Everything you need to know about New Zealand Certificate of Identity and Refugee Travel Document photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Document Type | Certificate of Identity / Refugee Travel Document |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photograph |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — 2 identical photos required |
| Digital for Online Submission | Check with DIA |
| Digital Photo Size | At least 600 × 750 pixels |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy |
| Color | Color only |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | NOT allowed |
New Zealand Certificate of Identity (CoI) and Refugee Travel Document applications require photographs that meet strict standards set by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
A Certificate of Identity is issued by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs to non-NZ citizens who are resident in New Zealand but cannot obtain a passport from their country of nationality. A Refugee Travel Document is issued to recognised refugees. Both documents require the same type of photograph.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document photos. You must remove all glasses, including prescription glasses, before the photo is taken. This is a strict requirement — no exceptions.
You must provide 2 identical photographs with your Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document application. Both photos must meet all the requirements listed above.
Source: NZ Passports — Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant NZ Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the white background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 metres in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth must be closed. Do not smile. Remove all glasses before the photo is taken — glasses are strictly not permitted for Certificate of Identity and Refugee Travel Document photos.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Certificate of Identity photos
A New Zealand Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document photo must be 35×45mm, which is the same size as a standard NZ passport photo. Your head should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photograph.
You need to provide 2 identical photographs with your Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document application. Both photos must meet all the official requirements.
The background must be plain white, with no patterns, objects, shadows, or other people visible. The background must be uniform and evenly lit throughout.
No. Glasses are NOT allowed in NZ Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document photos. You must remove all glasses, including prescription glasses, before the photo is taken. This is a strict requirement with no exceptions.
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Photos older than 6 months will not be accepted.
A Certificate of Identity (CoI) is a travel document issued by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to non-NZ citizens who are resident in New Zealand but cannot obtain a passport from their country of nationality. It is valid for 2 years.
Both are issued by the NZ Department of Internal Affairs. A Certificate of Identity (CoI) is for non-citizens who cannot get a passport from their country and is valid for 2 years. A Refugee Travel Document is for recognised refugees and is valid for 5 years. Both require the same type of photograph.
Certificate of Identity and Refugee Travel Document applications are submitted to the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) through the passports.govt.nz website or at a DIA office.
