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The Challenge
Macao SAR passport and identity card photos require 35×45mm with white background, head height 32-36mm (age 10+) or 34-36mm (under 10). Colored contact lenses and 'big eye' lenses are prohibited — a unique Macao requirement. Wrong specs = rejection by DSI and resubmission delays.
Colored contact lenses are prohibited — unique to Macao
- Colored contact lenses strictly prohibited in Macao passport and ID photos
- Iris-enlarging 'big eye' contact lenses also prohibited
- Effect lenses of any kind will cause immediate rejection
- Clear prescription contact lenses are acceptable
- This rule is strictly enforced by DSI and applies to both passport and identity card
Macao SAR passport and ID photo requirements
The Identification Services Bureau (DSI) of Macao SAR sets photo specifications for both the Macao SAR Passport and the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card (BIR). Photos must be 35×45mm (commonly called '1.5-inch' photos), in color, with plain white background and no margin. Head height from chin to crown must be 32-36mm for applicants aged 10 and above, or 34-36mm for children under 10. Photos must not be retouched to alter natural appearance — moles, scars, and other features must remain visible. The same specifications apply to both passport and identity card, though passport photos must be taken within 6 months while identity card photos allow up to 12 months.
Macao passport photo checklist — will DSI accept your photo?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 32-36mm (age 10+) or 34-36mm (under 10)
- Plain white background with no margin, no shadows
- Taken within last 6 months for passport / 12 months for identity card
- Color photo, clear and well-defined
- Full face visible, facing camera directly
- No colored contact lenses or iris-enlarging lenses
- Eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed
- No head coverings (except religious reasons)
- No heavy makeup, camisoles, tube-tops, or overly dark/light clothing
- No exaggerated accessories (head wraps, eyebrow/nose/lip jewelry)
- No retouching — natural appearance including moles and scars must be visible
- Glasses allowed but frames must not cover eyes, no tinted lenses, no glare
- No reflective clothing
Common rejection reasons by DSI
- Wearing colored or iris-enlarging contact lenses (most Macao-specific rejection)
- Hair covering eyes or eyebrows
- Glasses frames covering eyes or glare on lenses
- Shadow on face or background
- Background not white or has margin/border
- Photo retouched to alter natural appearance
- Overexposed or underexposed
- Wearing head covering, heavy makeup, or exaggerated accessories
- Low resolution or folded photo
- Not looking straight at camera
- Photo older than 6 months (passport) or 12 months (ID card)
Children's photo requirements — tighter head range for under 10
Macao applies a tighter head height range for children under 10: 34-36mm chin to crown (compared to 32-36mm for age 10+). This means the child's face must fill more of the frame proportionally. For infants who cannot sit up, lay them on a plain white sheet and photograph from above. The child must be alone in the photo with face clearly visible. DSI may request an additional photo if the submitted one doesn't meet specifications.
Application methods — self-service, mobile app, or counter
Macao residents can apply for passports via three methods: self-service kiosks at government centres (using Electronic Identity or BIR card), the 'Macao One Account' mobile app, or in-person at DSI service counters. For self-service and mobile app applications, photos must be uploaded via 'My Photos' in the Macao One Account, taken by a contracted photography studio within 6 months. For counter applications, you can bring a 1.5-inch printed photo or use the on-site photo service at no cost. Overseas applicants can apply by post with a printed photo.
Macao passport photo vs Macao visa photo — different sizes
How to print Macao passport photos at home
- Paper: Use glossy or matte photo paper — both accepted by DSI.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale, color mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos.
- Cutting: Cut precisely to 35×45mm with no white margin/border.
- Background check: Ensure background is pure white with no shadow.
- Alternative: Use contracted photography studio via 'My Photos' in Macao One Account for digital submission.
Cost comparison
- DSI on-site photo service (counter application): Free
- Contracted photography studio for Macao One Account: MOP 40-80
- Self-service kiosk photo capture: Free
- This tool: Free — print at home for MOP 2-5 per sheet
- Note: Digital submission via Macao One Account requires photo from contracted studio
Official Macao Government Resources
- DSI — Macao SAR Passport Application Official Identification Services Bureau passport application page
- Photo Specifications PDF — DSI Official Official photo specifications with examples of accepted and rejected photos
- Macao One Account — Contracted Photo Studios List of approved photography studios for digital photo submission
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (1.5 inch)
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height (Age 10+)
- 32-36 mm (71-80% of frame)
- Head Height (Under 10)
- 34-36 mm (76-80% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white, no margin
- Recency
- Within 6 months (passport) / 12 months (ID card)
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Glossy or matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Macao SAR Passport, Resident Identity Card (BIR)
Best Practices
- Remove colored contact lenses and 'big eye' lenses — Macao strictly prohibits these
- White background with NO margin or border — DSI is strict on this
- Head height 32-36mm for age 10+, 34-36mm for under 10 — tighter range for children
- No retouching allowed — moles, scars, and natural features must be visible
- Avoid heavy makeup, camisoles, tube-tops, and reflective clothing
- No exaggerated accessories — remove eyebrow/nose/lip jewelry
- Glasses allowed with thin frames but no glare, no tinted lenses
- For digital submission via Macao One Account, photo must come from contracted studio
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Macao passport photos?
35×45mm (commonly called '1.5-inch' photos). This applies to both the Macao SAR Passport and Macao SAR Resident Identity Card. Macao visa photos use a different 33×48mm format.
Can I wear colored contact lenses in Macao passport photos?
No. Macao strictly prohibits colored contact lenses, iris-enlarging 'big eye' lenses, and all effect lenses. Clear prescription contacts are fine. This is a unique Macao requirement enforced by DSI.
What background is required?
Plain white background with no margin or border. No shadow on the background. This applies to both passport and identity card photos.
What head size for children under 10?
Children under 10 require 34-36mm head height (tighter than the 32-36mm range for age 10+). The child's face must fill a larger portion of the frame.
Can I use my passport photo for a Macao visa?
No. Macao passport photos are 35×45mm. Macao visa photos are 33×48mm (Chinese standard). Different dimensions, different head height requirements. Create separate photos.
How recent must the photo be?
Within 6 months for passport applications. Within 12 months for identity card applications. Photos must reflect current appearance.
Is retouching allowed?
No. DSI explicitly prohibits retouching that alters natural appearance. Moles, scars, and other features must remain visible. Beauty filters and editing are not permitted.
Can I submit photos digitally?
Yes, via the 'Macao One Account' app. However, the digital photo must be taken at a contracted photography studio and uploaded to 'My Photos'. Self-taken digital photos cannot be used for the Macao One Account app.
What paper type is accepted?
Both glossy and matte photo paper are accepted for Macao passport and identity card. Note: Macao visa photos require glossy paper only — matte is rejected for visas.
Can I use the same photo for passport and identity card?
Yes, if it meets both recency requirements. Same 35×45mm specifications apply to both. Passport requires within 6 months; identity card allows up to 12 months.