Everything you need to know about Ireland Employment Permit photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant work permit photo at home. Covers all permit types: Critical Skills, General Employment, Intra-Company Transfer, and more.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Ireland |
| Document Type | Employment Permit (all categories) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size (Face Proportion) | 70–80% of the photo (chin to crown of head) |
| Background Colour | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Printable | Yes — on photo-quality paper |
| Digital Photo Format | JPEG, high resolution |
| Colour | Colour |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Ireland Employment Permit photos must comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) international passport photo standards. Below is a comprehensive guide.
Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery — Employment Permits
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant work permit photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor light sources to eliminate shadows if needed.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Ensure your hair does not cover your eyes.
Stand about 1.5 metres in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and head level. Your full face from chin to forehead must be visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable work permit photos
An Ireland Employment Permit photo follows standard ICAO passport photo dimensions: 35×45 mm. Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photo, from chin to crown of head.
Yes. Whether you are applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Intra-Company Transfer, or any other work permit category, the photo requirements follow the standard ICAO passport photo format: 35×45 mm with white or light background.
Yes! You can take your photo with any smartphone. Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.
A plain white or light-coloured background is required with clear contrast between your face and the background. No shadows, patterns, or objects should be visible.
Clear prescription glasses are generally acceptable, provided the frames do not cover any part of your eyes and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed.
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance.
When you register for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) after arriving in Ireland, your photo will typically be taken at the registration office. However, having standard passport-style photos ready can be useful for the Employment Permit application itself.
