What size is a New Zealand visa photo?
Immigration New Zealand does not accept a photo made this way. Its photo page carries the warning "You cannot manipulate or digitally alter your photo using Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other digital editing tools", and its list of banned edits names "cropping your head and shoulders to place it on a plain background" — which is exactly what SGfoto does. A photo made here may be delayed, declined or refused. Please photograph yourself against a real plain wall, or use a photo shop. Note this is the visa rule: the New Zealand passport rules are different and do allow cropping.
The specification below is still the right one to match. We have left it here because it is useful, not because we can sell you the photo.
TL;DR SGfoto cannot make this one: the issuing authority does not accept a photo edited the way we edit one. The specification, for reference: A New Zealand visa photo is 35 × 45 mm on a neutral and plain background, supplied at 413 × 531 px (300 DPI). The expression must be neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at camera, and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Specification at a glance
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI |
| Background | neutral and plain (#FFFFFF) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Gaze | Directly at camera |
| Maximum age of photo | 6 months |
Rules that apply to this document
- Paper application: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
- Online application: 3:4 portrait, JPG or JPEG, between 512 KB and 3.14 MB
- Your face must cover 70-80% of the image and sit in the middle of the frame
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Ears must show unless a scarf is worn for religious or medical reasons
- Prescription glasses allowed if clear, thin-framed and free of glare
- Immigration New Zealand forbids AI or digital editing of the photo, including cropping your head onto a plain background
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 against the issuing authority's own page on 2026-09-06. Published by the issuing authority: www.immigration.govt.nz. 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 New Zealand visa photo?
- A New Zealand visa photo is 35 × 45 mm, printed or supplied digitally at 413 × 531 pixels (300 DPI), on a neutral and plain background.
- Can I take a New Zealand visa photo with my phone?
- Yes. Take a plain, front-facing photo in even light and SGfoto reformats it to 35 × 45 mm on a neutral and plain background. Hold the phone at eye level — a shot from above or below looks less like you.
- How recent must a New Zealand visa photo be?
- It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
- Can I wear a head covering in a New Zealand visa 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 New Zealand visa photo cost on SGfoto?
- The watermarked preview is free, so you see the result before paying. The full-resolution file is S$1.99.
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We can make most of them. Not this one.