What size is a Singapore passport photo?
Read this before you rely on us for an ICA document. ICA's guideline image ends with "Digital photo must be original without alterations using computer software/mobile app", and its example of a failure is a retouched face. The same page's text recommends "mobile apps that are specifically designed to take photographs for passport or identity card applications" and advises against selfies — have someone else take the photo. SGfoto's default real-face output replaces the background and leaves your face as photographed; that is the one to submit. The AI-face version is a repainted face, is marked keepsake-only on this site, and is exactly what ICA's rule refuses. ICA's checker decides.
TL;DR A Singapore passport photo is 35 × 45 mm on a pure featureless white background, supplied at 400 × 514 px (290 DPI). The expression must be neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at camera, and the photo must have been taken within the last 3 months.
Specification at a glance
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 400 × 514 px at 290 DPI |
| Background | pure featureless white (#FFFFFF) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Gaze | Directly at camera |
| Maximum age of photo | 3 months |
Rules that apply to this document
- White background — ICA's own example rejects a blue one outright
- Taken within the last 3 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed; full frontal view with the eyes at the camera
- Shoulders and hair fully visible; eyes fully visible — hair or a head covering must not cross them
- Head gear or attire must be dark in colour against the white background
- Spectacles must have clear, untinted lenses with the eyes clearly visible
- Non-coloured contact lenses only, and no red eye
- Sharp and not pixelated, even brightness, not distorted or flipped
- Online upload: 400 x 514 pixels; a printed copy must be matte or semi-matte
- ICA's own advice: use a dedicated passport-photo app, and have someone else take the photo rather than a selfie
- The digital photo must be original, without alterations using computer software or a mobile app — see the note above
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.ica.gov.sg. 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 Singapore passport photo?
- A Singapore passport photo is 35 × 45 mm, printed or supplied digitally at 400 × 514 pixels (290 DPI), on a pure featureless white background.
- Can I take a Singapore passport photo with my phone?
- Yes. Take a plain, front-facing photo in even light and SGfoto reformats it to 35 × 45 mm on a pure featureless white background. Hold the phone at eye level — a shot from above or below looks less like you.
- How recent must a Singapore passport photo be?
- It must have been taken within the last 3 months.
- Can I wear a head covering in a Singapore 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 Singapore 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 a Singapore passport photo →
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