May 28, 2026 · Photo Tips
Passport Photo for UK EU Settlement Scheme 2026 – Digital Selfie Guide
The UK EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) has a fully digital photo process — no printed passport photo is required. Instead, applicants take a live digital selfie through the UK Home Office app. However, related UK immigration applications (BRP card, Indefinite Leave to Remain) do require traditional printed photos. This guide explains exactly which UK immigration applications need what.
EUSS: no printed photo required — digital selfie only
The UK EU Settlement Scheme uses the EU Exit: ID Document Check app to capture a live digital selfie. You do not submit a printed passport photo. However, if you need a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or are applying for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) outside the EUSS route, you will need a printed 35×45mm photo.
How the EUSS Digital Selfie Works
The UK Home Office designed the EU Settlement Scheme as a fully digital process for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens applying to remain in the UK after Brexit. The photo component works as follows:
- You download the EU Exit: ID Document Check app on your smartphone.
- The app uses your phone's camera to scan your biometric passport or national ID card chip (NFC) for identity verification.
- You take a live selfie within the app. The app guides you with on-screen instructions to position your face correctly in the frame.
- The app compares the selfie with the photo stored on your identity document chip using facial recognition technology.
- No printed photo is sent to the Home Office. The entire photo process is digital and occurs within the app.
The selfie must meet basic ICAO-equivalent quality standards: face clearly visible, good lighting, no heavy shadows, plain light background. However, because the selfie is taken live in the app, the app itself guides you to correct framing.
Tips for Taking a Good EUSS App Selfie
- Choose a plain white or light background — a plain wall works well.
- Use good natural or even artificial lighting — avoid harsh overhead light that casts shadows below the nose or eyes.
- Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
- Remove glasses — ICAO biometric standards apply.
- Do not use beauty mode or filters — the app captures a raw image.
- Make sure your face is fully visible — no hair covering eyes, no hat, no sunglasses.
UK Immigration Photo Requirements: EUSS vs Other Routes
| Application | Photo Type | Size | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) | Digital selfie via app | N/A (in-app capture) | Plain light/white (app guidance) |
| UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | Printed photo | 35×45mm | Plain light grey or cream |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Printed photo | 35×45mm | Plain light grey or cream |
| UK Passport (HMPO) | Printed photo | 35×45mm | Plain light grey or cream/off-white |
| UK Visa (standard) | Printed or digital (varies) | 35×45mm | Plain white or light grey |
Always verify with the official UK Home Office guidance before submitting.
UK Photo Background: Light Grey or Cream — Not Pure White
For UK immigration applications that require a printed photo (BRP, ILR, UK passport), the HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) guidance recommends a plain light grey or cream background — not pure white. This is a subtle but important difference from most EU countries which specify white.
In practice, a slightly off-white or cream background is the safest choice. A pure white background will often be accepted, but a very light grey or cream ensures compliance with the exact HMPO wording and avoids any risk of the photo being queried at a UK visa application centre.
EU citizens applying for UK immigration outside the EUSS app route (e.g. ILR, BRP, Skilled Worker visa) should use a UK-format 35×45mm photo with a light grey or cream background. The same photo can be used for EU applications if the background is sufficiently light — the difference between UK off-white and EU white is minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a printed photo for the UK EU Settlement Scheme?
No. The UK EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is a fully digital process. Instead of submitting a printed photo, you provide a digital selfie through the EU Exit: ID Document Check app. There is no printed passport photo requirement for EUSS applications.
What background should my EUSS digital selfie have?
The EUSS app guidance recommends a plain light or white background for your selfie. The face must be clearly visible, well lit, and without shadows. The selfie is taken live within the app, which guides you through the process. Avoid patterned walls or dark backgrounds.
What photo format is required for a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) applications require a printed photo measuring 35×45mm. The UK HMPO recommends a light grey or cream background — not pure white. The face must be clearly visible with a neutral expression and no glasses.
Can I use an EU passport photo for UK immigration applications?
The format is the same — 35×45mm — but UK immigration guidance (HMPO) recommends a light grey or cream background rather than pure white. A white background photo will usually be accepted for UK immigration purposes, but using a slightly off-white or cream background is the safer option.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. UK Home Office guidance is subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official UK Home Office or HMPO guidance.
UK-Format Passport Photo, Online
ID Wizard creates compliant 35×45mm passport photos suitable for UK BRP, ILR, and visa applications — with the correct light background. Free preview before you pay. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
Get started for free →