Everything you need to know about New Zealand passport photo requirements set by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), covering both paper applications (35x45mm) and online applications (33x44mm). Learn the exact dimensions, background rules, pose requirements, and how to take a compliant NZ passport photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Document Type | Passport |
| Photo Size (Paper) | 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) |
| Photo Size (Online) | 33 x 44 mm (3:4 aspect ratio) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Height | 32-36 mm from crown of head to chin |
| Head Proportion | 70-80% of the photograph |
| Background Colour | Plain, light-coloured (light grey or beige). Must contrast with face |
| Number of Photos | 2 photos (paper) or 1 digital (online) |
| Digital Photo Size | 900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels |
| Digital File Format | JPG / JPEG |
| Digital File Size | 250 KB - 5 MB |
| Photo Paper Type | Semi-gloss photo paper, no watermarks |
| Colour | Colour only |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
New Zealand passport photos follow strict rules set by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Photos that do not meet the requirements will be rejected, causing delays to your application. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
New Zealand has specific passport photo requirements that differ from many other countries. The DIA requires light grey or beige backgrounds (not white), permits glasses under certain conditions, and has different sizes for paper versus online applications. Understanding these unique rules is essential to avoid rejection.
Glasses are allowed in New Zealand passport photos, provided they meet these conditions:
For paper passport applications, you must provide printed photos that meet these rules:
For online passport applications, you submit one digital photo. It must meet these specifications:
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant New Zealand passport 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 colours that blend with the light grey or beige 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 (5 feet) 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. Stand about 0.5 metres from the background to minimise shadows.
Keep your face completely relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile — New Zealand passport photos require a neutral expression. No squinting, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
For paper applications, a New Zealand passport photo must be 35x45mm. For online applications, the digital photo must be 33x44mm (3:4 aspect ratio). Your head should occupy 70-80% of the photo with a head height of 32-36mm from crown to chin.
The background must be plain and light-coloured, typically light grey or beige. It must provide clear contrast with your face. Plain white backgrounds are not accepted for New Zealand passport photos.
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted in New Zealand passport photos. Keep your face relaxed and natural with both eyes open.
Yes, glasses are allowed as long as they are clear and untinted, the frames are not too thick, and there is no glare or reflection on the lenses. Your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted.
For paper applications you need 2 identical printed photos on semi-gloss photo paper. For online applications you need 1 digital photo. All photos must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Printed photos should be at 600 DPI. For digital (online) submission, the image must be between 900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels, in JPG or JPEG format, and between 250KB and 5MB in file size.
Yes. For online passport applications, you can upload a digital photo. It must be 33x44mm (3:4 aspect ratio), between 900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels, in JPG/JPEG format, and 250KB to 5MB. The background must be plain light grey or beige.
Printed photos should be on semi-gloss photo paper. Do not use paper with watermarks or textured finishes. The photos must be clear, sharp, printed in colour at 600 DPI, with no creases, tears, or marks.
