Japan residence permit photo size

Requirements

Photo size	30 × 40 mm  (1.18 × 1.57 in)
Head height	The authority does not publish a head-height figure.
Background	Plain background required. The authority does not specify a particular colour.
How recent	Taken within the last 6 months
Retouching	Not allowed. The photo must not be digitally altered beyond cropping.
Background replacement	Not allowed. Shoot against a plain, evenly lit wall.
Where to take it	You can take this photo yourself.

• Glasses are allowed, but there must be no glare on the lenses.
• Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Last checked: Aug 19, 2026 · Source: moj.go.jp. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

How the residence permit photo is submitted

If you hand in a printed photo

• 1 photo.
  写真 １葉（指定の規格を満たした写真を用意し、申請書に添付して提出） moj.go.jp

Rules the authority states for this photo

• No other people or objects in the photo.
  申請人本人のみが撮影されたもの moj.go.jp
• No hat or head covering.
  無帽で正面を向いたもの moj.go.jp
• Face the camera directly.
  無帽で正面を向いたもの moj.go.jp
• No shadows on the face or background.
  背景（影を含む。）がないもの moj.go.jp
• Sharp and in focus.
  鮮明であるもの moj.go.jp
• For a printed photo, write the person's name on the back.
  裏面に氏名が記載されたもの moj.go.jp

Questions

What size is a Japan residence permit photo?

30 × 40 mm (1.18 × 1.57 in).

Can I take a Japan residence permit photo with my phone?

Yes. PhotoSpec crops to 30 × 40 mm and checks the framing before you save. Photos are processed on the phone and are not uploaded.

How it differs from other Japan documents

• Passport — size 30×40 mm here, 35×45 mm there
• ID card — size 30×40 mm here, 35×45 mm there

Related tools and guides

• Lay out this photo on a 4×6, Letter or A4 print sheet
• All supported countries