Emirates ID Photo Requirements

About Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is the official national identity card of the United Arab Emirates, serving as the primary identification document for all UAE residents and citizens. It’s a mandatory smart card that contains biometric data and personal information.

What is it used for?

• Primary identification document for all UAE residents and citizens
• Required for all government services and transactions
• Banking, insurance, and financial services
• Healthcare services and medical insurance
• Employment verification and visa applications
• Travel within GCC countries
• Property transactions and business registration
• School and university enrollment

How to Obtain Emirates ID

For UAE Citizens:

1. Age Requirement: Mandatory for all citizens from birth
2. Required Documents:
   • UAE passport or family book
   • Birth certificate (for minors)
   • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
   • Recent passport-size photographs
3. Process:
   • Visit ICP customer service center or typing center
   • Complete application form
   • Provide biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan)
   • Pay fees (AED 100 for 5 years, AED 200 for 10 years)
   • Receive temporary certificate, card issued within 5-7 working days

For UAE Residents:

1. Eligibility: Valid UAE residence visa
2. Required Documents:
   • Passport with UAE residence visa
   • Entry stamp or Emirates ID receipt
   • Salary certificate or employment contract
   • Health insurance certificate
   • Recent passport-size photographs
3. Sponsor Requirements: Sponsor must be present or provide authorization

Processing Time:

• New applications: 5-7 working days
• Renewals: 3-5 working days
• Urgent processing: Same day (additional fees apply)

Fees:

• 5-year validity: AED 100
• 10-year validity: AED 200
• Urgent processing: Additional AED 100

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Plain white or light grey, uniform
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes should be 50-60% from bottom of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even, natural lighting without harsh shadows

Additional Requirements

• Glasses: Allowed if worn daily, no reflections or tinted lenses
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Clothing: Avoid white clothing (blends with background)
• Jewelry: Minimal, should not obstruct face or create shadows
• Makeup: Natural, avoid heavy makeup that significantly alters appearance

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Blurry, pixelated, or low resolution images
• Over or under-exposed photographs
• Digital alterations, filters, or retouching
• Poor color quality or black and white photos
• Grainy or noisy images

Composition Problems

• Incorrect dimensions or improper cropping
• Face height outside the 32-36mm range
• Head tilted, turned, or not centered
• Background not uniform or wrong color
• Multiple people in the photograph

Appearance Issues

• Eyes closed, looking away, or partially obscured
• Mouth open or unnatural facial expression
• Heavy shadows on face or background
• Reflections on glasses, skin, or clothing
• Hair covering eyes or face

Technical Violations

• Photographs older than 6 months
• Visible photo editing or digital manipulation
• Wrong file format for digital submission
• Insufficient image resolution for printing

Tips for Perfect Emirates ID Photos

1. Professional Photography: Consider using a professional photographer familiar with UAE requirements
2. Proper Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional studio lighting
3. Background Setup: Ensure completely white, wrinkle-free background
4. Camera Position: Position camera at eye level, maintain proper distance
5. Dress Code: Wear dark-colored clothing that contrasts with white background
6. Grooming: Ensure neat appearance, hair away from face
7. Multiple Shots: Take several photos to choose the best one
8. Quality Check: Verify photo meets all requirements before submission

Special Considerations

For Children:

• Infants: Eyes must be open, mouth can be slightly open
• Toddlers: Parent may hold child but must not be visible in photo
• School-age: Same requirements as adults apply

For Religious Headwear:

• Face must be fully visible from hairline to chin
• Ears should be visible unless covered for religious reasons
• No shadows cast on face by headwear
• Submit religious exemption letter if required

Need help with your Emirates ID photo? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official ICP requirements for quick approval.