35×45mm Photo Requirements (UAE)

About 35×45mm Photos

The 35×45mm photo format is the international standard for passport-size photographs, widely used across the UAE and internationally. This rectangular format is the most common requirement for official documents, identification cards, and various applications.

What are they used for?

• UAE passports and travel documents
• Emirates ID and national identification
• UAE residence permits and visas
• Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
• Employment permits and work visas
• University and school applications
• Professional licensing documents
• International passport and visa applications
• Government service applications
• Banking and financial service documents

Common Applications in UAE

Government Documents:

• All UAE federal and local government applications
• Immigration and residency services
• Civil status documents (marriage, birth certificates)
• Court and legal documentation

Educational Applications:

• University and college admissions
• Student visa applications
• Academic transcript authentication
• Professional certification programs

Employment Documents:

• Work permit applications
• Professional licensing
• Corporate ID cards
• Employment visa processing

International Applications:

• Foreign embassy visa applications
• International passport renewals
• Consular services documentation
• Travel document authentication

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size rectangle)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Plain white or light grey, completely 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 positioned 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

International Standards

• Background: Pure white preferred, light grey acceptable
• Head Coverage: Only for religious or medical reasons
• Glasses: Allowed if worn daily, no reflections or tinted lenses
• Expression: Neutral, serious expression required
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Clothing: Conservative, avoid white or very light colors

Common Rejection Reasons

Size and Dimension Issues

• Incorrect dimensions (not exactly 35×45mm)
• Face height outside 32-36mm range
• Improper aspect ratio or cropping
• Head too large or too small in frame
• Insufficient space around head

Background Problems

• Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects, furniture, or people visible
• Non-uniform background color
• Busy or distracting backgrounds

Photo Quality Issues

• Low resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry, out-of-focus, or soft images
• Over or under-exposed photographs
• Poor color reproduction or saturation
• Grainy, noisy, or compressed images

Composition Errors

• Head tilted, turned, or not centered
• Eyes looking away from camera
• Mouth open or inappropriate expression
• Hair covering eyes, eyebrows, or face
• Uneven shoulders or poor posture

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible digital alterations or filters
• Multiple exposures or ghost images
• Wrong file format for digital applications

Tips for Perfect 35×45mm Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with passport photos
• Ensure proper lighting setup and background
• Verify exact measurements before printing
• Take multiple shots for best selection

DIY Photography Setup

1. Background: Pure white wall or professional backdrop
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional studio lights
3. Camera: High-resolution camera at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Position: Sit straight, shoulders level, look directly at camera

Measurement Guidelines

• Total photo: Exactly 35×45mm
• Face height: 32-36mm (chin to crown)
• Eye position: 50-60% from bottom
• Head width: Approximately 60-70% of photo width
• Margins: Equal space on left and right sides

Quality Control Checklist

• ✓ Exact 35×45mm dimensions
• ✓ Face height within 32-36mm range
• ✓ Pure white, uniform background
• ✓ Sharp focus throughout image
• ✓ Proper exposure and color balance
• ✓ Neutral expression, eyes open
• ✓ No shadows on face or background
• ✓ Recent photo (within 6 months)

Printing and Submission

Print Specifications

• High-quality photo paper (glossy or matte)
• Professional photo printing recommended
• Exact dimensions crucial for acceptance
• No borders, margins, or crop marks

Digital Submission Requirements

• JPEG format most commonly accepted
• Minimum resolution: 413×531 pixels
• File size: Usually 50KB to 2MB
• Color profile: sRGB recommended
• No compression artifacts

Where to Print in UAE

• Professional photography studios
• Typing centers and document services
• Pharmacy photo services
• Electronics stores with photo departments
• Online photo printing services with UAE delivery

Special Applications

For UAE Government Documents:

• Must meet ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) standards
• White background mandatory
• Professional quality required
• Multiple copies usually needed

For International Applications:

• Check specific embassy or consulate requirements
• Some countries may have additional specifications
• Timing important for visa application deadlines
• Keep extra copies for multiple applications

For Employment Documents:

• Employer may have specific requirements
• Professional appearance essential
• Conservative clothing recommended
• May need multiple copies for various permits

For Educational Applications:

• University-specific requirements may apply
• Academic institutions may have stricter standards
• International students may need embassy attestation
• Keep digital copies for online applications

Need perfect 35×45mm photos for your official documents? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all UAE and international requirements.