Singapore passport photo: what ICA asks for when you upload
Singapore’s photo guidance is unusual in two ways, and both are useful to know before you start.
The first is that ICA gives an exact pixel size for online submission — 400 × 514 pixels — rather than a range. The second is how firmly it rules out editing: your photograph “must not be altered or enhanced in any way. This includes the modification of facial features and/or the usage of photo editing software.”
ICA also states the consequence: “Failure to meet these requirements can delay your application or result in its rejection.”
The online submission rules
| Item | Published rule |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 400 × 514 pixels for upload via e-Services |
| File formats | jpg, jpeg, heic, heif and png |
| Maximum file size | 8MB |
| Photograph | A new coloured photograph for each new application |
| Editing | Must not be altered or enhanced in any way |
The 8MB ceiling is generous compared with most authorities, so file size is rarely the thing that fails here. The pixel figure is the one to work to.
If you are submitting a printed photograph instead, ICA asks for a matte or semi-matte finish — a non-reflective photo. Glossy prints are the wrong finish.
Our Singapore passport photo size page lists the millimetre and pixel values side by side, and the size converter will do the arithmetic.
ICA on phones, apps and selfies
Most authorities either say nothing about how you take the photo or advise against doing it yourself. ICA answers the question directly, and the answer has two halves.
“We recommend that you download and use mobile apps that are specifically designed to take photographs for passport or identity card applications. These apps usually come with features that will help you take photographs in the required dimensions.”
And separately, on selfies:
“We do not recommend selfie as the result is usually not ideal and will cause delay to your application. We recommend that that you ask someone to help you take the photo if you are using your mobile phone camera.”
So the guidance is: a purpose-built app, yes; a hand-held selfie, no. Prop the phone up or ask someone to press the button.
PhotoSpec shows the Singapore requirement before you shoot, guides the framing by voice, and checks the result before you save. It crops to the published dimensions rather than editing the picture, which matters here because ICA rules out enhancement of any kind. Photos are processed on the phone and are not uploaded to us.
Where the standard comes from
ICA states that its passport photo requirements are based on specifications by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and points applicants to its own “Dos and Don’ts” section for the detail.
That matters if you are preparing photos for more than one country. The ICAO family of rules is why so many countries want the same things — front view, full face, neutral expression, even lighting, no shadows — while still differing on the numbers. Match the numbers to the country you are applying to; the posture and lighting travel.
Before you upload — the short version
- A new colour photograph for this application, not one you already used.
- 400 × 514 pixels for e-Services upload.
- jpg, jpeg, heic, heif or png, up to 8MB.
- No editing or enhancement, including facial features and photo software.
- Not a hand-held selfie — prop the phone or ask someone to help.
- If printing instead, use a matte or semi-matte, non-reflective finish.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo does ICA want for an online application?
400 × 514 pixels is the dimension ICA gives for uploading photos via e-Services.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone?
Yes. ICA recommends using mobile apps specifically designed for passport or identity card photographs, because they help you take the photo in the required dimensions.
Can I take a selfie?
ICA does not recommend it, saying the result is usually not ideal and will cause delay. It suggests asking someone to help if you are using a phone camera.
Can I retouch the photo?
No. ICA states the photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way, including modification of facial features and the use of photo editing software.
Which file formats are accepted?
jpg, jpeg, heic, heif and png, with a maximum file size of 8MB.
Can I reuse the photo from my last passport?
No. ICA states that a new coloured photograph must be submitted when applying for a new application.
Sources
Everything here comes from the issuing authority’s own pages. Where the official wording is ambiguous or differs between documents we have said so rather than picked a number. Our sourcing policy is described in sources and verification.
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — Photo Guidelines: ica.gov.sg/photo-guidelines
Last checked 10 September 2026. Rules change — check the authority before you submit.