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The Challenge
Iran requires 30×40mm passport photos with face covering 70-80% of the frame, white background, and 6 identical copies. Professional photo studios in Iran charge 500,000-1,500,000 IRR. Rejected photos mean returning to police station or passport office with delays of days or weeks.
Iranian passport photo requirements
Iran requires 30×40mm passport photos following biometric standards with face covering 70-80% of the frame height. Photos must have a plain white background with no shadows, taken within the last 6 months. Six identical photos are required for passport applications. Ears must be visible or both edges of the face must be clearly shown. Photos must be printed on matte photo paper at 600 DPI minimum. Iran's passport is fully biometric, so photo quality and positioning are strictly enforced at passport offices (Police +10 offices).
Important: Hijab requirement for women
- Women applying for Iranian domestic passports are required by Iranian law to wear hijab (headscarf) covering all hair and neck in their passport photo
- The hijab must not cast shadows on the face or obscure any facial features
- Full face from chin to forehead must remain clearly visible
- This requirement applies to all Iranian passport photos processed within Iran
- For e-visa photos submitted by foreign nationals, hijab is NOT required — use the separate Iran e-Visa Photo tool
Iran passport photo requirements checklist
- 30×40mm dimensions (3×4 cm) — smaller than EU standard 35×45mm
- Pure white background — no off-white, cream, or grey
- Face covers 70-80% of frame height from chin to crown/hijab top
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling
- Both eyes open and fully visible — no hair or frames covering eyes
- Ears visible or full width of face clearly shown
- No glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- No hats or headwear except religious head covering (hijab for women)
- Head straight, not tilted or rotated, facing camera directly
- Shoulders visible in photo
- 709×945 pixels minimum at 600 DPI
- Printed on matte photo paper
- 6 identical copies required for passport application
- No digital filters, beauty mode, or retouching
Common rejection reasons at Iranian passport offices
- Face coverage less than 70% or more than 80% of frame
- Shadows on face or white background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Ears not visible and face edges not clearly shown
- Photo older than 6 months or not reflecting current appearance
- Background not pure white — off-white or grey rejected
- Head tilted, rotated, or not facing camera directly
- Low resolution or pixelation when printed
- Fewer than 6 identical photos submitted
- Women: hair visible outside hijab covering
- Smiling or mouth open
How to print Iran passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Glossy paper may be rejected at passport offices.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) to fit 8 photos (30×40mm each), or A4 for larger sheets.
- Print quantity: You need 6 identical photos minimum — print 8 for safety.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 30×40mm (3×4cm). Verify with ruler.
- Alternative: Print at local photo centre or akasi (عکاسی). Specify '30×40mm on matte paper'.
Good vs bad Iran passport photo examples
Iran passport photo vs e-visa photo differences
Iranian passport photos (30×40mm) and e-visa photos share the same aspect ratio but have different requirements. Passport photos are for domestic Iranian passport applications processed at Police +10 offices — they require printed copies on matte paper, hijab for women, and 6 identical photos. E-visa photos are for foreign nationals applying online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — they require digital JPEG upload at 400×600 pixels minimum, file size between 10-500KB, and hijab is not mandatory. Do not use passport photos for e-visa applications as pixel dimensions differ.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Ensure only the child is visible — no hands, toys, or supports in frame
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting, avoid direct flash
- Photograph from directly above with face centred
- Both eyes should be open, mouth closed
- For babies under 1 year, slightly relaxed expression rules may apply
- Child's face must still cover 70-80% of frame
- Children need their own passport with their own photos in Iran
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo — normal for young children
Where to apply for Iranian passport
Iranian passports are issued by Police +10 (پلیس +10) offices throughout Iran. Applications require 6 identical 30×40mm photos, completed application form, national ID card (کارت ملی), birth certificate (شناسنامه), and military service card for men. Processing typically takes 1-3 weeks. Passport renewal requires new photos even if previous photos are less than 6 months old. Iranian citizens abroad can apply at Iranian embassies and consulates.
Official Iranian government resources
- Iran MFA — Passport Services Information Ministry of Foreign Affairs passport issuance and renewal information
- Mikhak System — Consular Services for Iranians Abroad Online passport application and consular services for Iranians living outside Iran
- Iran e-Visa Portal — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official e-visa application system for foreign nationals visiting Iran
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines (70-80%)
Select Enhancement
Print Sheet with 6+ Copies
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 30×40 mm (3×4 cm)
- Resolution
- 709×945 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Coverage
- 70-80% of frame height
- Background
- White (required)
- Quantity Required
- 6 identical photos
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Iranian passport, national ID
Best Practices
- Iran uses 30×40mm — smaller than EU 35×45mm. Verify dimensions before printing
- Face must cover 70-80% of frame — use crop guidelines carefully
- 6 identical photos required — print at least 8 for safety margin
- Ears must be visible or full face width clearly shown
- Women: hijab is mandatory for domestic Iranian passport photos — all hair must be covered
- White background only — no off-white, cream, or grey accepted
- Remove all glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's documentation
- Print on matte paper at 600 DPI for acceptance at passport offices
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Iran passport photos?
Iranian passport photos must be 30×40mm (3×4 cm). This is smaller than the standard EU format of 35×45mm. Face must cover 70-80% of the frame height. Six identical photos are required for passport applications.
How many photos do I need for Iran passport?
Six identical 30×40mm photos are required for Iranian passport applications at Police +10 offices. Print at least 8 copies to have spares in case of rejection.
Do women need to wear hijab in Iran passport photos?
Yes. Iranian law requires women to wear hijab covering all hair and neck in domestic passport photos. The hijab must not cast shadows on the face, and the full face from chin to forehead must remain visible. This applies to all Iranian passport photos processed within Iran.
Is hijab required for Iran e-visa photos?
No. The official Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal does not require hijab for foreign applicants. However, some individual embassies may request head coverings for print submissions — check with the specific embassy. Use the separate Iran e-Visa Photo tool for digital visa applications.
What background for Iran passport photos?
Plain white background only. No off-white, cream, grey, or patterned backgrounds. Ensure no shadows on the background. White is strictly enforced at Iranian passport offices.
Can I wear glasses in Iran passport photos?
No, unless medically required with documentation. Even with medical exemption: frames must not cover eyes, no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections on lenses.
Do ears need to be visible in Iran passport photos?
Yes. Both ears should be visible, or at minimum both edges of the face must be clearly shown. If hair covers the ears, the full width of the face must still be identifiable.
Can I use Iran passport photos for e-visa?
No. Passport photos are 30×40mm printed at 600 DPI (709×945 pixels). E-visa requires digital JPEG upload at minimum 400×600 pixels with specific file size limits (10-500KB). Use the dedicated Iran e-Visa Photo tool for visa applications.
What is the pixel size for Iran passport photos?
709×945 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures print quality meets Iranian government standards when printed at 30×40mm. Lower resolution will be rejected.
How recent must Iran passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must accurately reflect your current appearance. Even if the photo is less than 6 months old, authorities may request a new one if your appearance has changed significantly.