Iran Passport Photo (3×4 cm / 30×40 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Iran (ایران) passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, white background rules, hijab regulations for women, pose guidelines, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

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Iran Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryIran (ایران)
Document TypePassport (پاسپورت)
Photo Size30 × 40 mm (3 × 4 cm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Digital Photo Size708 × 944 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Head Size70–80% of the photograph (from chin to top of head)
Background ColorPlain white
PrintableYes — on matte photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
Photo Paper TypeMatte finish
Number of Photos Required3 (first passport) / 2 (renewal)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Iran Passport Photo Size Diagram

Iran Passport Photo Size Diagram - 30x40mm portrait format
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 30×40 mm (3×4 cm) in portrait orientation. Your head should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photograph, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 30×40 mm size, remove and replace the background with plain white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Iran Passport Photo Requirements

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has specific requirements for passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or digital alterations — do not apply any editing that changes your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 30 × 40 mm (3 × 4 cm) in portrait orientation
  • Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photograph
  • Printed on matte photo-quality paper
  • You need 3 identical photos for a first passport, 2 for renewal

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — full front view, head not tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
  • Head must be square to the camera — not rotated or angled

Background

  • Use a plain white background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Iranian passport photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.

Head Coverings

Important — Hijab requirement for women: According to the regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, women applicants must wear a headscarf (hijab) in their passport photo. All hair must be covered. However, the face must remain fully visible from the forehead to the chin, including both cheeks. The headscarf must not cast shadows on the face.
  • Women: Hijab (headscarf) is required — hair must be fully covered, face must be fully visible
  • Men: No headwear of any kind is permitted — hats, caps, and other coverings must be removed
  • No neck scarves for any applicant
  • The headscarf must not cast shadows on your face

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing or modest dress
  • Do not wear uniforms
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background
  • Clothing should not obscure facial features

Additional Notes

  • Write your personal details on the back of each printed photo
  • Even, natural lighting is recommended — avoid harsh shadows or overexposure
  • The photo must have good contrast between your face and the white background

Source: Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — First Passport Issuance

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How to Take an Iran Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Iran passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) 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 take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

Taking passport photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows on your face.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting setup for passport photo
3

Dress Appropriately (Including Hijab for Women)

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) per Iranian regulations — ensure all hair is covered but your full face from forehead to chin remains visible.

Men must remove all headwear. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Appropriate attire for passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is clearly visible.

Correct posing for passport photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or make any exaggerated expressions.

Neutral facial expression for passport photo

Good and Bad Examples of Iran Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Iran passport photo?

An Iran passport photo must be exactly 30 × 40 mm (3 × 4 cm) in portrait orientation. Your head should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photograph, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

Do women need to wear a hijab in an Iran passport photo?

Yes. According to the regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, women applicants must wear a headscarf (hijab) in their passport photo. All hair must be covered, but the face must remain fully visible from forehead to chin, including both cheeks. The headscarf must not cast shadows on the face.

Can I wear glasses in my Iran passport photo?

No. Glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses are not permitted in Iranian passport photos. You must remove all eyewear before taking the photo.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white with no patterns, objects, or shadows visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Can I take my Iran passport photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 30×40 mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

How many passport photos do I need?

You need 3 identical passport photos for a first-time passport application and 2 for a passport renewal. Personal details should be written on the back of each printed photo.

Can men wear head coverings in an Iran passport photo?

No. Men are not permitted to wear any headwear in Iranian passport photos. Hats, caps, and all other head coverings must be removed before taking the photo.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official Iranian requirements before you submit your application, saving you time and hassle.