Singapore requires passport photos measuring 35×45 millimeters (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). At standard 300 DPI, this translates to 413×531 pixels. These specifications are set by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and apply to all Singapore passport applications.
The 35×45mm format places Singapore among countries using the standard Asian passport photo size, shared with South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Why Does Singapore Use 35×45mm Passport Photo Size?
The ICA selected 35×45mm to align with international standards for machine-readable passports while accommodating their biometric system requirements. This size provides sufficient facial area for accurate biometric capture while fitting properly within passport booklet dimensions.
Your photo must display your face clearly with adequate surrounding space for the embedded chip and machine-readable text. Getting this right from the start prevents processing delays.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Digital Specifications for Singapore Passport Photo Size
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 35mm / 1.38 inches / 413px |
| Height | 45mm / 1.77 inches / 531px |
| Aspect Ratio | 7:9 |
| Minimum DPI | 300 |
| Color Space | RGB |
| File Format | JPEG |
Verify these exact dimensions in your photo editing software. Many apps default to different aspect ratios — always check and adjust manually.
Singapore Passport Photo Head Height: The 60–80% Rule
Singapore requires head height to occupy 60-80% of the photo's vertical space:
- Too small (under 60%): Insufficient facial detail for biometric algorithms
- Too large (over 80%): Face extends too close to edges; may appear cropped incorrectly
Target 70-75% for optimal positioning within the acceptable range.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Singapore Passport Photos
Singapore does not allow glasses in passport photos. This applies to all types — prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Even clear non-prescription frames must be removed. If you normally wear glasses, take them off before the photo is taken. There is no medical exemption for this rule.
Beyond glasses, ICA requires a neutral facial expression with mouth closed — no smiling, no raised eyebrows, no squinting. Your face must be evenly lit with no shadows across your features.
Hair must not cover your forehead, eyebrows, or eyes. If you have long hair, tuck it behind your ears or tie it back so both ears are visible where possible. Hair accessories like clips and bands are generally acceptable if they do not obscure facial features.
Religious head coverings are permitted in Singapore passport photos. Given Singapore's multi-ethnic population — Malay, Indian, Chinese, and other communities — the ICA allows items such as hijab, tudung, and turban provided they do not cast shadows on the face and do not obscure any facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Heavy makeup, face filters, or digital retouching that alters your natural appearance will result in rejection. The photo must represent how you actually look.
Singapore Passport Photo Size vs Regional Neighbours
| Country | Print Size | Pixels (300 DPI) | Head Height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Malaysia | 35×50mm | 413×591 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Thailand | 40×60mm | 472×709 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Philippines | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| South Korea | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ✅ Allowed |
| Indonesia | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 70–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
Singapore and the Philippines share identical dimensions and background colour. Malaysia uses the same width but a taller 50mm height — a common mistake for dual residents or frequent cross-border travellers. Thailand uses a larger 40×60mm format entirely. Indonesia matches Singapore's print size but has a tighter head height range (70–80% vs 60–80%).
Common Singapore Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
These errors frequently cause Singapore passport photo rejections:
Wrong aspect ratio. Cameras and smartphones default to 4:3 or 16:9, neither of which matches the 7:9 ratio Singapore requires. Always crop to 7:9 before resizing to final dimensions.
Confusing with Malaysian dimensions. Malaysia uses 35×50mm — same width but 5mm taller. Singaporeans applying at JB or Malaysian embassies sometimes mix up the two formats.
Starting with low-resolution images. Enlarging a small photo produces pixelation and blurriness. Always capture at the full resolution your camera supports, then crop down to 413×531px.
Outdated photos. ICA requires photos taken within the last three months. Older photos may not match your current appearance and will be rejected.
Head too small in the frame. Holding the camera too far away results in head height below 60%, which fails ICA's biometric requirements. Move closer or zoom in before shooting.
Where to Get Correctly Sized Singapore Passport Photos
ICA Building (10 Kallang Road). The ICA's own photo service at their headquarters is the safest option. Photos are guaranteed to comply, and staff will guide you through positioning. Cost is typically SGD $10–15.
Professional studios. Photography studios across Singapore regularly handle ICA-compliant photos. Popular areas include Bugis, Chinatown, and Little India, where competition keeps prices between SGD $12–25 for a set of prints plus digital file.
SingPost counters. Selected SingPost branches offer passport photo services alongside other government-service support. Convenient for combining with other postal errands.
Shopping mall photo kiosks. Photo-Me booths and similar self-service kiosks are found in malls like ION Orchard, Raffles City, VivoCity, and Tampines Mall. Prices range from SGD $8–15 per session. Quality varies — check the preview carefully before printing.
DIY at home. Stand against a plain white wall in a well-lit room. Use indirect natural light from a window to avoid harsh shadows. Set your camera to the highest resolution, shoot at chest height, and crop to exactly 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI afterwards. Verify head height fills 70–75% of the frame for safe clearance within the 60–80% window.
ICA Digital Upload Requirements for Singapore Photos
When applying or renewing through ICA's online portal, your digital photo must meet these requirements:
- File format: JPEG
- Dimensions: 400×514 pixels minimum (ICA portal floor)
- File size: Typically under 2MB
- Colour space: sRGB
- Background: Plain white with no patterns or shadows
The theoretical minimum at 300 DPI is 413×531 pixels, but ICA's portal may accept slightly smaller files. For safety, always upload at or above 413×531px. Ensure the photo is not compressed so heavily that artefacts appear around the face or hairline.
Singapore Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Infants and young children follow the same 35×45mm size requirements as adults, but ICA applies some practical allowances:
Newborns and infants (under 1). Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. The baby's eyes should be open, though ICA acknowledges this is difficult with very young infants. No toys, hands, or other objects should appear in the frame.
Toddlers (1–5). Use a car seat or high chair against a white background. Position the camera at the child's eye level. An assistant can hold the child's attention with a toy held just above the camera lens — but the toy must not appear in the photo.
Children's passports in Singapore have a shorter validity (5 years) than adult passports (10 years), reflecting how quickly young faces change. Photos must still meet the full 60–80% head height rule, though examiners may be slightly more lenient with infant head proportions.
Matching Singapore Passport Photo Size with Other Rules
Your 35×45mm photo must also satisfy:
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF) with no gradients or patterns
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Appearance: Natural, no heavy retouching or filters
- Recency: Taken within the last three months
Get the size right first — proper dimensions and head positioning are the foundation for acceptance. Then verify the background, expression, and appearance rules are also met.
Need to verify all Singapore requirements? Our passport photo checker analyzes your image against ICA standards.
For complete background requirements to accompany these dimensions, read our guide to Singapore passport photo background. And if you're a Singapore citizen traveling abroad, our Singapore travel requirements page has all the details.
