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New Zealand

New Zealand passport photo size

33.75 × 45 mm · Light grey or plain white · 900 × 1200 px · Up to 5 MB · Taken within the last 6 months

Requirements

Photo size33.75 × 45 mm  (1.33 × 1.77 in)
Head height71–80% of the photo height
BackgroundLight grey or plain white
Digital size900 × 1200 px, up to 5 MB
File formatjpeg
How recentTaken within the last 6 months
RetouchingNot allowed. The photo must not be digitally altered beyond cropping.
Background replacementNot allowed. Shoot against a wall of the required colour.
Where to take itYou can take this photo yourself.
  • Glasses are allowed, but there must be no glare on the lenses.
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Last checked: Aug 7, 2026 · Source: passports.govt.nz passport-photos. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

You can take this photo yourself

A plain, empty wall. Nothing behind you.
Good example. A plain, empty wall. Nothing behind you.
Frames, shelves and curtains behind you.
Avoid this. Frames, shelves and curtains behind you.
Light on your face from the front, and no shadow on the wall.
Good example. Light on your face from the front, and no shadow on the wall.
Light behind you, so half the face falls into shadow.
Avoid this. Light behind you, so half the face falls into shadow.
Neutral: mouth closed, eyes open. This is what most passports and visas ask for.
Good example. Neutral: mouth closed, eyes open. This is what most passports and visas ask for.
A wide grin with teeth showing, and a tilted head.
Avoid this. A wide grin with teeth showing, and a tilted head.

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Checklist & printable sheet for this document

Check the photo requirements, and print or share a sheet with the official source and a QR code.

How the passport photo is submitted

Submission

Who can take the photo

  • The authority allows a photo taken without a studio — its own wording is below.
    take a photo with your own device passports.govt.nz

Rules the authority states for this photo

  • No filters, retouching or digital changes.
    Do not edit, apply filters, or use AI tools to modify how you look passports.govt.nz
  • Selfies are not accepted.
    Get someone else to take your photo. Selfies will be rejected passports.govt.nz

Questions

What size is a New Zealand passport photo?
33.75 × 45 mm (1.33 × 1.77 in). A digital file is 900 × 1200 px.
Can I take a New Zealand passport photo with my phone?
Yes. PhotoSpec crops to 33.75 × 45 mm and checks the framing before you save. Photos are processed on the phone and are not uploaded.

How it differs from other New Zealand documents

  • Citizenship — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document
  • Residence permit — size 33.75×45 mm here, 35×45 mm there; head height 71–80% here, 70–80% there; digital file 900×1200 px, 5 MB here, 3.1 MB there
  • Visa — size 33.75×45 mm here, 35×45 mm there; head height 71–80% here, 70–80% there; digital file 900×1200 px, 5 MB here, 3.1 MB there
  • Work permit — size 33.75×45 mm here, 35×45 mm there; head height 71–80% here, 70–80% there; digital file 900×1200 px, 5 MB here, 3.1 MB there

Related tools and guides

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Processed on your phone. Photos are not uploaded.

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