Official UAE & GCC Residency Photo Specifications (2026)
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) strictly enforces automated biometric facial verification for all Emirates ID issuances and renewals:
| Document Type | Physical Size | Digital Pixels | File Size Limit | Background Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪 UAE Emirates ID (ICP) | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) | 413 × 531 px (300 DPI) | 15 KB – 200 KB | Pure Plain White (#FFFFFF) |
| 🇦🇪 Dubai Residency Visa (GDRFA) | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | ≤ 200 KB | Plain White background |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Iqama | 40 × 60 mm (4.0 × 6.0 cm) | 472 × 709 px | ≤ 100 KB | Plain White background |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Umrah / Hajj Visa | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) | 600 × 600 px | ≤ 100 KB | Pure White background |
Frequently Asked Questions About Emirates ID Photos
What is the exact Emirates ID photo size in cm and pixels?
The standard physical size is 3.5 × 4.5 cm (35 × 45 mm). Digital pixel resolution is 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI, or 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI.
Why did the ICP website reject my photo file size?
The UAE ICP portal rejects photos that are under 15 KB (too low quality for facial recognition) or over 200 KB (too heavy for database storage). LocalDoc balances the file strictly within the safe 30 KB to 100 KB bracket.
Can I print a 2-in-1 photocopy of my Emirates ID card front and back?
Yes. Use our companion National ID Card Studio to align the front and back of your physical Emirates ID onto a single A4 page for bank verification, Ejari tenancy contracts, and telecom registrations.