UK Residence Card Photo

Get your perfect biometric photo (compliance guaranteed)

1M+
approved
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance
UK Residence Card Photo
1M+
approved
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance

How does it work?

Perfect biometric photo within 3 minutes.

Check how simple and smart is it!

Take or upload a photo

Take or upload a photo

That's the only thing you need to do. Take or upload a photo - we will take care of the rest.

AI prepares the photo

AI prepares the photo

Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.

Expert verification

Expert verification

Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.

Digital or printed photos

Digital or printed photos

You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-3 days. Delivery is free!

Why?

Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home

You save time and money

Convenience

Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.

Professional service

Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 11 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.

Money-back guarantee

We give you a guarantee of acceptance by authorities or otherwise we will refund you double the price!

Satisfaction guarantee

Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.

How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow simple instruction to take a perfect ID photo.

1

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

2

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

3

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Photo Size & Requirements for UK Residence Card Photo

UK Residence Card Photo
Size
Width: 35 mm
Height: 45 mm
Resolution
600 dpi
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Image definition parameters
Head height: 34.5 mm
Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 3 mm
Is it printable?
Yes
Background Color
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UK Residence Card Photo - All You Need to Know

UK Residence Card Photo Guidelines

A UK residence card is documentation that works similarly to a Visa. It enables people to live and work in the UK, with a validity of up to five years. After the card expires, people are able to apply for permanent residency. To apply for a UK Residence Card, few things need to be done, starting with a photo.

Photo Requirements for UK Residence Card

Standard requirements for a UK Residence Card Photo are exactly the same as British Passport requirements. These requirements are essential as, without a correct picture, a residence card might be denied.

  • Photo must be taken within one month of the residence card application
  • Applicant must be visible from head to upper shoulders
  • Background must be white or light grey
  • Eyes must remain open for the duration of the picture
  • No hair can obstruct an applicant's face.
  • Applicant must face forward and look straight into a camera lens
  • Neutral face expression is a must - no smiling or frowning 
  • Mouth must remain closed, teeth cannot be shown
  • No shadows, red-eye effects or face obstructions can be seen in a picture

Size & Format of UK Residence Card Photo

Size and format of the picture must follow a specific specification so the application is approved. Most of the 

  • 45 mm (hight) x 35 mm (width)
  • Photo must not a cropped
  • Photo must be done in the form of a portrait
  • Pictures must be printed in colour, on glossy or matt photographic paper.
  • Photo must be undamaged, with no watermarks or ink marks/crinkles.

In regards to the quality of printed photos, they must be printed in a professional standard. Pictures must not be blurry, but focused and clearly show applicants' faces. They also cannot be altered by computer software, or any social media filters.

How to take a UK Residence Card photo at home? 

Innovative technology now allows individuals to take their official document photos at home. This can be done with their mobile device or a camera. A person must make sure they stand 40 cm away from the camera lens facing forward, with light flashing evenly on the face so a shadow is not created. After taking the picture, an online editing tool will enable individuals to edit their photograph in case it doesn’t follow the documentation guidelines.

Using a mobile app, however, is a more convenient way as everything is completed on a mobile device. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Editing using apps tools permits photos to be checked in accordance to photo guidelines, edited with use of tools such as background removal, or cropping feature. Editor within the app also permits a picture to be retaken - giving tips on what to do or not do.

For digital photos, quality must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall. And be minimum 50KB and no more than 10MB.

Where to take a UK Residence Card Photo?

Due to complex specifications, taking a picture yourself might be difficult. Other options, apart from the app, for applicants to avoid any issues with a picture is to use photo booths or photography services, that are designed for official documents pictures to be taken. These services have high-quality cameras, appropriate backgrounds and specific photographic papers that pictures are printed on. Hence, the chances of rejection in such a case are non-existent

What to wear for a Residence Card Photograph?

Most common question asked in regards to official document photographs is what to wear. In this case rules about passport and Visa clothing also apply to Residence Card Photo clothing. Firstly, the most recent photo must be uploaded to reflect the applicant's latest appearance. What’s not accepted in a residence card photo is:

  • Clothes should not be the same colour as the background
  • Eyewear not be permitted unless it reflects daily wear. In this case, frames must not cover a person's eyes.
  • Sunglasses are not allowed under any circumstance.
  • Uniforms not accepted under any form (unless it’s caused by a religious belief)
  • Headwear not allowed, the only exemption is a religious belief or medical condition.
  • Bears is also acceptable if its part of a person’s identity
  • Facial piercings (including nose studs, eyebrow or lip rings) are allowed in almost all cases for an official document unless it’s small and does not obstruct the picture. Anything that covers largely the outline of mouth, nose, cheekbones will be asked to be removed
  • Permanent tattoos are also allowed.

For any drastic appearance changes, a new photo must be taken. This is when a person has lost or gained a lot of weight, removed or added a visible tattoo, had a facial surgery of any sort, changed a belief and started to wear a religious uniform, or changed their identity through gender transition.

Children Residence Card Photos

Application for children is a slightly different process. If a child's guardian has permanent residence status, their child is automatically a British citizen. In this case, children applications are only to be done for a passport. For a passport photo, what remains the same is that children have to be by their own in the picture, and are not allowed to be held by their parents. Toys or dummies are also not allowed to be present in the picture. For children under age of six, they don’t have to look into the camera's lens.

Most common mistakes when taking a UK Residence Card Photo?

Common mistakes are always caused when a person is uninformed. Some are simple whilst some are more complex. Therefore it should be mentioned that people should not: wear excessive amounts of makeup (that hides natural look), keep their sunglasses on, wear any headwear unless exempt, smiling or showing teeth, wearing clothing that is the same colour as a background, wearing a uniform, scarves or headbands.

Last update: 02/10/2023

About the document

UK Residence Card

The UK Residence Card, also known as the European Economic Area residence card (EEA) acts like a Visa, which allows people to work and live in the UK. These cards are valid for 5 years and then can be transformed into permanent residency. Yet with the current, Brexit, cards will only be valid till 30th June 2021. Afterwards, people can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme.

A biometric residence permit known as BRP is used widely to confirm people’s identity, right to study or right to any public services in the UK. It is commonly given when individuals apply for a UK Visa, settlement, Home Office travel documents, residency, transfer of visa to a new passport, or extension of visa. The process is automatic, and a separate application for BRP is not needed. BRP information includes:

  • Applicant’s name, date and place of birth
  • Applicant’s fingerprints and a photo of their face 
  • Immigration status
  • If you can access public funds, for instance, health services

For some BRP, a National Insurance (NI) number may be visible at the back. This depends on the circumstances of visa status or date of issuement.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Is a photo required for a UK Residence Card?

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Yes, like for any other official document, a photo is required for a UK Residence Card, so identity can be confirmed.

How much does it cost for a photo to be taken?

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Price normally does not exceed £10. However, this depends on where the picture is taken. Some digital services charge a higher price.

Can I take my photo at Asda?

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A standard UK Photo for a document such as passport, can be taken at a local Asda. This normally costs £.2,50.
Yes, in almost every Tesco, there is a passport photo booth, which allows photos to be printed at the spot.
Yes, both documents require exactly the same picture. For both size must be 45x35mm, picture must be in colour, applicant must be visible form head to upper sholders, etc.
In a situation, where a person has a drastic appearance change such as weight loss, a facial tattoo, surgery, or any other form of appearance change. A person must take a new photo for the document.
Glasses that are worn on daily basis are permitted for a picture. However, frames must not cover the eyes.
Uniforms, in general, are not allowed for any official documentation. However, religious clothing is allowed. Applicants must only make sure that a full face from ear to ear and forehead to chin is visible.
No, it is not advised to wear clothing that is the same colour as a background for the document.
With modern technology, using an app for official document photos is now a normal thing. Pictures are done in accordance with guidelines set by a specific document. In a situation, when a person takes a picture wrong, app will discover the problem and give tips on how to make changes. Hence, app photos are always accepted.