Pakistan passport photos must meet specific size requirements set by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports. Whether you're applying for a new passport, renewing, or applying for a child passport, understanding these requirements is essential for avoiding rejection and delays.
The standard dimension is 35×45 millimeters, following international ICAO standards that Pakistan adheres to. However, meeting the exact requirements involves more than just dimensions — you must also ensure proper head size, positioning, and quality.
Official Pakistani Passport Photo Size Dimensions
The Pakistani authorities specify these exact measurements:
- Photo dimensions: 35mm width × 45mm height
- Digital resolution: 300 DPI minimum
- Pixel dimensions: Approximately 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI
- File format: JPEG for online applications
- File size: Typically 100KB to 500KB for online uploads
- Color: Color required (not black and white)
- Print quality: Matte or glossy photo paper for physical submissions
These requirements apply to all Pakistani passport applications, including those submitted through the online NADRA portal and in-person at passport offices.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Pakistani Passport Photo Head Height: The 60–80% Rule
Pakistan follows the international standard requiring the applicant's head to occupy between 60% and 80% of the photo's vertical height:
- At 45mm total height, the head should be between 27mm and 36mm tall
- Measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Hair is not included in this measurement
This range allows for some flexibility in camera distance while ensuring the face is clearly visible.
Face Positioning Requirements for Pakistani Passport Photos
Pakistani passport photos require specific positioning:
- Full frontal view: Face must face directly forward
- Centered: Face should be centered horizontally in the photo
- Both ears visible: This is checked but some flexibility exists for hairstyles
- Eyes level: Eyes should be roughly halfway down the photo
- No rotation: Face must not be tilted in any direction
- Neutral expression: Mouth closed, no smiling, no frowning
- Eyes open: Both eyes must be open and visible
The NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) system processes passport applications with automated checks that verify these positioning requirements.
Digital Requirements for Pakistani Passport Photo Uploads
For online Pakistani passport applications:
Resolution
- Minimum: 300 DPI effective resolution
- Must not be digitally enlarged from a smaller image
Image quality
- Sharp focus with no blur
- Natural skin tones
- Even lighting with no shadows on face or background
- No red-eye
- No digital manipulation or enhancement
- Must accurately represent current appearance
Photo age
- Must have been taken within the last 6 months
- Must reflect current appearance (significant changes require new photo)
Printed Pakistani Passport Photo Size Requirements
For physical passport applications:
- Two identical prints typically required
- Must be printed on photo paper (matte or glossy)
- No border around the photo
- Must be exactly 35×45mm
- Must be sharp with no pixelation
Many passport offices in Pakistan have photo facilities on-site.
Pakistani Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Shape | Head height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 35×45mm | Rectangle | 60–80% |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | Rectangle | 64–76% |
| India | 35×35mm | Square | 60–80% |
| United States | 51×51mm | Square | 50–69% |
| Malaysia | 35×50mm | Rectangle | 60–80% |
| Saudi Arabia | 40×60mm | Rectangle | 60–80% |
Pakistan uses the same dimensions as the UK and most of Europe. The most important distinction for Pakistani applicants: India uses a different size (35×35mm square). Despite being a common travel route, the photos are not interchangeable. If you hold dual citizenship or apply for visas to multiple countries, verify each country's specific size before ordering photos.
Common Pakistani Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Using an Indian photo for a Pakistani passport. India's 35×35mm square format shares the same width but is 10mm shorter. The aspect ratios are fundamentally different (1:1 vs 7:9). You cannot crop one into the other.
Face too small from selfie distance. Arm's-length selfies produce a face at 40-50% of the frame — below the 60% minimum. Position the camera about 1.5 metres away, or have someone else take the photo.
Wrong aspect ratio from phone cameras. Most phones default to 4:3 or 16:9. Pakistan requires 7:9. Set your camera to the closest ratio before shooting, then fine-tune the crop in an editor.
Using a US 2×2 inch photo. The US square format (51×51mm) is a completely different size and shape. Dual Pakistani-US citizens need separate photos for each passport.
Over-compressed JPEG files. If your file is under 100KB, it likely has visible compression artifacts — blocky patches around the eyes and mouth. The NADRA portal may accept it but the quality may cause issues at the biometric stage.
Where to Get a Correctly Sized Pakistani Passport Photo
Photo studios at passport offices. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports operates offices in all major cities (Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta). Studios near these offices process passport photos daily and understand the requirements. Prices typically range from PKR 200-500.
Professional studios. Urban photo studios with better equipment produce more consistent results. Ask specifically about NADRA portal upload experience — not all studios understand digital submission requirements. Prices range from PKR 500-1,500.
DIY with a smartphone. Modern phones exceed 413×531 pixels easily. Stand against a white wall in good natural light. Have someone else take the photo from about 1.5 metres away. Crop to 7:9 ratio and verify dimensions in a photo editor before uploading.
Pakistani Passport Photo Size Rules for Babies and Children
Children's Pakistani passport photos follow the same 35×45mm size and 60-80% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes must be open — try photographing after feeding when the baby is calm and alert. The face must be centered and clearly visible. The NADRA system allows some tolerance for positioning, but head height still applies.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centered. Getting a toddler to cooperate is the real challenge. Studios near passport offices handle children's photos regularly and have techniques for managing restless children.
All children under 18: Pakistani children's passports have shorter validity periods, meaning more frequent renewals and more frequent photos.
NICOP and CNIC Photo Size Requirements in Pakistan
The same photo specifications apply to other Pakistani identity documents:
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis): Same requirements
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card): Similar requirements
- Pakistan Origin Card (POC): Uses same photo standards
If you need photos for multiple Pakistani documents, a single properly taken photo often serves multiple purposes.
Quick Checklist for Pakistani Passport Photo Size
Before submitting your Pakistani passport photo:
- Photo dimensions are exactly 35×45mm
- Digital: minimum 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI
- Head occupies 60-80% of frame height
- Face is centered and facing forward
- Both eyes are visible and open
- Expression is neutral, mouth closed
- Background is white or light blue
- Even lighting with no shadows
- Photo is sharp with no blur
- Photo taken within last 6 months
Meeting these requirements precisely ensures your Pakistani passport application proceeds without photo-related delays. For additional verification, use passportsize-photo.online's passport photo tool to check your photo before submitting.
For background color rules, see our guide on Pakistani passport photo background requirements. View all Pakistani passport photo specifications on the Pakistan passport photo hub.
