Irish Passport Photo Size & Requirements (2026)

Q: What background do I need for an Irish passport photo?

Ireland accepts both white and light grey backgrounds. This makes it more flexible than Germany (grey only) or the US (white only). Either will be accepted for both printed and digital submissions.

Q: Can I use my UK passport photo for an Irish passport?

Possibly. Both use 35×45mm format. The UK requires light grey or cream, which Ireland also accepts. If your UK photo meets all other Irish requirements (taken within 6 months, no glasses, correct head size), it may work.

Q: What are the Passport Online digital photo requirements?

Passport Online requires a JPEG image. The system has an integrated photo checker that validates your upload against biometric requirements. You may need to have your photo witnessed at a Garda station or An Post branch for certain application types.

Q: Are glasses allowed in Irish passport photos?

No. Glasses are not permitted in Irish passport photos since the biometric requirements update. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.

Quick Spec

Moderate

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Dimensions413×531 px35×45 mm

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Max file size9 MBJPEG

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BackgroundLight grey or white

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Resolution300 DPIAspect ratio: 7:9

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Head size70–80% of frame

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GlassesNot allowedGlasses not permitted in Irish passport photos.

🔧 Resize Photo for This Spec

Free browser-based tool. No upload to any server.

Free Tool

Resize for Irish Passport Photo

Processed in your browser — nothing uploaded

Input

Drop your photo here or browse

JPEG, PNG, HEIC — any size

Target413×531 px

FormatJPEG

Max size9 MB

BackgroundLight grey or white

Output

413×531

Upload a photo to see the result

Ireland uses the standard ICAO 35×45mm format with relatively straightforward requirements. The main catch for applicants is the Passport Online system, which has specific digital upload requirements that differ from the printed photo specs. Ireland accepts both white and light grey backgrounds — one of the few countries that offers this flexibility. Glasses are not permitted since the biometric update, and the photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

What Makes This Specification Unique

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Accepts BOTH white and light grey backgrounds (more flexible than UK or Germany)

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Passport Online system has specific digital upload requirements separate from print specs

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Glasses not permitted since biometric update

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Garda stations and post offices can witness Passport Online photo uploads

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An Post (Irish postal service) offers passport photo services at most branches

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Northern Ireland applicants can apply for either Irish or UK passport — different photo specs

Recent Changes

2025: Passport Online system expanded to cover most application types. Digital photo upload now accepted for first-time adult applications, not just renewals.

Common Rejection Reasons

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Glasses worn

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Photo older than 6 months

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Shadows on face or background

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Digital upload not meeting Passport Online format requirements

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Head size too large or too small in frame

ExactPix Tool Rules for This Spec

When you use the ExactPix tool on this page, it's pre-configured with these rules:

⚠

Irish passport accepts BOTH white and light grey backgrounds

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Glasses not permitted

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Photo must be taken within the last 6 months

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Online renewal (Passport Online) requires specific digital upload format

Where to Get This Photo

An Post branches offer passport photo services for approximately €10 for a set of photos. Many pharmacies and photo shops also provide compliant photos. For Passport Online applications, you can have your photo digitally verified at a Garda station.

Applications That Require This Photo

📋Passport Online (online renewal)

📋Passport Express (postal application)

📋First-time passport application

Frequently Asked Questions

What background do I need for an Irish passport photo?+

Can I use my UK passport photo for an Irish passport?+

What are the Passport Online digital photo requirements?+

Are glasses allowed in Irish passport photos?+

Official Sources

Department of Foreign Affairs — Passport Photo Requirements↗

Reviewed: 2026-05-01