United Kingdom · Visa

UK visa or permission (UKVI photo): size and rules

The digital photo is at least 600 × 750 px, 50 to 6,144 KB, as JPEG.

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Photo specification

Digital upload
Image size	at least 600 × 750 px
File size	50 to 6,144 KB. The source counts 1 KB as 1,024 bytes.
Formats	JPEG

We check sizes and positions; the issuing authority decides acceptance. Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules change. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before you apply.

Background and editing

The source asks for a light-coloured or plain background. The rules do not allow digital changes to the photo, so the background has to be right when the photo is taken. Retake it against a plain wall instead of editing the background. PortraitPass keeps background replacement off by default for this document.

Rules from the source

Vertical orientation; not mirrored or flipped.
Show head, shoulders and upper body, with nobody else in the photo.
Must not be altered by software or a filter; taken in a well-lit room.
Not a photo of another photo, and not the same photo as in your passport.
No shadows on face or behind you; try to have someone else take it.

Expression, lighting and how recent the photo is cannot be measured from a picture, so check them yourself.

Can you make it at home?

Yes. For applications that ask you to upload a photo of your face. It can come from a phone or tablet; having someone else take it lowers the chance of rejection.

PortraitPass frames the photo against the head and eye lines above, then exports a file at the exact pixel size and under the size limit.

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Sources

Take a photo of your face for a visa application or permission (GOV.UK)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.

Found a wrong or outdated number? Open an issue with the source link.

Common questions

What size is a UK visa or permission (UKVI photo)?

The digital upload is at least 600 × 750 px, as JPEG.

Can I take a UK visa or permission (UKVI photo) at home?

Yes. The source accepts a photo you prepare yourself.

What background does a UK visa or permission (UKVI photo) need?

The source asks for a light-coloured or plain background.

How many KB can a UK visa or permission (UKVI photo) be?

The file size limit is 50 to 6,144 KB. The source counts 1 KB as 1,024 bytes.

Where do the UK visa or permission (UKVI photo) numbers come from?

From the issuing authority’s own pages: Take a photo of your face for a visa application or permission (GOV.UK). Last checked 28 Sep 2026.

Guides for this photo

Photo under 50 KB