What size is a Japan visa photo when applying from Singapore?
TL;DR 45 × 35 mm — not the 45 × 45 mm square most sites lead with. The Japan Visa Application Centre in Singapore states one size, plus rules the square-size guides never mention: no spectacles, hair tied back, no border, glossy photo paper, and a photo not used on any previous visa or ID.
Why the guides disagree with the centre
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes no photo size on its visa index; it defers to each mission. Guides that cite the ministry are therefore citing nothing, and fill the gap with 45 × 45 "or 50 × 50, 45 × 35 or 40 × 30". The JVAC Singapore specification, which is the one an applicant here is bound by, is 45 mm × 35 mm, also written as 2 × 1.4 inches.
The full JVAC list
Not more than 6 months old; not used on any previous visa or ID; 45 × 35 mm; colour on a plain white background; hair tied and no spectacles; taken looking straight forward with the face about 70% of the frame; no outline border; glossy finish on photo paper, not A4 bond paper.
Two rules that catch people
Spectacles. Most countries allow clear glasses; JVAC says no spectacles, full stop. Reuse. The photo on your passport or a previous visa cannot be submitted again, even if it is under six months old. Korea's visa has the same reuse rule.
The figures, from the catalogue
| Document | Size | Head in frame (as we compose it) | Background | Max age | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan visa | 35 × 45 mm | 66–74% | plain white | 6 months | visa.vfsglobal.com |
| Japan passport | 35 × 45 mm | 71–80% | plain white | 6 months | www.mofa.go.jp |
A real case
An applicant brought 45 × 45 prints to JVAC, made to the first size on a popular guide. They were the wrong shape. The centre's own sheet, on the counter, said 45 × 35 and no spectacles — she was wearing glasses in them too. Two rules, one wasted trip.
Common questions
- Can I apply directly at the Embassy with a different photo size?
- No. The Embassy's page sends all visa applications to JVAC and says applications on non-prescribed forms are declined.
- Does the Japanese passport use the same size?
- No — the Japanese passport is a different document with its own specification; see its page.
Related documents
- Japan visa — 35 × 45 mm
Sources
Read on the issuing authority's own pages on the dates shown on each document page:
- Japan visa: visa.vfsglobal.com (read 2026-09-06)
SGfoto is independent — not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority — and does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements change; the authority's page is the one that counts. Rebuilt 2026-09-16.