Photo for an Ireland visa and IRP for Ukrainians: 2026 requirements (35×45 mm)
Ireland
In short. For an Irish visa and passport you need a colour photo of 35×45 mm (maximum 38×50 mm) on a plain light background — white, cream or light grey, with a neutral facial expression, without glasses that cause glare on the lenses, taken no earlier than 6 months ago. For the IRP, the photo is taken at the registration office.
- Photo size is a minimum of 35×45 mm and a maximum of 38×50 mm; the face occupies 70–80% of the frame.
- The background is plain and light: white, cream or light grey, without shadows or objects.
- The expression is neutral, the mouth closed, both eyes open; glasses only with clear lenses without glare, dark glasses are prohibited.
- The photo must have been taken no earlier than the last 6 months.
- Two photos are added to the visa application with your name clearly printed on the back of each; for the IRP the photo is taken on the spot at the registration office.
If you are applying for a short-stay (C) or long-stay (D) Ireland visa, obtaining an Irish passport or registering a residence permit (IRP), the photo must comply exactly with the official requirements. Below are the current rules for 2026 according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
Photo requirements
| Parameter | Rule |
|---|---|
| Size | minimum 35×45 mm, maximum 38×50 mm |
| Face in frame | 70–80% of the photo height |
| Background | plain light: white, cream or light grey |
| Colour | colour photo (printed in black and white in the passport) |
| Facial expression | neutral, without a smile, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Head | straight, without tilt |
| Glasses | only clear lenses without glare and shadows; dark glasses are prohibited |
| Headwear | not permitted (exception — for religious reasons, with the face uncovered) |
| Recency | no earlier than the last 6 months |
| photographic paper, the back white and non-glossy, without stains or creases |
For online uploading of a passport photo, digital requirements apply: JPEG format, minimum 715×951 pixels, file size 9 KB–240 KB, without compression or editing.
Where to submit
- Visa (C or D): the application is submitted online through the AVATS system, after which you print the summary form and submit the documents together with 2 paper photos at an Irish visa centre, embassy or consulate. Your name is clearly printed on the back of each photo.
- IRP (residence permit): you do not bring a separate photo — the biometric photo and fingerprints are taken on the spot during registration at the ISD (Burgh Quay in Dublin or regional offices).
- Temporary protection for Ukrainians: permits have been extended until 4 March 2027; the photo for the card is taken at the registration office.
Why photos are rejected
- Incorrect size or a face too large/too small in the frame.
- A coloured, dark or patterned background, shadows behind.
- A smile, an open mouth, a tilted head.
- Glare on the lenses of glasses or dark glasses.
- Hair covering the eyes, a red-eye effect.
- A photo older than 6 months, blurred, with poor lighting.
- A glossy back or a missing name on the back (for the visa).
How to prepare the photo
Take a full-face photo in even lighting against a light wall, without shadows, remove your glasses and keep a neutral expression. Check the size of 35×45 mm and the face share of 70–80%. For the visa, print 2 copies on photographic paper and sign the back.
Related guides
Official sources
- Department of Foreign Affairs — Photo Guidelines for Passports (ireland.ie)
- Department of Foreign Affairs — Visas for Ireland (ireland.ie)
- Immigration Service Delivery — Giving your details on AVATS for a visa/preclearance application
- Immigration Service Delivery — Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
- Immigration Service Delivery — Temporary Protection for people fleeing Ukraine
Questions
- What size is the photo for an Irish visa and passport?
- A minimum of 35×45 mm and a maximum of 38×50 mm. The face must occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height, with the head straight and without tilt.
- Can I be photographed wearing glasses?
- Only with glasses that have clear lenses, provided there is no glare or shadows and the frame does not cover the eyes. Dark (sun)glasses are prohibited.
- How many photos are needed for a visa application?
- Two recent colour photos. Your name must be clearly printed on the back of each. The application is submitted online through the AVATS system.
- Do Ukrainians with temporary protection need a photo for the IRP?
- There is no need to bring a separate paper photo — the biometric photo and fingerprints are taken on the spot during registration at the ISD office.