New Zealand residence permit photo size

Requirements

Photo size	35 × 45 mm  (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head height	70–80% of the photo height
Background	Plain background required. The authority does not specify a particular colour.
File size	Up to 3.1 MB
File format	jpg/jpeg
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 20, 2026 · Source: Immigration New Zealand. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

How the residence permit photo is submitted

Rules the authority states for this photo

• No filters, retouching or digital changes.
  a photo of you which is not edited or altered immigration.govt.nz
• Do not photograph an existing printed photo to create the submission file.
  not be a photo of a photo immigration.govt.nz

Questions

What size is a New Zealand residence permit photo?

35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).

Can I take a New Zealand residence permit photo with my phone?

Yes. PhotoSpec crops to 35 × 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

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

Related tools and guides

• Check a photo file against these limits
• Resize and compress a photo file
• Lay out this photo on a 4×6, Letter or A4 print sheet
• All supported countries