New Zealand passport photos must meet specific size requirements set by the Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua). Understanding these requirements is essential whether you're applying for a new passport, renewal, or a child passport.
The standard dimension is 35×45 millimeters, but there's more to getting accepted than just the measurements. This guide covers everything you need to know about New Zealand's passport photo size requirements.
Official NZ Passport Photo Size Dimensions
The New Zealand Passport Office specifies these exact measurements:
- Photo dimensions: 35mm width × 45mm height (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
- Digital resolution: 300 DPI minimum
- Pixel dimensions: Approximately 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI
- File format: JPEG (digital applications)
- File size: Must be between 500KB and 10MB for online uploads
- Color: Full color required
These dimensions apply to all New Zealand passport applications, whether submitted online through the Passport NZ website or in person at a Passports NZ office or New Zealand diplomatic mission abroad.
Get a compliant passport photo online
NZ Passport Photo Head Size: The 60–80% Rule
New Zealand requires the applicant's head to occupy between 60% and 80% of the photo's 45mm vertical height. This measurement runs from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull (not including hair).
In concrete terms:
- Minimum (60%): 27mm from chin to crown
- Maximum (80%): 36mm from chin to crown
- Target (70%): approximately 31.5mm — the safest position
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
Getting the head size wrong is one of the most common reasons for photo rejection. The Department of Internal Affairs' automated system checks this ratio before any human reviews your application — photos outside the 60-80% range are rejected immediately.
Face Positioning Requirements for NZ Passport Photos
New Zealand passport photos require specific face positioning:
- Full frontal view: Face must be directly facing the camera
- Eyes visible: Both eyes must be visible and at equal height
- Ears visible: Both ears should be visible (this is checked but flexibility exists)
- Centered: Face should be approximately centered in the photo
- Eye level: Eyes should be positioned roughly halfway down the photo
- No tilts: Face must not be rotated left, right, or tilted
The New Zealand Passport Office uses the Identity and Passport System (IPS) for processing, which includes automated facial recognition. Proper positioning is essential for the system to process your application efficiently.
Digital Requirements for NZ Passport Photo Uploads
When uploading photos for New Zealand passport applications:
Resolution
- Minimum effective resolution: 300 DPI
- Must not be digitally enlarged from a smaller image
Image quality
- Sharp focus with no blur
- Natural skin tones
- Even lighting with no shadows on face or background
- No red-eye
- No digital enhancement or manipulation
Photo age
- Must have been taken within the last 6 months
- Must be a true representation of your current appearance
Expression
- Neutral expression required
- Mouth closed, no smiling
- Eyes open and looking directly at the camera
Printed NZ Passport Photo Size Requirements
For physical passport applications or printed photos:
- Two identical prints required (for adult applications)
- One print required for children
- Must be printed on quality photo paper
- No border around the photo
- Must be exactly 35×45mm
Many New Zealand Post outlets and pharmacy chains offer passport photo printing services that guarantee correct sizing.
NZ Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 35×45mm | 60–80% | ❌ Banned |
| Australia | 35×45mm | 60–80% | ❌ Banned |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | ✅ Conditional |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | ❌ Banned |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | ❌ Banned |
| Canada | 50×70mm | 44–51% | ✅ Conditional |
New Zealand and Australia share identical passport photo specifications — a compliant photo for one country works for the other. The UK uses the same dimensions but a narrower head height range (64-76% vs 60-80%). The US and Canadian formats are completely different sizes and shapes.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for NZ Passport Photos
These rules affect how you prepare for and frame the photo:
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses. This prevents glare and ensures the biometric system can read your full eye area.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows.
- Hair: Must not cover the face. Both ears should ideally be visible.
- Head coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons, with the full face from forehead to chin remaining visible.
Common NZ Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Wrong aspect ratio from phone cameras. Most phones default to 4:3 or 16:9, but NZ passports require 7:9. If you crop a 4:3 photo to 7:9, you lose content from the sides. Set your camera to the closest matching ratio before shooting.
Using a US or Canadian photo. The US uses a 51×51mm square, Canada uses 50×70mm. Neither is compatible with New Zealand's 35×45mm. Dual citizens (NZ-US, NZ-Canada) need separate photos for each country.
Head too small from selfie distance. Arm's-length selfies produce a face at roughly 40-50% of the frame — below the 60% minimum. Use a tripod at 1.5 meters, or have someone else take the photo.
Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted in New Zealand passport photos. Many people don't realise this until they're at the counter. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken.
Shadows on the background. Standing too close to the wall creates a visible shadow behind your head. Stand at least half a metre from the wall and use diffused light from a large window.
Online vs In-Person NZ Passport Photo Submission
Online (Passport NZ)
- Upload digital photo through the online portal
- System performs automated validation
- Immediate feedback on photo issues
In-person at Passports NZ
- Staff review photos before acceptance
- Can advise on issues before submission
Via New Zealand embassies/consulates abroad
- Follow same requirements
- Processing times vary by location
NZ Passport Photo Size Rules for Babies and Children
Children's New Zealand passport photos follow the same size requirements but have additional considerations:
Infants: May be photographed in a supported position. Both eyes must be open. Face must be visible.
Toddlers: Same requirements as adults — face centered, neutral expression, eyes open.
Newborns: Particularly challenging. Most parents opt for professional photography services.
Children in school: School photos may not meet passport requirements — specifically check size and expression.
Quick Checklist for NZ Passport Photo Size Compliance
Before submitting your New Zealand passport photo:
- Photo dimensions are exactly 35×45mm
- Digital: minimum 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI
- Head occupies 60-80% of frame height
- Face is centered and facing forward
- Both eyes are visible
- Expression is neutral, mouth closed
- Background is white
- Photo is sharp with no blur
- Even lighting with no shadows
- Photo taken within last 6 months
Meeting these requirements ensures your New Zealand passport application proceeds without delays. For verification, use passportsize-photo.online's passport photo tool to check your photo before submitting.
For background color rules, see our guide on New Zealand passport photo background requirements. View all New Zealand passport photo specifications on the New Zealand passport photo hub.
