ID Card, you must upload a photo that perfectly meets all the requirements. In case your photo is rejected, you should modify it and make another photo that is 100% accurate in size, colour, background, head position, eyes and facial expressions.
Once your photo is ready, you can upload/submit it to ICP Federal Authority and it will process your application for an Emirates ID Card.
Conclusion:
The Emirates ID Photo Size must be valid as per the requirements and conditions set by ICP Federal Authority. In this article, I have explained all Emirates ID Photo Requirements to get it approved for the ID Card application.
I have also suggested a website with a guide to make your photo as per Emirates ID Photo Size and other requirements. In case you still have a query, you can ask it in the comment section.
FAQs
What is a standard photo size for a UAE ID Card?
A standard photo size for a UAE ID Card is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm i.e. 35 mm x 45 mm.
How high and wide is my Emirates ID Photo Size?
Your Emirates ID Photo Size is 45 mm high (height) and 35 mm wide (width).
Can I upload a selfie for my Emirates ID Card?
No, you cannot upload a selfie for your Emirates ID Card. You must process your selfie to make it suitable as per Emirates ID Photo Requirements and then upload it.
Should I smile in my photo for Emirates ID Card?
No, you should not smile in your photo for Emirates ID Card as the Federal Authority recommends to keep your facial expressions natural and neutral.
Can I wear glasses in my photo for UAE ID Card?
Yes, you can wear glasses in your photo for UAE ID Card as long as the glasses neither block the eyes nor reflect flash light. The colour glasses are not allowed.
What is an ideal resolution for a photo for Emirates ID?
An ideal resolution for a photo for Emirates ID is at least 600 dpi without any ink traces or creases or shrinkage.
Can I use a portrait photo for Emirates ID Card?
No, you cannot use a portrait photo for Emirates ID Card because it is not allowed by the ICP Federal Authority.