Who issues the Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is the mandatory UAE ID card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Every UAE citizen and resident must hold an Emirates ID, and for expatriates the card is issued together with the UAE residence visa. The authority was formerly the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) at ica.gov.ae; ICA and ICP are the same authority, so older guides that mention an ICA Emirates ID photo describe the same rules. The ICP FAQ confirms that an Emirates ID photo needs a white background, must be no more than six months old and must fully comply with ICAO.
Emirates ID photo size explained
The ICP Personal Photo Specifications give a width range of 35–40 mm and do not publish a separate height. Our template uses 35×40 mm, with the head at about 62% of the photo height and a small gap of about 6% above the hair. The face should fill 70–80% of the photograph, with the full forehead, both edges of the face and the top of the shoulders in the frame. A print at 600 DPI keeps the photo sharp on high-quality photo paper.
Emirates ID photo and the UAE residence visa
For most expatriates, the Emirates ID and the UAE residence visa are processed together through ICP, so one UAE visa photo serves both. The residence visa photo follows the same ICAO standard as the Emirates ID card: white background, face filling 70–80% of the frame, neutral expression, mouth closed and a picture no more than six months old. UAE law requires a sponsor (an employer, a UAE national or an educational institution) for most of these applications; green, blue and golden visa applicants are exempt. Expatriates aged 18 and above also take a medical fitness test as part of the residence process.
How to submit your Emirates ID photo
The ICP FAQ lists four channels for an Emirates ID application: the ICP Smart Application, the official ICP website (smartservices.icp.gov.ae), authorised typing offices and ICP Customer Happiness Centers. You can upload a digital Emirates ID photo when you apply online, or bring a print if you apply in person. Cases that need fingerprints or other biometric data need an appointment at a Customer Happiness Center. You can track the application in your personal account on smartservices.icp.gov.ae or through the ICP Call Centre.
Applying online for your Emirates ID
You can apply for your Emirates ID online. In the ICP Smart Application or on smartservices.icp.gov.ae you fill in the Emirates ID form, attach your documents and upload a digital photo, so there is no need to print anything for an online application. Before you upload, open the file at full size and check it: no motion blur, no shadow across the face, even light and a clean white background. A picture that looks fine on a small phone screen can still be soft or too dark for the biometric check, and ICP does not accept images outside its approved standards. If you go through a typing office or a Customer Happiness Center instead, bring a sharp print on photo paper and hold it by the edges to avoid creases and ink marks. UAE citizens who also need a new passport can use the same session to make a UAE passport photo, and drivers can prepare a UAE driving license photo. If you are applying for a UAE visa online through Emirates.com, see the UAE visa online page instead.
Emirates ID renewal and a new photo
ICP recommends starting your Emirates ID renewal at least 30 days before the card expires. The fine for a late renewal is AED 20 per day, up to AED 1,000. The photo you submit for an Emirates ID renewal or update must meet the current ICP rules, be no more than six months old and must not be identical to the picture already printed on your Emirates ID card. A fresh UAE ID photo taken at home is the simplest way to meet this rule.
Glasses, hijab and head coverings
Glasses are allowed in the photo only if your eyes are fully visible, the lenses are clear and untinted, the frames do not cover the eyes and there is no flash glare; lighter frames are preferred, and if you are not sure, take the glasses off. A headscarf or hijab worn for religious reasons is accepted when your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face are clearly visible. Hats and caps are not permitted.
Emirates ID photo checklist
- Correct size: 35×40 mm, face filling 70–80% of the frame.
- Plain white background with no shadows or patterns.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
- Head square-on to the camera and centred, both edges of the face visible.
- Sharp colour picture with natural skin tones and no filters.
- Taken in the last six months and different from the picture on your current Emirates ID.
- Only you in the frame: no other people, objects or chair backs.
