New Zealand Passport Photo
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) · Passport (paper form)
For the best photo: a plain face, looking straight at the camera, even light with no shadows, and no glare on glasses. Stand in front of a plain light wall.
The official rules
From the government's own website, checked September 2026. Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Head size | Head, including hair, must be 80% of image height (no mm range is given). Our guide lines: 35–37 mm. |
| Background | Paper form: plain and light, but not white. Online: plain, light-coloured. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, not smiling or frowning. Mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be clearly showing through glasses, with no reflection. Remove heavy-rimmed frames. No sunglasses or tinted lenses. |
| Head coverings | Only for religious or medical reasons. |
| How recent | Less than 6 months old. |
| Copies | 2 identical colour photos, on high quality photo paper (not matte, not inkjet, not thermal). |
| Good to know | No smiling. Clear glasses are OK with no glare; no heavy frames or tinted lenses. |
Applying online
- Online passport application: 900 × 1200 px to 4500 × 6000 px, 250 KB to 5 MB, JPG or JPEG. Follow the upload steps on the official site.
Common questions
What size is a new zealand passport photo?
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in). Head, including hair, must be 80% of image height (no mm range is given).
What background do I need?
Paper form: plain and light, but not white. Online: plain, light-coloured.
Can I wear glasses?
Eyes must be clearly showing through glasses, with no reflection. Remove heavy-rimmed frames. No sunglasses or tinted lenses.
Can I smile?
Neutral expression, not smiling or frowning. Mouth closed, eyes open.
How recent must the photo be?
Less than 6 months old.
Will my photo be accepted?
We can't promise that. The final decision is always made by the passport or visa office. This page follows their published rules, which we last checked in September 2026, so check the official page before you apply.