The complete New Zealand passport photo specification (Department of Internal Affairs) — including the light grey background rule that catches out anyone reusing a white-background photo. Make a compliant photo online in 2 minutes.
Make a New Zealand Passport Photo →Per the Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua) photo requirements for New Zealand passports.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm, portrait orientation |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32 – 36 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain light grey (not pure white), even, no patterns, shadows or borders |
| Resolution | Sharp print at ≥ 300 DPI; digital files at least 600 px wide |
| Head position | Centered, front-facing, with a small margin above the hair |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Recommended off; if worn, no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Clothing | Everyday wear that contrasts with the light background; no uniforms or hats |
No photographer needed — a phone camera and a plain wall are enough.
Stand about 1 m from a plain wall with even daylight on your face. No shadows behind your head.
Camera at eye level. Look straight at the lens, keep a neutral expression, and frame head and shoulders with room to crop.
We crop to the 35×45 mm layout, set the head to 32–36 mm and apply a compliant light grey background.