Gibraltar Civilian Registration Card and Residence Permit Photo Rules
Get the correct size and appearance for your Gibraltar civilian registration card and residence permit photo before you apply.
Official Size and Document Requirements
The application for a Civilian Registration Card and Permit of Residence asks for one recent passport-size photo on a white background[1][2]. The guidance does not give numeric dimensions. A 35 by 45 mm (1.38 by 1.77 inch) crop is commonly used for passport photos, but the official sources do not say that this size is accepted for this application.
You should always confirm the exact requirements with the issuing office if you have any questions. The application combines both the card and the residence permit[1]. You must provide one printed passport photo, which the office will scan to create the digital image on your card[2].
Background and Lighting Setup
The guidance calls for a white background and a photo taken in a studio, not at home[1][2]. The photo must be clear, in sharp focus, and taken within the last month[1].
Good lighting is just as important as the background. Face a window with natural daylight to light your face evenly. Avoid harsh overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your nose or chin. If you use the tool above, you can easily crop your photo to the correct 35 by 45 millimeter size.
Expression and Head Position
Your photo must show a neutral expression[2]. Keep your mouth completely closed and do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows[2].
Look straight at the camera with your eyes open and visible[1]. The guidance does not set a head-height measurement. Children aged five and under do not need to look directly at the camera, and babies under one do not need to have their eyes open[1].
Glasses and Headwear Rules
Glasses may be worn if there is no glare or reflection and the frames do not cover your eyes. The guidance recommends removing them if possible[1]. Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons[1].
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[2]. If you wear religious or medical head coverings, your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, as well as the edges of your face, must be clearly visible. Everyday hats, caps, and hair accessories are not allowed.
Rules for Children and Infants
The guidance gives exceptions for children aged five and under and babies under one[1]. Other photo requirements still apply.
Babies under one do not need to have their eyes open. If a baby's head needs support, the supporting hand must not be visible. Children aged five and under do not need a neutral expression or to look directly at the camera[1]. The photo must not include other people or objects, including toys or a pacifier[1].
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
Because the department requires a printed passport photo that gets scanned for the card[2], you need a physical copy. You can prepare your photo at home using the tool above to get the right 35 by 45 millimeter proportions.
Save your final image onto a standard 4 by 6-inch photo sheet. You can take this file to any local store or kiosk that prints ordinary 4 by 6-inch photos. Print it out on glossy or matte photo paper at standard photographic quality, then cut the photo carefully to size with scissors.
Avoiding Common Mistakes and Refusals
Photos often get refused because of poor lighting, shadows on the background, or incorrect expressions. Make sure your mouth is closed and you are not smiling. Check that your eyes are clear and visible, with no heavy frames or glare blocking them.
Verify that the background is completely white and free of marks[2]. Double-check all requirements with HM Government of Gibraltar before you submit your documents so that your application is not delayed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a Gibraltar civilian registration card?
The guidance calls for a passport photo on a white background but does not set numeric dimensions[2]. The 35 by 45 millimeter size is the commonly used passport crop for this application.
Can I wear glasses in my Gibraltar residence permit photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional circumstances[2], such as medical necessity, and your eyes must remain fully visible without any glare.
What color must the background be?
The guidance specifies a white background for the photo[2].
How do I submit the photo to the department?
You must provide one printed passport-size photo, which the department scans to place on the card[2].
Are there special photo rules for babies?
The guidance references standard passport-photo rules and does not state separate infant rules for the civilian registration card[2].