Country Standards
November 2026
•
8 min read

Pakistan Passport & NADRA Photo Requirements: DGIP Biometric Standards

Official DGIP and NADRA photo specifications for Machine Readable Passports (MRP), Smart NIC identity cards, and overseas Pakistani passport renewals.

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Official Guidelines for Pakistani Passports and NADRA Cards

For Pakistani citizens residing at home and overseas, applying for or renewing a Machine Readable Passport (MRP), e-Passport, National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), or Smart NIC card requires strict adherence to biometric standards established by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Submitting photos with incorrect background colors, improper head ratios, or heavy compression is the leading reason online passport renewals on the DGIP portal are returned for resubmission. In this guide, we review all official requirements.


Standard Dimensions and Formats

  • Physical Machine Readable Passport & NADRA Smart NIC: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The face must occupy 70% to 80% of the vertical frame.
  • DGIP Online Renewal Portal: A square or rectangular digital portrait (600 x 600 pixels or 35x45 mm) in JPG format with a file size strictly under 1 MB.
  • Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for physical printing and digital uploads.

  • Background Color Rules

    The DGIP and NADRA accept two official background colors:

  • Plain Solid White: Mandatory for online e-Services passport renewals and modern Smart NIC applications.
  • Light Blue: Widely utilized in domestic NADRA registration centers.
  • In all cases, the background must be completely flat and free from shadows, patterns, or wall textures.


    Dress Code, Hijab, and Facial Visibility

  • Hijab and Religious Head Coverings: Female applicants are fully permitted to wear a hijab or dupatta in accordance with religious observance. However, the head covering must not cast shadows over the forehead or eyes, and the facial oval—from the lower tip of the chin to the top of the forehead and both side contours—must be completely visible.
  • Attire Contrast: Male applicants should wear dark business suits, dark collared shirts, or dark formal shalwar kameez. White shirts should be avoided against white backgrounds.
  • Eyeglasses: DGIP officials recommend removing eyeglasses to eliminate lens reflections and frame interference during iris matching scans.
  • Expression: A neutral facial expression with mouth closed and eyes looking directly into the camera lens is mandatory.

  • Generating Your Pakistani Passport Photo with IdSnapAI

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