China's Social Security Card (社会保障卡) requires a 26×32mm photo — the same dimensions as the Chinese Resident ID Card, but different from the Chinese passport (33×48mm). Digital submission is 307×378 pixels at 300 DPI. If you've already had photos taken for a Resident ID application, you can use the same format here.
Chinese Social Security Card Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 26×32mm |
| Digital size | 307×378 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | White (RGB 255,255,255) |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Smile | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Issued by | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (人力资源和社会保障部) |
| Processing time | 30–60 days |
| Fee | Free (first issue) |
| Validity | Long-term |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Same Size as Resident ID — Different from Passport
The Social Security Card and the Resident ID Card share the same photo format. Both use 26×32mm prints and 307×378px digital files. The passport is a different matter.
| Document | Print Size | Digital Size |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Card (社会保障卡) | 26×32mm | 307×378px |
| Resident ID Card (居民身份证) | 26×32mm | 307×378px |
| Chinese Passport (中国护照) | 33×48mm | 390×567px |
A photo taken for a Resident ID Card will meet the Social Security Card requirement without any adjustments. A passport photo will not — it's too wide and too tall. Don't mix the two.
This alignment between the Resident ID and Social Security Card is useful if you're applying for both at the same time. One set of photos covers both documents.
What Is the Social Security Card?
China's Social Security Card is issued to urban and rural workers and covers access to pension, medical, unemployment, maternity, and work injury insurance. Over one billion cards have been issued since the programme launched in 1999.
The card also functions as a bank card linked to the holder's social insurance account. It can be used to pay for medical services, withdraw pension funds, and check social insurance balances at government self-service terminals.
Since 2016, the third-generation Social Security Card has included both a magnetic stripe and an embedded IC chip. The photo embedded in the card data must meet the same 26×32mm specification regardless of card generation.
For foreign workers in China on a work permit (工作许可证), the Social Security Card is typically obtained through the employer. The photo requirement is the same as for Chinese citizens — 26×32mm with white background and no glasses. Foreign workers should confirm with their HR department whether to submit a physical print or digital file, and should not confuse this with the passport size (33×48mm) or the work permit photo requirements.
How to Apply for a Chinese Social Security Card
Applications for a Social Security Card are handled by the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (人力资源和社会保障局), typically at the district or county level.
The standard process:
- Visit your local bureau with your Resident ID Card and required paperwork
- Submit a 26×32mm photo (printed or digital, depending on your local office's process)
- Receive a temporary card or receipt — the physical card arrives within 30–60 days
The card is free on first issue. Replacement cards for lost or damaged cards typically carry a small fee set by the local bureau.
Employees in formal employment may receive the card through their employer's HR department. The HR department collects photos and submits them to the bureau in bulk. In this case, check with HR whether they need a physical print or a digital file, and confirm the required size — some HR departments have standardised on passport-size photos by mistake.
Digital Upload Specifications for the Social Security Card
Some cities allow photo upload through an online portal before or during the application process. The portal variant uses a slightly higher-resolution specification: 358×441 pixels rather than the standard 307×378px.
Both pixel dimensions represent the same 26×32mm physical size at different DPI settings. The composition, background, and expression requirements are identical.
Digital upload checklist:
- Format: JPG / JPEG
- File size: typically 20KB–200KB (varies by portal)
- Dimensions: 307×378px (standard) or 358×441px (portal variant)
- Background: Pure white (RGB 255,255,255)
- Taken within: 6 months of submission
If a 307×378px file is rejected by the portal, resize to 358×441px and resubmit. The pixel count is different, but the photo requirements are the same.
Verify your photo dimensions before uploading — a quick check prevents a wasted application cycle.
Common Chinese Social Security Card Photo Mistakes
Using a passport photo. The most frequent error. Passport photos are 33×48mm. The Social Security Card requires 26×32mm. The formats are not interchangeable.
Grey or off-white background. The background must be pure white. Photos taken in dim indoor settings or against cream-coloured walls often fail the background check. Use a studio or a white surface with good, even lighting.
Expired photo. Most offices require the photo to have been taken within six months of submission. A photo from two years ago, however clear and well-composed, may be rejected.
Digital file too large. Online portals typically cap submissions at 200KB. High-resolution phone camera photos can easily exceed this. Resize and compress before uploading.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Social Security Photos
The Social Security Card applies the same biometric expression standard as the Resident ID Card:
- Mouth closed — no teeth visible, lips together gently
- Neutral expression — no smiling, no frowning
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead and both ears visible
- Head coverings — only for documented religious reasons; face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- No heavy makeup — the photo should represent your everyday appearance
The no-glasses rule applies across all Chinese identity documents. This differs from countries like Germany, the UK, and Italy, which still allow prescription glasses.
All Chinese Documents Compared
China uses multiple photo sizes across different identity documents:
| Document | Size | Pixels | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Card | 26×32mm | 307×378px | White | Not allowed |
| Resident ID Card | 26×32mm | 307×378px | White | Not allowed |
| Chinese Passport | 33×48mm | 390×567px | White | Not allowed |
| Driver's Licence | 22×32mm | 260×378px | White | Not allowed |
All four documents require white background and no glasses. But the dimensions vary — the passport is largest (33×48mm), the Social Security Card and Resident ID match (26×32mm), and the driver's licence is the smallest width (22×32mm). Photos are not interchangeable between size groups.
Quick Checklist for Chinese Social Security Card Photos
- Size: 26×32mm (307×378px or 358×441px for portal)
- Background: white (RGB 255,255,255)
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- Digital file under 200KB if uploading
- Resident ID Card ready for the application
Visit the China country page for a full list of Chinese document photo specifications. Verify your photo with the passportsize-photo.online checker before submitting.
