Everything you need to know about Ireland visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant visa photo at home for tourist, work, and study visa applications.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Ireland |
| Document Type | Visa (Tourist, Work, Study, Join Family, etc.) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Accepted Size Range | 35–38 mm wide × 45–50 mm high |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size (Face Proportion) | 70–80% of the photo (chin to crown of head) |
| Background Colour | Plain white or light grey |
| Printable | Yes — on photo-quality paper |
| Number of Photos Required | 2 identical photos |
| Colour | Colour |
| Photo Paper | Photo-quality paper, white and non-glossy on the back |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) has specific requirements for visa photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Source: Irish Immigration — Photograph Rules for Visa Applications
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Ireland visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) can take a visa-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 take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure 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 your head level — not tilted. Your full face must be visible, showing both sides.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, squinting, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
An Ireland visa photo must be 35×45 mm. The accepted size range is 35–38 mm wide by 45–50 mm high. Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photo, from chin to crown of head.
You need 2 identical photos for an Ireland visa application. Write your name and visa application/transaction number in capital letters on the back of each photo.
You may wear clear prescription glasses, but your eyes must be fully visible with no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted.
The background must be plain white or light grey with clear contrast between your face and the background. No patterns, shadows, or objects should be visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background if needed.
Yes! You can take your visa photo with any smartphone. Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all Ireland visa photo requirements.
Your visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance. Some VFS application centres may require photos taken within 3 months.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. No smiling, squinting, frowning, or head tilting is permitted.
Write your name and visa application number in capital letters on the back of each photo. Place the photos in the same envelope as your application. Do not staple, pin, or glue the photos.
