Everything you need to know about Singapore visa photo requirements for tourist, business, student pass, work pass, and dependent pass applications, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Singapore |
| Document Type | Visa (Tourist, Business, Student Pass, Work Pass, Dependent Pass) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Face Size | 25–35 mm from chin to top of head |
| Head Proportion | 70–80% of the photograph |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — 1 photo required |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes (for e-Service and SAVE submissions) |
| Digital Photo Size | 400 × 514 pixels (maximum) |
| Digital File Size | Maximum 60 KB |
| Digital File Format | JPEG |
| Color | Color only |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3 months |
| Glasses | Allowed (clear untinted lenses, thin frames, no reflection) |
Singapore visa photos follow the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) photo guidelines. Whether you are applying for a tourist visa, business visa, student pass, work pass, or dependent pass, the photo requirements are identical. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
All Singapore visa and pass applications require photos that meet ICA standards. This applies to every visa and pass type including Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Student Pass, Work Pass (Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit), and Dependent Pass. The rules are set by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore and apply uniformly across all categories.
Glasses are allowed in Singapore visa photos, provided they meet the following conditions:
If you are submitting your Singapore visa application online via the ICA e-Service portal or SAVE system, you must upload a digital photo that meets the following specifications:
The following Singapore visa and pass categories all require photos that meet the same 35x45mm specification:
Source: ICA Singapore — Photo Guidelines
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Singapore visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-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 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 closed. Do not smile — Singapore ICA requires a completely neutral expression.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
A Singapore visa photo must be 35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm). Your face must measure between 25mm and 35mm from chin to the top of your head, occupying 70-80% of the photograph. The digital version for online submission must be 400x514 pixels maximum.
Yes, glasses are allowed in Singapore visa photos as long as they have clear, untinted lenses with thin frames. There must be no reflection or glare on the lenses, and your eyes must be clearly visible through the glasses. Avoid thick frames that may cover your eyes or surrounding facial features.
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, and raised eyebrows are not permitted. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera.
Yes, you can use a modern smartphone to take your Singapore visa photo. Make sure the lens is clean, use good lighting, and have someone else take the photo to avoid the wrong angle from selfies. Our tool will automatically crop and adjust the photo to meet ICA requirements.
The background must be plain white with no patterns, objects, shadows, or other people visible. If you don't have a white wall, our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white colour.
Your Singapore visa photo must have been taken within the last 3 months. It should reflect your current appearance. Using an older photo may result in your application being delayed or rejected.
Head coverings are only permitted if worn for religious or racial reasons. Your full face from chin to forehead must still be clearly visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face. No fashion headwear, hats, or caps are allowed.
For online applications submitted via the ICA e-Service portal or SAVE system, upload a digital photo (400x514 pixels maximum, maximum 60KB, JPEG format). For paper-based or in-person submissions at the Singapore embassy or consulate, provide 1 printed photo on matte or glossy photo paper.
