New Zealand Visa Photo (35×45 mm / 33×44 mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about New Zealand visa photo requirements set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), including exact dimensions for both paper and online applications, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant visa photo at home for visitor, work, student, resident visa, and NZeTA applications.
New Zealand Visa Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Country
New Zealand
Document Type
Visa (Visitor, Work, Student, Resident, NZeTA)
Photo Size (Paper)
35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Photo Size (Online)
33 × 44 mm — 3:4 aspect ratio (same as NZ passport)
Online: 1 digital photo • Paper: as specified by INZ
Colour
Colour only
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
New Zealand Visa Photo Size Diagram
Key measurements: For paper applications, the photo must be 35 × 45 mm. For online applications, use a 3:4 aspect ratio (33 × 44 mm). Your face must occupy 70–80% of the photo. Ensure there is adequate space between the top of your head and the upper edge of the photo.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background, adjust the face size, and ensure your photo meets all official New Zealand visa photo requirements.
Detailed New Zealand Visa Photo Requirements
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has specific requirements for visa and NZeTA photos. 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
Digital photo dimensions: 900 × 1200 pixels (minimum) to 2250 × 3000 pixels (maximum)
Printed on photo-quality paper (for paper applications)
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
Glasses are allowed in New Zealand visa photos as long as they are clear and untinted, with no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes. However, it is best to remove glasses if possible to avoid any risk of rejection.
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
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant New Zealand 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 Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a New Zealand visa photo?
For paper applications, the New Zealand visa photo must be 35 × 45 mm. For online applications, the digital photo must have a 3:4 aspect ratio (equivalent to 33 × 44 mm), with dimensions between 900 × 1200 and 2250 × 3000 pixels.
Can I wear glasses in my New Zealand visa photo?
Yes, glasses are allowed as long as they are clear and untinted, with no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes. However, it is best to remove glasses if possible to avoid any risk of rejection.
Can I smile in my New Zealand visa photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, laughing, or frowning is permitted.
Can I take my New Zealand visa photo with my phone?
Yes! You can take your visa photo with any smartphone. Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official New Zealand visa photo requirements.
What background is required for a New Zealand visa photo?
The background must be neutral and plain, with light grey or beige preferred. It must contrast with your face. No patterns, shadows, or objects visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background if needed.
How many photos do I need for a New Zealand visa application?
For online visa and NZeTA applications, you need 1 digital photo in JPEG format (512 KB to 3.14 MB). For paper applications, provide photos as specified by Immigration New Zealand.
How recent must my New Zealand visa photo be?
Your visa photo must be taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance.
Can I wear a head covering in my New Zealand visa photo?
Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons. They must not obscure your face, and both ears must be visible.
