Official 2026 specifications · Instant compliant photo
Official requirements for New Zealand
Photo Size
35 × 45 mm · 1.38" × 1.77"
Digital Dimensions
1800 × 2400 px
Resolution: 600 DPI
Background Color
white
Plain, no patterns, shadows, or gradients
File Format
JPEG
Print Paper
glossy photo paper
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The New Zealand Visa photo must be exactly 35x45mm (1.4x1.8 inch). The digital image must be 1800x2400 pixels at 600 DPI. The face must be centred with the head occupying the majority of the frame.
A plain white background is required. There must be no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the subject. Stand at least 2 feet from the background to avoid shadows.
Face the camera directly. Neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open and clearly visible, looking directly at the lens. No head tilt. Full face must be visible.
Glasses are not permitted. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo. Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons with full face visible. No headphones or wireless devices visible.
Must be printed on high-quality photo paper. Standard inkjet or laser printer paper is not acceptable. Image must be sharp and free from pixelation, red-eye, or retouching.
The background must be plain white. Using the wrong background colour is the most common rejection reason for New Zealand Visa photos. Our tool automatically applies the correct white background.
Overhead lights cast shadows under the nose and chin. Stand at least 2 feet from the wall and use window light to eliminate shadows from both face and background.
Glasses are banned in New Zealand Visa photos. Remove all eyewear — no exceptions unless you have a signed medical statement from a licensed doctor.
The face must occupy the correct proportion of the photo. Many home photos have the subject too far from the camera resulting in a head that is too small and gets rejected.
Standard A4 or copy paper is not accepted. The photo must be printed on glossy or matte photo-quality paper at a professional printing service or on a dedicated photo printer.
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly, take a new photo regardless of when the current one was taken.
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