Do you need a photo for a Malaysia passport?
The High Commission photographs you: its specification sheet opens with "THERE WILL BE LIVE IMAGE CAPTURE AT THE PASSPORT DIVISION COUNTER". Adults submit nothing. The exception is a child under 4 — the counter's live capture and the on-site photo booth are both stated as unsuitable for infants and toddlers, so those need two printed photos, 35 x 50 mm on white, and no Polaroids.
So there is nothing to buy for the application itself. People do still make one of these for an employer's HR record or their own file, and the specification below is the one to match if you want that. If you only need the pass, you are done — close this page.
TL;DR You probably do not need to submit a photo for this document — the authority does not ask you for one. If you want one anyway: A Malaysia passport photo is 35 × 50 mm on a pure white only background, supplied at 413 × 590 px (300 DPI). The expression must be neutral or slight smile, looking directly at camera, and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Specification at a glance
| Print size | 35 × 50 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 × 590 px at 300 DPI |
| Background | pure white only (#FFFFFF) |
| Expression | Neutral or slight smile |
| Gaze | Directly at camera |
| Maximum age of photo | 6 months |
Rules that apply to this document
- Adults: the photo is captured live at the Passport Division counter
- Children under 4: two recent colour photos, 35 x 50 mm, white background, no Polaroids
- Dark-coloured clothing covering the shoulders and chest
- A hijab is allowed but must be dark-coloured, preferably black
- No hat or cap; hair and fringe must not cover the face or forehead
- No glasses, no contact lenses, no eyelash extensions, no hair accessories
- Looking straight at the camera, eyes open, mouth closed
Can I wear a head covering?
A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
Where these figures come from
Checked on 2026-09-02 against the issuing authority's own page — what was confirmed there is that no photograph is submitted. The measurements below were not separately verified, and matter only if you want a photo for your own purposes. Published by the issuing authority: www.kln.gov.my. SGfoto is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority, and does not guarantee acceptance. Final acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Common questions
- What size is a Malaysia passport photo?
- A Malaysia passport photo is 35 × 50 mm, printed or supplied digitally at 413 × 590 pixels (300 DPI), on a pure white only background.
- Can I take a Malaysia passport photo with my phone?
- Yes. Take a plain, front-facing photo in even light and SGfoto reformats it to 35 × 50 mm on a pure white only background. Hold the phone at eye level — a shot from above or below looks less like you.
- How recent must a Malaysia passport photo be?
- It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
- Can I wear a head covering in a Malaysia passport photo?
- A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
- How much does a Malaysia passport photo cost on SGfoto?
- The watermarked preview is free, so you see the result before paying. The full-resolution file is S$1.99.
Make one anyway, for your own file →
Free watermarked preview. S$1.99 for the full-resolution file.