Irish Passport Photo

Irish passport photo requirements

The laws of individual exhibitor states specify the existing criteria for a passport photo. It should be noted that when we apply for a Irish passport, the photo format and its other features frequently vary, e.g. the photo we use for a German passport would most likely not be useful to us if we are applying for an Irish one. Passport pictures are often commonly referred to as biometric photos, i.e. those that enable us to download our individual features that enable fast and accurate identification. Therefore, typically in photography we should be seated frontally and look straight ahead in the camera lens. The other person's visibility is often omitted, and the background criteria differ. As for glasses and other accessories, headgear, they are usually the same. 

The general guidelines for passport photos are such as:

• Facial expressions
• Facing the camera directly
• Clothing in a passport photo
• Background colors
• Accessories 

It is not difficult to produce a valid passport photo. What's more, you can take a picture on your own with our photo editor and online tool - with your phone at home. So it is only necessary that the criteria for a passport picture are followed. The specifications are very comprehensive, but this does not mean that in your own home it is difficult to enforce.

The most important thing is to have the correct size of the picture in compliance with the biometric photo guidelines. A biometric photo is a photo which is necessary not only for a passport , but also for a driving license and a ID card. Therefore, for certain papers, a photograph taken once can be added to the applications - of course, as long as you apply for them at around the same time. Find below more information regarding these requirements.

Irish passport photo size and dimensions 

Pictures for passports are primarily different in dimensions. Some countries only allow a certain picture format, while others offer many choices. An Irish passport, which must always be 35x45 mm in size, is an example of the strictly specified size of a picture. 

The applicant must note that the head size must take 70-80% of the photo

Irish digital passport photo requirements

A digital photo also has some requirements that are a must. The photo should not be less than 715 pixel wide and 951 pixels high. The photo must be in JPG format and its size should not exceed 9MB.

Background

The background must be plain and neutral, ideally light gray or white. No patterns and no recognizable objects must be on it. It needs to contrast with the face and hair as well. Only the person photographed, i.e. the one applying for an Irish passport, can be seen in the photo. There should be no other people present

Lighting

If the photos are too bright or have shadows present they might cause you problems when applying for the passport.There needs to be a clear picture of your face in your photo. Note that you should not use any filters in your photo or whatsoever. Editing them to get rid of shadows will not be acceptable.

The light needs to be even - the two sides of your face have to be illuminated equally. It means that no shadows should appear on your face. Be sure that the lighting is not over- or under-exposed, and that your face is clearly visible. In addition, take care of the reflections - there can be none on your face or caused by accessories. The picture must be sharp with adequate contrast and detail.

Quality and technical requirements

With a minimum print resolution of 600 dpi, the picture must be in focus, not blurred. Keep the right print quality and print your picture on high-quality photo paper. You can print the photo on good quality paper yourself if you take your passport photo with your phone at home.

You need natural contrast and natural skin tone to be preserved. Images in computer programs can not be changed! For such action, the picture will be denied along with the entire application. There must be no bends, bruises, stains or other impurities in the picture. Both images in color and black and white are permissible. However, for your submission, we recommend that you have a color picture.

Glasses and makeup on an Irish passport photo

Under the official criteria for passport photographs, the applicant may not wear glasses or sunglasses in the photograph submitted. However, if you can't remove your glasses for medical purposes, you need to include a signed letter from your doctor in your passport application explaining that you shouldn't remove your glasses.

Make-up is entirely appropriate and it does not have any particular specifications. However it is ideal that your makeup reflects your natural look and the way you look everyday It should not be too light either - it is advised not to add lip gloss or pearly eye shadows.

Facial expressions

If you do not have a neutral facial expression there are high chances that your passport photo will be refused. Keep in mind to keep your eyes open and your mouth closed. Again, it is important to make it easy for the authorities to confirm your identity with your passport photo. Face the camera squarely in full view of your face and note that both sides of your face should be illuminated equally.

Clothing

A uniform or apparel that looks like a uniform or disguise clothing should not be worn. It is officially reported that you should wear the clothing you wear on a regular basis. None of the authorities who can review the records can be misled by it. We encourage you to try a smart-casual look instead of a sweatshirt or just a t-shirt, even though there is no clear passport picture dress code.

Passport photo by phone at home

You can prepare your irish passport photo at home with the PhotoAiD app for iPhone and Android as well as an online tool. All you need is your mobile phone. It's fast and convenient. You just need to know how to pose and use our guide in accordance with the requirements for this irish passport photo.

Passport photo by phone - Tutorial

Lighting in the photo

It's not necessary for you to set a background or even pose against a white wall. Only take decent lighting into account. That is, the hours before noon are best - stand against the window in the sunshine. Make sure your face or shoulders do not have any accessories. Support yourself with a flashlight if the light is still inadequate. Do not worry about the background since the app will automatically remove it and replace it with the required one

How to pose at home

Stay in a frontal view with the camera. Place the phone on a tripod to avoid a blurry picture or ask someone to take a photo of you. The assistant should stand approximately 1,2 meters in front of you to ensure a clear view of the back, neck and upper shoulders.

The face must have a neutral expression in the photograph and must be perfectly straight. Make sure all sides of your face can be seen.

Preparing the photo with PhotoAid

All you need to do now is upload the picture you have taken and wait for our app to work magic. The editor will cut the picture to the appropriate size after loading, and delete the background from the photo. In addition, in terms of specifications, he will check the accuracy of the photo, and send you the finished file by email. You can download it from here and use it as many times as you need to.