Pakistan passport photo size — 35×45 mm DGIP / NADRA dimensions

Exact dimensions and pixel size

Pakistan uses the global ICAO 9303 portrait standard: 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall, in portrait orientation. At 300 DPI the digital equivalent is approximately 413×531 pixels — the same baseline spec used by the UK, Schengen states, Australia, and the Philippines.

The DGIP captures a fresh biometric photo at the passport office or at NADRA's NICOP/POC centres during the appointment, but a printed 35×45 mm photo is still required for the file. Pakistan consulates abroad (London, Toronto, New York, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai) commonly require two printed photos plus a digital JPG sent in advance via email — the 4×6 inch print sheet from complypic contains both copies cropped correctly.

Head height and framing

Head height — chin to crown including hair — must fall between 32 and 36 mm, occupying 70-80% of the photo height. This is tight framing relative to US 2×2 specs. Eyes sit at approximately 60-65% from the bottom edge; face is squared to the camera, no tilt, no rotation.

DGIP is particularly strict on frontal pose: even slight three-quarter angles are rejected. The biometric capture system used at DGIP offices runs a face-landmark check that flags non-frontal poses; the same standard applies to NADRA-captured CNIC and NICOP photos.

Background and colour

Plain white background is mandatory — DGIP and NADRA explicitly reject coloured, grey, or patterned backgrounds. Uniform lighting on the wall is essential; visible shadows behind the head are the most common rejection cause at DGIP regional offices.

Photo must be in colour with natural skin tone. Heavy filtering or AI smoothing is flagged as 'altered photograph' at biometric capture and can hold up the e-passport printing process while supervisor approval is sought.

Recency, glasses and expression

Photo must be taken within the last 6 months. For child passports under five the rule tightens to 3 months. DGIP compares the new photo against your prior passport on file, and significant divergence triggers a verification interview.

Glasses are not permitted, in line with DGIP's adoption of ICAO 9303. Religious head coverings (hijab, dupatta) are accepted as long as the face from chin to forehead is fully visible and not shadowed. Expression must be neutral with mouth closed; eyes open and looking directly at the lens.

DGIP / NADRA / consular upload requirements

At DGIP regional offices and NADRA NICOP / POC centres inside Pakistan, the biometric photo is captured on site — but applicants must bring a printed 35×45 mm copy for the supporting documents. For lost passport replacement, two prints are required.

Pakistan consulates abroad commonly ask for a digital JPG submitted via the consulate's online appointment portal (where available) plus two printed copies at the appointment. NICOP renewals for overseas Pakistanis typically require the printed form alongside the photo. complypic produces both formats in a single export.

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