Kuwait Residence Card (PACI Civil ID) Photo Requirements

Obtaining or renewing a Kuwait residence permit — known locally as an Iqama — requires a compliant colour photograph that meets the specifications set by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The standard is a 40×60 mm (945×1417 px) colour image on a pure white background, and it forms the core of the expatriate civil identification record in Kuwait.

A critical distinction sets Kuwait apart from most countries: the residence permit is not issued as a separate card. Instead, it is embedded directly in the PACI Civil ID — the single official identity document for all expatriates living in Kuwait. During every application or renewal, the applicant's photograph and fingerprints are captured digitally on-site by a certified operator at a PACI or MOI service centre. This mandatory biometric session means a home-printed or downloaded photo cannot replace the in-office capture. That said, knowing the exact official standard is essential: it tells you precisely how to present yourself at the appointment, and the same specifications apply to any supporting paper files submitted alongside your application.

• Dimensions: 40×60 mm (945×1417 px at 600 dpi)
• Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF) — off-white, cream, light grey, or any tinted shade will be refused
• Face coverage: 70–80% of the total frame height
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes fully open and directed straight at the camera
• Glasses: Not permitted under any circumstances — including clear frames and lightly tinted lenses
• Headwear: Permitted for religious reasons only (e.g. hijab, keffiyeh); the entire face including forehead and chin must remain clearly visible
• Recency: Taken within the past six months
• Print quality: Sharp focus, even lighting, no shadows on the face or background

Common reasons photos are rejected in Kuwait

• Background is cream, off-white, or light grey instead of strict #FFFFFF — one of the most frequent causes of rejection at PACI counters
• Glasses present, even transparent frames or very lightly tinted lenses, which are explicitly barred by PACI guidelines
• Face proportion outside the 70–80% height range — either too small (subject standing too far back) or overflowing the frame
• Non-religious headwear, or a hijab that partially covers the forehead, breaking the requirement for full facial visibility

Our tool automatically crops and formats your uploaded photo to the exact 40×60 mm specification with a pure white background, giving you a pixel-perfect reference that matches what PACI requires. Please note: for the PACI Civil ID itself, the official photograph is always captured digitally at the service centre — a printed or downloaded file cannot substitute for that biometric session. Use this tool to prepare a compliant reference image, confirm your appearance against the official standard before your appointment, or produce a correctly sized photo for any supporting application documents that require a paper copy.