Residence Permit Photo — United Kingdom Requirements
Photo size, background, and compliance rules — plus a free tool to create your photo instantly.
The official photo must be 35 × 45 mm. Required background: Plain light. Face height must be 64–76% of the total photo height. Use the free tool below to create and check your photo instantly.
Create your photo now35 × 45 mm
Photo specifications
Dimensions
35 × 45 mm
Background
Plain light
Face height
64–76%
of total photo height
Resolution
300 DPI
Glasses
Not allowed
Head covering
Not allowed
Max photo age
1 month
Expression
Neutral expression (no smile)
Digital upload
Official photo requirements
gov.uk(opens in new tab)Verified
Other document types in United Kingdom
Next steps and related guides
These related pages cover exact size rules, common rejection reasons, printing, and the editor.
Create this photo now
Open the editor with this country and document type preselected.
Why photos get rejected
Fix background, expression, and framing mistakes before you submit.
Passport photo size guide
Compare this format with 35 × 45 mm, 2 × 2 inches, and other common sizes.
How to print passport photos
Print the correct size without scaling errors or poor paper quality.
How to take your photo
- Set up the required background
Use a plain, evenly lit backdrop with no patterns, textures, or shadows. Required background: Plain light. A plain wall or sheet works well.
- Get even, shadow-free lighting
Stand facing a natural light source or use two soft lights — one on each side — to eliminate shadows on your face and background.
- Position your face correctly
Your face must fill 64–76% of the photo height. Look directly at the camera. Remove any glasses before taking the photo. Head coverings are not permitted unless for religious reasons.
- Check and download with idpic.app
Upload your photo to the free tool — it checks all requirements automatically and generates a print-ready file.
Glasses requirements
Glasses are not allowed for this photo. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo. This is the official requirement for United Kingdom.
Head covering rules
Head coverings, hats, and scarves are not permitted for this photo. An exception is made for head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons, but the face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible with no shadows cast on the face.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the required photo size for residence permit in United Kingdom?
- Required size: 35 × 45 mm. Minimum resolution: 300 pixels on the shortest side.
- What background is required for residence permit in United Kingdom?
- Required background: Plain light.
- Can I create a photo for residence permit in United Kingdom online for free?
- Yes. idpic.app lets you create a compliant photo for free, entirely in your browser with no uploads.
- Are glasses allowed for residence permit in United Kingdom?
- No. Glasses are not allowed in this photo. This is the official requirement for United Kingdom.
- What is the maximum photo age for residence permit in United Kingdom?
- Your photo must have been taken within the last 1 month and must reflect your current appearance.
- Are head coverings allowed for residence permit in United Kingdom?
- Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Even then, the full face must be visible.
- Can I take a photo for residence permit in United Kingdom with my phone?
- Yes. Modern smartphones have sufficient resolution. Use the rear camera. Ensure good lighting. Then upload the photo to idpic.app so the tool can crop, resize, and validate it automatically.
- What resolution do I need for a photo for residence permit in United Kingdom?
- The recommended resolution is 300 DPI. Any modern smartphone camera exceeds this requirement.