You have to follow a set of crucial steps in getting a UAE visa—uploading a valid and proper photograph being one of them.
Simple as it seems, UAE visa photo size requirements are strict, and going against them may result in delays or rejection of your application.
This article will walk you through all you need to know regarding UAE visa photo size, technical requirements, formatting guidelines, and most frequently asked questions and answers so that you can get it right the first time.
Requirements for UAE Visa Photo
When you apply for a UAE or Dubai visa, the immigration department asks for a passport photo as per certain biometric specifications. They are mandatory irrespective of whether you are applying for a tourist visa, residency visa, or work visa.
Requirements:
- Size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm (or 2 inches x 2 inches in certain instances)
- Resolution: Minimum of 600 dpi
- Background: White, plain, and not striped
- File Format: JPEG or JPG
- Size of Electronic File: Typically 15KB to 100KB
- Printed Version: On high-quality photopaper if required
Do I Need to Provide a Photo with a UAE Visa Application?
Yes, you will be required to submit a photo for your visa application. You are perhaps applying for a short visit, long stay, residence permit, or to extend your Emirates ID; you will be required to submit a recent passport photograph as per UAE immigration regulations.
How to Take a UAE Visa Photo
That would be inconvenient for career photographers, but you can do it yourself or in your own house with the right equipment.
Do the following:
- Take a high-res photo (your smartphone is okay if it can take HD photos).
- With white or off-white background.
- Meet good light—no face shadow or background shadow.
- Look directly at the camera with straight face.
Background and Position
- Background: Has to be pure white and without shadows and not be in the way of objects.
- Position: Has to face directly towards the camera and not at a tilt.
- The head has to be positioned in the middle of the picture and has to take up 70–80% of the picture.
Color and Contrast
- The picture has to be in full color, with natural-colored skin tones.
- Underexposed or overexposed photos will be rejected.
- No filtering and over-editing.
Resolution and Printing
- Resolution of at least 600 dpi.
- In print submissions, print out the image on photo paper, glossy or matte, and not on printer paper.
- No pixels or compression artifacts are distinguishable.
File Format and Size
- File formats accepted: JPEG or JPG
- Electronic submission file size 15 KB to 100 KB.
- The UAE visa photo size needs to be 2 inch x 2 inch, i.e., 45 m x 35 mm.
- The picture must be well-cropped and lack any unnecessary frames or borders.
Photo Quality
- The photo must be sharp, clear, and in focus.
- No pixelation, smudging, or blurring.
- Perfect contrast and brightness.
Facial Expression
- Face must be neutral.
- Don’t smile, pout, or grin.
- Eyes must be open and mouth must be closed.
Attire
- Casual attire is acceptable.
- Shun bright, bold, striped colors that would not combine well with the white background.
- Uniforms (other than religious) are avoided.
Posture
- Stand or sit shoulders relaxed straight.
- Look directly at the camera, with straight head.
Accessories
- No spectacles or shaded spectacles.
- Prescription spectacles if not obstructing the eyes or producing glare.
- No heavy make-up or face-covering accessories.
- Restricted to religious reasons (e.g., hijab, turban).
- The whole face should be seen, i.e. chin, forehead, and cheeks.
- Head gear should not cast shadows on the face.
Children’s Photographs
Photographing babies or children for UAE visas also has some limits and rules:
Tips:
No parents’ hands visible, pacifiers, or toys. The background still needs to be white. Eye openings are required (in infants, it can be waived). Make the child look straight into the camera.
Things to Remember
While all the above requirements are important, they can be a little hard to follow and might make you overwhelmed.
So, to make things a bit easier for you to understand, here is a breakdown version of the UAE visa photo size.
- Your face should be in front facing in the photo.
- For Dubai visa photo requirements, everything from your hair, chin and forehead needs to be clearly visible.
- Your face needs to be faced centrally in the photo with both your ears clearly visible.
- The photo needs to be shot with a neutral expression, no laughing, grinning, raised eyebrows or frowning is allowed.
- No black or white photos are allowed, only colored photos.
- No computer print photos are allowed.
- Your eyes need to be clear and should not be covered by your hair. If you are wearing glasses, make sure that your eyes are clear.
- Don’t sign the photos
- The photos shouldn’t be edited by any means.
- Damaged photos (torn, marked, or creased) won’t be accepted.
Dubai Visa Photo Requirement FAQs
Here are a few FAQs that others have asked and you might just find them helpful as well.
As a general rule, one passport photo is used for applying for an e-visa. Embassies or visa centers may require two printed photos—look back at your application form to see the actual requirement.
Don’t. Scanned photos will become fuzzy or pixelate. Use instananeous camera shots at all times.
If your photograph is over 6 months old, or you have experienced a significant change in appearance, then get a new one.
Only if printing is part of the visa application process itself. Most internet applications will allow digital uploads.
Passport and Residence Permit Photo Specifications
The UAE government accepts the same biometric requirements for Emirates ID, residence visas, and passports. As a result, you can use the same photo to fill out most of the forms if it is the following specifications:
- Same dimensions: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm
- White color
- Natural light and smile
Click The Perfect Photo!
A professionally shot visa photo is not just a technicality—it’s essential to your application. No matter if you’re visiting Dubai for business or immigrating to Abu Dhabi to work, having your photo comply with UAE immigration requirements will save you time, money, and hassle.
By adhering to the guidelines above—from posture to background, from clothing to UAE visa photo size—you’ll have a straightforward and effective visa process.
Pro Tip: Don't risk it. Get your picture taken professionally at a photo studio accustomed to UAE visa photo specifications. A small upfront cost that avoids monstrous headaches down the road.
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