New Zealand Visa Online Photo Specifications

New Zealand Visa Online Photo Size Diagram

Detailed New Zealand Visa Online Photo Requirements

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has specific requirements for digital visa and NZeTA photos uploaded online. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in colour
• Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
• Must be clear, sharp and in focus
• No retouching — do not remove moles, wrinkles, scars, or red eyes
• No red-eye in the photo
• Must reflect your current appearance

Digital Size and Format

• Aspect ratio: 3:4 (portrait orientation, same as NZ passport)
• Equivalent physical size: 33 × 44 mm
• Minimum dimensions: 900 × 1200 pixels
• Maximum dimensions: 2250 × 3000 pixels
• File format: JPEG (.jpg)
• File size: 512 KB – 3.14 MB

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — head not tilted or turned
• Neutral expression — no smiling, laughing, or frowning
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Keep your mouth closed
• Hair off your face so the edges of your face are visible
• Shoulders must be visible

Background

• Plain neutral background — light grey or beige preferred
• Background must contrast with your face
• No patterns, shadows, or objects visible

Glasses

Head Coverings

• Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons
• Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead
• Both ears must be visible
• Both edges of your face must be visible

Clothing

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms
• Avoid white or light tops that blend with the background

Children and Baby Photos

• Child must be the only person in the photo
• For babies: an open mouth is acceptable
• No toys, dummies, or pacifiers visible
• Lay babies on a plain light grey or beige blanket
• No other person or object visible in the photo

Applicable Application Types

• Online Visa Application — visitor, work, student, resident visas submitted online
• NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) — visa waiver travellers

Source: Immigration New Zealand — Visa and NZeTA Photos

How to Take a New Zealand Visa Online Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant New Zealand online visa photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) can take a visa-quality photo. Clean the lens and set to the highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor lights to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfect. Our AI tool will automatically replace it with the required light grey or beige background.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Keep hair off your face so edges are visible. Glasses are allowed but best removed if possible.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 metres from the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed, head level. Your face and shoulders must be visible. Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photo.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Neutral expression with mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling, laughing, or frowning.

Good and Bad Examples of New Zealand Visa Online Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions