Everything you need to know about Singapore passport photo requirements set by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, digital and printed photo specifications, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Singapore |
| Document Type | Passport |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (no border) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Face Size (Chin to Crown) | 25–35 mm (70–80% of photo) |
| Background Colour | Plain white (light grey acceptable if hair/head covering is white) |
| Digital Photo Size | 400 × 514 pixels, JPEG format |
| Digital File Size | Maximum 60 KB (for ICA e-Services) |
| Number of Photos Required | 1 |
| Colour | Colour only |
| Finish | Matte or semi-matte |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3 months |
Singapore passport photos follow strict guidelines published by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Singapore has specific passport photo requirements that differ from many other countries. The ICA checks every submitted photo carefully, and any that do not meet the rules will be rejected, causing delays to your application. Whether you submit a printed photo or upload a digital one through ICA e-Services, your photo must meet the same quality standards.
For online passport applications and renewals through ICA e-Services, you can upload a digital photo. It must meet these specifications:
Source: ICA — Photo Guidelines
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Singapore passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Clean the lens and set to highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies as they produce mirrored images that ICA will reject.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor lights to eliminate shadows. Ensure there is no flash reflection if you wear glasses.
Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the white background. Keep hair off your face so your eyes and eyebrows are visible.
Stand about 1.5 metres from the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed, head level. Your face and shoulders must be visible. Ensure the photo is not mirrored.
Neutral expression with mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling, laughing, or frowning. Hair must not cover your eyes or eyebrows.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Singapore passport photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm with no border. Your face (chin to crown of head) must measure 25–35 mm, occupying 70–80% of the photo. The digital version for ICA e-Services must be 400 × 514 pixels.
Yes, glasses are allowed in Singapore passport photos, unlike many other countries. However, the lenses must be clear and untinted, the frames must be thin, and there must be no flash reflection on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed.
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, laughing, or frowning is permitted in Singapore passport photos.
Yes! Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all ICA requirements. Avoid taking a selfie as the mirrored image will be rejected by ICA.
Plain white background is required. Light grey is acceptable only if your hair or head covering is white. No patterns, shadows, or objects should be visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background with plain white.
Your Singapore passport photo must be taken within the last 3 months. This is stricter than many countries that allow 6 months. The photo must reflect your current appearance.
Head coverings are only allowed for religious or racial customs. They must not be white or the same colour as the background, and your full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible with no shadows cast on your face.
Common rejection reasons include: laterally inverted (mirrored/selfie) images, non-white background, shadows on the face, hair covering eyes or eyebrows, flash reflection on glasses, incorrect photo dimensions, photo older than 3 months, poor print quality with ink marks or creases, and glossy finish instead of matte or semi-matte.
