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The Challenge
Japan visa applications require an unusual 45×45mm square photo format—different from passport (35×45mm) and most other countries. Using wrong dimensions causes automatic rejection. Face must be centered with specific positioning, white background only.
Japan visa photo is DIFFERENT from passport photo
- Visa: 45×45mm square — Passport: 35×45mm rectangle
- Cannot use passport photo for visa—dimensions don't match
- If applying from the US: different size again (36×51mm / 1.4×2 inches)
- If applying from the UK: uses 35×45mm passport format instead
Japan visa photo requirements
Japanese embassies and consulates require 45×45mm square-format photos for visa applications. This square format is unique among major countries. The applicant must appear alone, facing directly forward, with plain white background free of objects, designs, and shading. Photos must be taken within the previous 6 months. No headbands, caps, or other headwear permitted. This format applies to tourist visas, work visas (技術・人文知識・国際業務), student visas (留学), dependent visas (家族滞在), and transit visas unless the specific embassy states otherwise.
Japan visa photo checklist - will your application be accepted?
- 45×45mm square dimensions (NOT 35×45mm passport format)
- Applicant appears alone, facing directly forward
- Plain white background—no objects, designs, or shading
- Taken within last 6 months
- No headbands, caps, hats, or headwear
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No borders around photo
- 1062×1062 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality
- Printed on matte photo paper
- No shadows on face or background
- No glasses recommended
Common rejection reasons at Japanese embassies
- Using 35×45mm passport photo instead of 45×45mm visa format
- Background not plain white—any shading, patterns, or objects
- Wearing headbands, caps, or hats
- Not facing directly forward
- Photo has visible borders
- Photo older than 6 months
- Multiple people visible in photo
- Shadows on face or white background
Which size for which country of application?
Japan visa photo requirements vary by where you apply. At most Japanese embassies worldwide, the standard is 45×45mm square. However, Japanese embassies in the United States require 36×51mm (1.4×2 inches). Japanese embassies in the United Kingdom use 35×45mm—the same as Japanese passport format. Always verify with your specific embassy before preparing photos. This tool produces the standard 45×45mm format used at most embassies globally.
Good vs bad Japan visa photo examples
How to print Japan visa photos
- Paper: Use matte photo paper. Japanese embassies require matte finish.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale, colour mode.
- Paper size: 4R (102×152mm) fits 4-6 square photos. L-size (89×127mm) fits 2-4.
- Cutting: Cut precisely along guide lines. No borders allowed on final photos.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 45×45mm. Verify with ruler.
- Alternative: Print at photo shop—specify '45×45mm square on matte paper'.
Japan visa types using this photo format
- Tourist visa (短期滞在): Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
- Work visa (就労ビザ): Engineer, humanities, international services, etc.
- Student visa (留学): For enrolled students at Japanese institutions
- Dependent visa (家族滞在): For family members of visa holders
- Transit visa (通過ビザ): For airport transit through Japan
- Specified skilled worker visa (特定技能): For designated skilled industries
- All use 45×45mm format at most embassies (verify with your specific embassy)
Official Japanese Government Resources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Information Official MOFA visa application information and requirements
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines - Visa/Consular Services Visa types, requirements, and application procedures
- Japan Immigration Services Agency Immigration Services Agency visa and residence information
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face in Square Frame
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 45×45 mm (square format)
- Resolution
- 1062×1062 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- Approx. 70% of frame height
- Background
- Plain white (strictly enforced)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, facing forward
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Tourist visa, work visa, student visa, transit visa, dependent visa
Best Practices
- 45×45mm is a square format—most unusual among major countries, don't confuse with passport
- Check which embassy you're applying at—US and UK embassies use different dimensions
- Pure white background only—any shading or patterns will be rejected
- Remove all headwear including headbands—strictly enforced
- No borders allowed—cut precisely to exact 45×45mm
- Same 45×45mm photo works for tourist, work, student, and transit visa applications
- Print on matte paper—specify matte finish at photo services
- Take photos within 6 months of application submission date
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Japan visa photos?
45×45mm square format at most Japanese embassies worldwide. Digital resolution is 1062×1062 pixels at 600 DPI. This is different from Japanese passport photos (35×45mm). Note: US embassies require 36×51mm and UK embassies require 35×45mm.
Can I use my Japan passport photo for a visa application?
No. Japan passport photos are 35×45mm rectangular. Japan visa photos are 45×45mm square. Different dimensions mean automatic rejection if you use the wrong format.
Why is the Japan visa photo square?
Japan uses a unique 45×45mm square format for visa applications at most embassies. This is different from the ICAO standard. The requirement is set by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and applies globally, with exceptions for US and UK embassy applications.
Can I wear a headband or cap in Japan visa photos?
No. Japanese embassies explicitly prohibit headbands, caps, hats, and similar headwear. Religious head coverings may be permitted—check with your specific embassy.
What background for Japan visa photos?
Plain white only. Japanese embassies reject photos with backgrounds that are not plain and white—no objects, designs, shading, or off-white colours.
I'm applying from the US—what size photo do I need?
Japanese embassies in the US require 36×51mm (1.4×2 inches), different from the standard 45×45mm. Use the Japan Visa (US) photo tool for the correct dimensions.
I'm applying from the UK—what size photo do I need?
Japanese embassies in the UK require 35×45mm—the same dimensions as Japanese passport photos. You can use the Japan Passport Photo tool for UK visa applications.
How recent must Japan visa photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must reflect your current appearance. Expired photos will be rejected.
Does this photo work for all Japan visa types?
Yes, at embassies using the 45×45mm standard. Tourist, work, student, dependent, transit, and specified skilled worker visas all use the same photo specifications. Verify with your specific embassy.