Updated April 27, 2026
Irish Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Pixels, Background & Visa Rules
The main Irish passport photo requirements are simple but strict: printed photos must be 35-38 mm wide and 45-50 mm high, Passport Online digital photos must be at least 715 x 951 pixels, and the photo must show a neutral, shadow-free face against a plain light background.

Quick Answer: Irish Passport Photo Size
Printed passport photo
35-38 mm wide x 45-50 mm high
Passport Online pixels
Minimum 715 x 951 px
Digital format
JPEG, under 9 MB
Face size
70-80% of the frame
Background
Plain light grey, white, or cream
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Irish Passport Photo Requirements for Passport Online
If you apply online for an Irish passport book or passport card, you must upload a digital photo. The official DFA guidance says the file must be a colour JPEG, must not be a scanned photo, must not be digitally enhanced or changed, and must not be larger than 9 MB. The minimum digital size is 715 pixels wide by 951 pixels high.
You can take the photo at home with a phone or camera, but you need someone else to take it. Do not take a selfie, do not use a webcam, and do not use the zoom function on your phone. Stand in front of a completely plain light grey, white, or cream background with no objects behind you.
Printed Irish Passport Photo Dimensions
For paper Irish passport applications, include printed photos that are no more than 6 months old. The print size should be between 35 mm and 38 mm wide and between 45 mm and 50 mm high. The image should show a close-up of your face and the top of your shoulders, with your face taking up 70-80% of the frame.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile.
- Eyes open and looking straight at the camera.
- No shadows on your face or behind your head.
- Glasses are allowed only if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare.
- Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons.
Irish Visa Photo Requirements
Irish visa applications require two identical passport-sized photos. Each photo must be 35-38 mm wide and 45-50 mm high, show a close-up of your face and top of shoulders, and keep your face at 70-80% of the photo. The photos must be less than 6 months old and printed on photographic paper with a white, unglazed reverse.
Visa photos must be in colour and taken against a plain white or light grey background. They must have sharp focus, correct exposure, natural skin tones, no red eye, no shadows, and no glare. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed; if you normally wear glasses, your eyes still need to be clearly visible.
Create a Compliant Ireland Photo
Upload a photo and VisaReadyNow will crop it for Ireland, check face size, fix the background, and export the correct digital or print-ready file.
Start with IrelandCommon Reasons Irish Passport Photos Are Rejected
File is below 715 x 951 pixels for Passport Online.
Photo is a selfie, webcam shot, scan, or zoomed phone image.
Background is patterned, cluttered, or shadowed.
Face is too small, too large, tilted, or not centred.
Expression is smiling, frowning, or mouth is open.
Glasses create glare or hide part of the eyes.
Official Sources
This guide is based on the Department of Foreign Affairs passport photo guidelines and Immigration Service Delivery visa photograph rules. Check the official pages before submitting if your application has unusual circumstances.
- Irish passport photo guidelines - Department of Foreign Affairs
- Irish visa photograph rules - Immigration Service Delivery
Irish Passport Photo FAQs
What is the Irish passport photo size in pixels?
For Passport Online, the Department of Foreign Affairs requires a digital JPEG photo that is at least 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels high. The file must be under 9 MB and must not be scanned, digitally enhanced, or distorted.
What are the printed Irish passport photo dimensions?
Printed Irish passport photos should be 35-38 mm wide and 45-50 mm high. The face and top of the shoulders must be visible, and the face should take up 70-80% of the frame.
What are the Irish visa photo requirements?
Irish visa applications require two identical passport-sized photos. Each must be 35-38 mm wide and 45-50 mm high, less than 6 months old, printed on photographic paper, and taken against a plain white or light grey background.
Can I wear glasses in an Irish passport photo?
Yes, if you normally wear glasses. Your eyes must be clearly visible, there must be no glare on the lenses, and the frames must not cover your eyes. Sunglasses and dark tinted glasses are not allowed.