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The Challenge
Japan residence cards (在留カード) and professional registrations require 30×40mm photos—a different format from passport (35×45mm), visa (45×45mm), and driving licence (24×30mm). Using wrong dimensions causes rejection at immigration offices.
Residence card uses 30×40mm format
- Residence card (在留カード): 30×40mm — this tool
- Passport: 35×45mm — different format
- Visa: 45×45mm — different format
- Driving licence: 24×30mm — different format
- These are NOT interchangeable
Japan residence card and registration photo requirements
Japan's Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) requires 30×40mm photos for residence cards (在留カード), status of residence applications, and various professional registrations. This format was also used for the former alien registration card (外国人登録証明書). Photos must have white background, neutral expression, and be taken within the last 3-6 months depending on application type. The same 30×40mm format applies to certain professional licence registrations and government certifications.
Residence card photo checklist
- 30×40mm dimensions
- White background, no shading or objects
- Facing directly forward, alone in photo
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No headwear (religious exceptions may apply with documentation)
- No glasses recommended
- Taken within last 3-6 months (verify with specific application)
- 708×944 pixels at 600 DPI
- Printed on matte photo paper
- No borders
When you need 30×40mm photos
The 30×40mm format is required for: new residence card applications at immigration offices, residence status changes (在留資格変更), period of stay extensions (在留期間更新), re-entry permits, and certain professional registrations. If you're arriving in Japan for the first time, you may receive a temporary residence card at the airport—the permanent card with photo is processed separately.
Where to print in Japan
- Photo booth (証明写真機): Select '在留カード' or '30×40mm' option—¥800-1500
- Convenience store multifunction printer: ¥30-200 per sheet using this tool
- Camera shop: ¥1,500—specify 30×40mm
- Home printing: Matte photo paper, cut to 30×40mm
- Immigration office area: Some have nearby photo shops or booths
Official Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 30×40 mm
- Resolution
- 708×944 pixels at 600 DPI
- Background
- White
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months (3 months for some applications)
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Residence card (在留カード), professional registration, alien registration
Best Practices
- 30×40mm is between driving licence (24×30mm) and passport (35×45mm) sizes
- Photo booths have preset options—look for '在留カード' or '30×40'
- Some immigration applications require photos taken within 3 months, not 6—verify requirements
- White background only—same standard as all Japanese ID photos
- Prepare photos before visiting immigration—offices can be crowded with long wait times
- Keep extra copies for future renewals and status changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo for Japan residence card?
30×40mm. Digital resolution is 708×944 pixels at 600 DPI. This is different from passport (35×45mm), visa (45×45mm), and driving licence (24×30mm).
Can I use a passport photo for residence card?
No. Passport photos are 35×45mm. Residence card photos must be 30×40mm. Different dimensions—immigration will reject incorrect sizes.
Is this the same as the old alien registration card photo?
Yes. The 30×40mm format carries over from the former alien registration card (外国人登録証明書) to the current residence card (在留カード) system.
How recent must residence card photos be?
Generally within 6 months, but some specific applications require photos within 3 months. Check the requirements for your particular application type.
Do I need this photo when arriving in Japan?
Not at the airport. You may receive a temporary residence card on arrival. The 30×40mm photo is needed when processing your permanent residence card at a regional immigration office.