New Zealand Passport Photo Requirements
A New Zealand passport photo must be 35×45 mm with a head height of 30–36 mm on a plain white background, with a neutral expression — no smiling. This page lists the full DIA spec and how to get it right at home.
New Zealand passport photo — official specifications
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (35 × 45 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 30–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom edge | Upper third of the photo |
| Background | Plain white |
| Print type | Photo paper, matte or glossy |
- • Taken within the last 6 months for digital applications
- • Neutral expression — mouth closed, eyes open, no smiling
- • No glasses, hats, or head coverings (religious headwear allowed if face is fully visible)
- • Photo must be a true likeness — no filters, retouching or red-eye removal
How to take a compliant New Zealand passport photo
- Hang a plain white backdrop or stand against a light grey wall in even daylight.
- Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, neutral expression, both eyes open.
- Keep the full head in frame — from chin to the top of the skull — with the head centred.
- Crop to 35×45 mm with head height between 30 and 36 mm.
- Save the digital file at 600×750 px or larger for online applications.
New Zealand passport photo standards explained
The New Zealand passport photo standards are set by the DIA (Department of Internal Affairs) and are strictly enforced. Every photo that does not meet these specifications is automatically rejected, regardless of how good the rest of the application is.
- Size: 35 × 45 mm — this is the standard New Zealand passport photo size.
- Head height: 30–36 mm, measured from the chin to the top of the skull (not the hair).
- Background: Plain white — must be even, with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the head.
- Expression: Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling, both eyes open and clearly visible, facing the camera directly.
- Glasses: Allowed only if prescription and no reflection.
- Head position: Centered in the frame, with the full head visible from chin to the top of the skull.
- Photo quality: Sharp focus, no motion blur, even lighting with no harsh shadows. The photo must be a true likeness — no filters, no retouching, no red-eye removal.
- Print: On real photo paper (matte or glossy).
Make your New Zealand passport photo free
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