NEW ZEALAND PASSPORT PHOTO REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
Follow these key rules to make sure your photo is accepted.
DIMENSIONS
Photo size: 35 × 45 mm
Head size: 31 – 36 mm
FACE POSITION & SIZE
Keep your head centered with even space around.
BACKGROUND
Important Note
New Zealand passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Ensure a plain plain light background, glasses permitted, and exact 35 × 45 mm sizing.
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Quick reference: New Zealand passport photo specifications
Before submitting your application via the Immigration Online portal or a paper form, ensure your photo meets these exact parameters set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size (Paper) | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Digital resolution | 900 × 1200 px @ 600 DPI |
| Face height | 31 – 36 mm (70–80% of total height) |
| File format & size | JPEG, 500 KB – 3 MB |
| Background colour | Plain Light |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses policy | Permitted with thin, non-reflective frames |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Official New Zealand passport photo dimensions
Immigration New Zealand specifies that passport photos must be 35 mm wide × 45 mm high — a portrait format identical to the New Zealand passport photo standard maintained by the Department of Internal Affairs. Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (the crown) must occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height, which equates to roughly 29–34 mm on a 45 mm tall print.
Several third-party websites incorrectly list a 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) square format for New Zealand passports — that is the US standard. New Zealand uses a portrait 35 × 45 mm format. Submitting a square photo will result in rejection.
New Zealand passport photo size in mm, cm, and inches
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) | 35 mm | 45 mm | 31 – 36 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 3.1–3.6 cm |
| Inches (in) | 1.38 in | 1.77 in | 1.24–1.42 in |
| Pixels (px @ 300 DPI) | 900 px | 1200 px | 840–960 px |
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Print vs. digital: what changes between paper and online applications?
If you apply through the INZ Immigration Online portal, you upload a single digital JPEG file as part of your application. If you are required to submit a paper form or attend an in-person appointment at a New Zealand passport application centre (VAC), you will typically need two identical printed photos. The face, expression, and background rules are the same for both — only the output format differs.
| Aspect | Print (paper form) | Digital (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 × 45 mm | 900 × 1200 px |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (500 KB – 3 MB) |
| Background | Plain Light | Plain Light |
| Resolution | Min 600 DPI | 900 × 1200 px (600 DPI) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral, mouth closed |
Background requirements for New Zealand passport photos
The background must be plain white or light grey, evenly lit, and completely free of shadows, patterns, gradients, or objects. It must provide clear contrast with your face, hair, and clothing. Do not use a coloured, dark, or textured wall — and do not digitally remove or replace the background, as any form of retouching is strictly prohibited by INZ.
To achieve a shadow-free background at home, stand at least 50 cm from the wall and ensure it is independently and evenly lit. A common mistake is using a single overhead light, which casts a shadow halo behind the head. Two light sources positioned on either side of the subject at equal height eliminate this problem. Natural window light from two sides also works well.
Face position, expression, and lighting requirements
Your face must be centred in the frame and looking directly into the camera lens. Both ears should be visible and symmetrically positioned. Hair must not cover the forehead, temples, or eyes. Eyes must be fully open, with a clear, unobstructed view of both irises. Your mouth must be closed with a completely neutral, relaxed expression — no smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, or pursed lips.
Lighting must be uniform across the entire face and background. There must be no shadows under the chin, on the sides of the face, or on the background behind the head. Your natural skin tone must be accurately and evenly represented — avoid direct flash, which causes overexposed highlights and red-eye. Use diffused window light or two balanced artificial sources at equal height on each side of your face.
Glasses policy for New Zealand passport photos
Glasses are not permitted in New Zealand passport photos under current Immigration New Zealand and Department of Internal Affairs policy. This requirement aligns with New Zealand passport photo rules and is enforced to ensure accurate biometric facial recognition. All applicants — including those with a strong prescription — must remove glasses before the photo is taken.
Even clear frames with minimal lens glare or anti-reflective coatings will trigger rejection in automated processing. Removing glasses does not affect identity verification, as INZ biometric checks focus on facial geometry and do not require visual aids to be present.
New Zealand passport photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Double-check these common pitfalls to ensure your photo is not delayed or rejected by Immigration New Zealand.
Do
- Use a plain white or light grey background that contrasts clearly with your face
- Ensure your face is centred, forward-facing, and fully visible from chin to crown
- Keep your eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera
- Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed
- Use even, shadow-free lighting on both face and background
- Show your full head from chin to crown, with tops of your shoulders visible
- Ensure hair does not cover the edges of your face or obscure your eyes
- Use a JPEG file between 50 KB and 5 MB for online submissions
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months
- Wear everyday clothing appropriate for the season
Don't
- Wear glasses — they are not permitted under current Immigration New Zealand guidance
- Smile, tilt or turn your head, or close your eyes
- Use a coloured, patterned, dark, or textured background
- Retouch, filter, or digitally alter the photo in any way
- Submit a scan or a photo of a printed photo as your digital upload
- Upload a file below 50 KB or above 5 MB
- Wear hats, beanies, or fashion headwear (religious coverings excepted)
- Allow hair, jewellery, or clothing to cover your eyes or face edges
- Use a photo older than 6 months
- Use a black-and-white or heavily compressed image
How to take a correct New Zealand passport photo at home (step-by-step)
Following these six steps will produce a photo that meets the official INZ requirements for both paper and digital submissions without needing to visit a professional studio.
Choose the right background
Stand or sit in front of a plain white or light grey wall. Ensure the surface is evenly lit so there are no shadows behind you. The background must provide clear contrast with your face, hair, and clothing. Do not use a textured, patterned, or coloured surface, and avoid using digital background removal tools.
Set up lighting
Use natural daylight from a large window positioned to the side, or two balanced artificial light sources at equal height on either side of your face. Avoid direct flash, which causes red-eye, harsh highlights, and shadow halos on the background. Stand at least 50 cm away from the background wall.
Position yourself correctly
Face the camera directly. Keep your head upright — not tilted, turned, or angled. Your full head from chin to crown must be visible, with the tops of your shoulders included in the frame. Remove glasses before shooting. Stand roughly 45–60 cm from the camera.
Take the photo
Open your eyes fully and look straight into the lens. Maintain a completely neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile or frown, no raised eyebrows. Ask someone else to take the photo if possible to ensure correct framing and reduce camera shake.
Crop and size the image
For paper submissions, crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm at a minimum of 300 DPI. Your face should measure approximately 29–34 mm from chin to crown. For online submissions via Immigration Online, export as a JPEG at a minimum of 900 × 1200 px between 50 KB and 5 MB.
Check before submitting
Verify the background is plain white or light grey and shadow-free, your face height is approximately 70–80% of the frame, no glasses are visible, eyes are open and looking at the camera, expression is neutral, and the JPEG file is between 50 KB and 5 MB. Print two identical copies for paper applications.
Common New Zealand passport photo rejection reasons in 2026
INZ automated processing checks photo dimensions, face position, background colour, expression, and file quality. These are the most frequent causes of rejection or return for applicants:
Incorrect background colour
Any background other than plain white or light grey is rejected. Coloured, patterned, dark, or digitally replaced backgrounds all fail INZ photo checks.
Glasses in the photo
Glasses are not permitted in New Zealand passport or passport photos under current Immigration New Zealand and the Department of Internal Affairs policy. Even clear frames cause rejection.
Non-neutral expression
Smiling, open mouth, raised eyebrows, a tilted or rotated head, or partially closed eyes will all trigger rejection. A completely neutral, relaxed expression is required.
Shadows on face or background
Shadows cast behind the head or across the face are a frequent cause of rejection. Stand at least 50 cm from the background wall and use diffused, even lighting from both sides.
Incorrect face size or crop
Photos where the face is too small (below ~70% of the frame height) or too large (crown or chin cropped out) fail biometric checks. Face height must be approximately 29–34 mm on a 45 mm print.
Photo older than 6 months
INZ requires a recent likeness. A photo that does not reflect your current appearance — for example after a significant change in weight, surgery, or hairstyle — may be returned.
Hair or accessories obscuring the face
Hair covering the forehead, temples, or eyes, and large earrings or jewellery creating shadows, are common triggers for rejection by INZ automated processing.
File out of size range
Files below 50 KB are over-compressed and will fail quality checks; files above 5 MB will not upload to the Immigration Online portal. Check file size before submission.
New Zealand passport photo requirements for babies and children
Children of all ages — including newborns — require their own individual passport photo and cannot share a photo with a parent or guardian. The child must be photographed alone against a plain white or light grey background, with no other person, hand, toy, pacifier, chair back, or object visible in the frame.
For infants who cannot yet hold their head up independently, lay them on a plain white or light grey sheet and photograph from directly above, ensuring no supporting hands appear in the frame. For very young children, a slightly open mouth is acceptable where a closed-mouth expression cannot be achieved. For children aged 3 and over, the standard adult requirements apply: mouth closed, eyes open, neutral expression, and looking directly at the camera.
Religious head coverings in New Zealand passport photos
Religious head coverings are permitted provided they are worn for genuine religious reasons and meet all of the following conditions: the covering must be plain material with no patterns (including small or subtle patterns); your full face must remain clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead; both sides of the face — including the outer edges of both eyes — must be fully visible; and the covering must cast no shadows on your face or on the background.
Fashion hats, beanies, caps, bandanas, or headwear worn for non-religious reasons are not permitted. Medical headwear may be accepted but should be accompanied by a supporting letter from a registered medical practitioner, as INZ may request clarification.
Official sources
These pages are the authoritative references.
Frequently asked questions: New Zealand passport photo 2026
What is the New Zealand passport photo size requirement in 2026?
For paper applications, the New Zealand passport photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. Your face from chin to crown should measure approximately 29–34 mm (70–80% of the photo height). For online applications submitted via the Immigration New Zealand Immigration Online portal, upload a JPEG file between 50 KB and 5 MB, with a minimum resolution of 900 × 1200 pixels recommended.
Is a 35 × 45 mm photo accepted for a New Zealand passport?
Yes. The standard New Zealand passport and passport photo size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high — a portrait format. This is the only accepted printed size. Do not use a 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) square US-format photo, which is not accepted for New Zealand applications.
What is the New Zealand passport photo size in cm and inches?
The standard size is 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high. In inches that is approximately 1.38 inches wide by 1.77 inches high.
What is the New Zealand passport photo size in pixels?
Immigration New Zealand recommends a minimum resolution of 900 × 1200 pixels for digital uploads. The file must be a JPEG between 50 KB and 5 MB. Files below 50 KB are likely over-compressed and will fail quality checks.
What colour background is required for a New Zealand passport photo?
The background must be plain white or light grey, evenly lit, and completely free of shadows, patterns, or objects. It must contrast clearly with your face and hair. Do not use a coloured, dark, or textured background, and do not use digital background removal — any form of retouching is prohibited.
Are New Zealand visitor passport and student passport photo requirements different?
The core photo specifications are the same across all New Zealand passport categories managed by Immigration New Zealand: 35 × 45 mm print or JPEG between 50 KB and 5 MB, white or light grey background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. Always check the specific checklist in your INZ application portal for your passport subtype, as individual categories may note additional requirements.
Do I need a 2×2 inch photo for a New Zealand passport?
No. A 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) square format is the US passport standard and is not accepted for New Zealand passport applications. New Zealand uses a portrait format: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high.
Should a New Zealand passport photo be matte or glossy?
For print applications, glossy or semi-glossy photo paper from a professional lab is recommended. For digital submissions via the Immigration Online portal, paper finish is irrelevant — only the JPEG file is uploaded.
What should I wear for a New Zealand passport photo?
Wear everyday clothing that contrasts with the white or light grey background. Avoid plain white or very pale tops that merge with the background, uniforms, camouflage, or anything that obscures the face or neck. Modest religious dress is permitted provided the full face remains visible from chin to forehead.
Can babies have an open mouth in a New Zealand passport photo?
Yes. For infants and very young children, an open mouth is acceptable where it is impractical to ensure a closed-mouth expression. No other person, hand, toy, or object should be visible in the frame. The child must be photographed against a plain white or light grey background.
Can I wear glasses in a New Zealand passport photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in New Zealand passport or passport photos under current Immigration New Zealand and Department of Internal Affairs guidance. All applicants must remove glasses before the photo is taken, regardless of prescription strength.
Can I smile in a New Zealand passport photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera. Smiling, frowning, or any other facial expression is not permitted and will trigger rejection by automated biometric processing.
How recent must a New Zealand passport photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken — for example due to surgery, illness, or a significant change in weight or hair — you should retake the photo.
Can I use an online photo tool for a New Zealand passport?
You can use a compliant online tool to crop, resize, and validate the JPEG file specifications, but Immigration New Zealand recommends photos be taken by a professional photographer or at an approved photo booth. Always verify that the output matches the portal requirements — white or light grey background, correct crop, between 50 KB and 5 MB — before submitting.
What is the file size limit for a New Zealand passport photo uploaded online?
The file must be a JPEG between 50 KB and 5 MB. Files below 50 KB are over-compressed and will fail quality validation. Files above 5 MB will not upload to the Immigration Online portal. Aim for a resolution of 900 × 1200 px at moderate JPEG quality for the best balance of file size and image clarity.
Are religious head coverings allowed in a New Zealand passport photo?
Yes, provided the covering is worn for genuine religious reasons. The covering must be plain material without patterns, must cast no shadow on your face or the background, and your full face from chin to forehead — including the outer edges of both eyes — must remain fully visible.
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