Size & Requirements 2026
Complete guide to New Zealand passport photo specifications as required by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Everything you need to know for a successful application.
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Photo guide preview
Use this New Zealand Passport Photo guide to check the photo size, background, face position, and export format before you upload or print your document photo.
Before submitting, compare the final crop against your appointment checklist. A clean source photo, even lighting, and the right print resolution usually matter more than aggressive editing or artificial sharpening.
| Photo Size | 35 x 45mm (1.38" 1.77") |
| Digital Size | 413 x 531 pixels (at 300 DPI) |
| Head Height | 32-36mm (chin to crown) |
| Background Colour | Plain white or light grey |
| Colour/B&W | Colour only |
| Age of Photo | Taken within last 6 months |
| Glasses | Allowed without glare (removal recommended) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| File Format | JPEG (for online applications) |
For New Zealand citizens for international travel. Available in 5-year or 10-year validity.
For NZ citizens under 16. Requires consent from all guardians.
Fast-track processing for urgent travel needs.
Must have neutral expression
Head too big or too small
On face or background
Reflections hiding eyes
Not sharp enough
Coloured or patterned
Must be under 6 months
No digital alterations
For digital applications, NZ passport photos should be at least 413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI. Higher resolution is acceptable. The file should be in JPEG format between 500KB and 10MB.
Yes! The DIA accepts self-taken photos as long as they meet all requirements. Use a smartphone or camera, ensure good lighting and a plain background, then use VisaPicPro to format it correctly. Many Kiwis save money this way.
Options include PostShops (NZ Post), pharmacies like Unichem and Life Pharmacy, photo shops, and AA centres. Prices typically range from NZ$15-25 for a set. Or use our free tool to make your own!
Standard processing takes 10-15 working days within NZ. From overseas, allow 20 working days. Urgent (3-day) and same-day services are available at additional cost from selected Passport offices.
Yes, both use the same 35 x 45mm size and similar requirements (white background, neutral expression). Photos made for one should generally work for the other, though NZ also accepts light grey backgrounds.
Perfect 35 x 45mm photos that meet all DIA requirements. No trips to the photo shop needed!
Helpful checklist
For New Zealand Passport Photo, the safest result starts with a simple front-facing portrait: camera at eye level, shoulders straight, no heavy shadows, and a plain background that can be cleaned without cutting into the hair or face outline.
Do not reuse a cropped social-media profile picture unless it still has enough resolution. A low-quality source can pass the preview on screen but look soft after printing, especially when a 300 DPI sheet is required.
Use the country preset first, then compare the size, background, and face position against the exact passport, visa, ID, or embassy checklist for your appointment. Some offices update upload limits without changing the public photo size.
Quality notes
Use New Zealand Passport Photo as a working checklist before you visit an office, upload to a portal, or send the photo to a print shop. The page is meant to help you avoid avoidable rejection reasons, not just show a size number.
Take the photo again if the eyes are soft, the face is tilted, the background has visible texture, or the hair blends into the wall. Those issues usually cannot be fixed cleanly later without creating an artificial-looking result.
For digital upload, check pixel size, file format, and file-size limit. For printing, check physical dimensions and DPI before cutting. If the page or embassy asks for a recent photo, do not reuse an old portrait even if the dimensions are correct.
One standard daily download is available for quick use. Choose HD or print-ready export when you need sharper output, repeated downloads, multiple paper sizes, or a printable sheet that keeps the final size consistent.