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The Challenge
Malaysia Employment Pass (EP), work visa, and digital nomad visa applications require 35×50mm photos with BLUE background – different from the white background used for passports. Using white background for EP applications = rejection. ESD/MYXpats digital upload requires specific tiny dimensions (99×142 pixels, under 20KB).
Employment Pass and work visas require BLUE background – not white
- Employment Pass (EP) applications through ESD/MYXpats require BLUE background
- Malaysian passports now use white background – but work passes still use blue
- Using white background for EP application = rejection
- Digital nomad visa (DE Rantau) also requires blue background
- Same 35×50mm dimensions as passport but different background colour
Which Malaysia documents need blue background photos?
The blue background requirement applies to Employment Pass (EP) applications in all three categories (I, II, III), Dependant Pass applications, Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Temporary Employment Visit Pass, and the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa. These applications are processed through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal and the MYXpats Centre. Malaysian passport applications use white background instead—do not mix these up. If you are unsure which background to use, check with your employer's HR department or the specific application portal.
Malaysia work pass photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 35×50mm dimensions with blue background
- Head height 25–30mm from chin to top of head
- 10mm space above head and below chin
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible – no glasses unless prescription (no glare)
- Dark-coloured clothing covering shoulders and chest
- No headgear unless religious (hijab allowed if face fully visible)
- Hair must not cover forehead or ears
- Taken within last 6 months
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
- High quality – sharp, clear, not blurry
Glasses policy for work pass photos
Unlike Malaysian passport photos which prohibit all eyewear, Employment Pass and visa photos have a slightly more relaxed policy on glasses. Prescription glasses are permitted provided the lenses are transparent (no tinted or coloured lenses), there is no glare or reflection obscuring the eyes, and the frames do not cover any part of the eyes. However, to avoid any risk of rejection, removing glasses is still the safest option. Sunglasses and decorative contact lenses are not permitted.
Common rejection reasons for EP photo submissions
- Using white background instead of blue (most common mistake)
- Head size outside 25–30mm range
- Light-coloured clothing with insufficient contrast against blue background
- Glasses causing glare or reflections
- Hair covering forehead or ears
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution or blurry image
- Smiling, tilted head, or eyes not fully open
- Digital file exceeding size limits for ESD portal upload
How to upload photo to ESD/MYXpats portal
- Download photo from this tool (827×1181 pixels at 600 DPI).
- For ESD portal upload: resize to 99×142 pixels, JPEG format, under 20KB file size.
- Use any image editor or online resizer to reduce dimensions.
- Ensure blue background remains solid after compression.
- Log into ESD portal (esd.imi.gov.my) with company account.
- Navigate to the application form and locate the photo upload section.
- Upload the resized JPEG file.
- System validates file size and format automatically.
- If rejected, check file size and dimensions meet the portal's specific requirements.
Malaysia passport photo vs work pass photo
Employment Pass categories and photo requirements
All three EP categories use the same 35×50mm blue background photo. Category I (senior roles, RM 10,000+ salary): valid up to 5 years. Category II (managerial/professional, RM 5,000–9,999): valid up to 2 years. Category III (skilled/technical, RM 3,000–4,999): valid up to 12 months. Dependant Pass and Professional Visit Pass also use the same photo specifications. One photo set works for all EP-related applications.
How to take a photo with blue background at home
- Blue backdrop: Use a solid blue fabric, bedsheet, or poster board. Medium blue (not too dark, not too light).
- Lighting: Face a window for natural light. Avoid direct flash which creates glare.
- Distance: Stand 1 metre from camera, 50cm from blue backdrop.
- Clothing: Wear dark clothing (black/navy). Avoid blue clothing that blends with background.
- Position: Face camera directly, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed.
- Hair: Pin back if it covers forehead or ears.
- Camera: Smartphone in portrait mode at face height is sufficient.
- Check: Ensure even blue colour across background with no wrinkles or shadows.
- Upload to this tool for cropping and enhancement.
Cost comparison for work pass photos in Malaysia
- Photo studio in KL/Petaling Jaya: RM 40–60 for blue background set
- Photo booth (if blue background available): RM 15–25
- This tool: Free – take at home with blue backdrop, print for RM 1–3
- Photo shops near MYXpats Centre (Mutiara Damansara): RM 30–50
- Savings: RM 27–57 per application using DIY approach
- For families on Dependant Pass: savings multiply with multiple applications
Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau) photo requirements
The Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau Programme) requires a 35×50mm photo with blue background—the same specifications as Employment Pass photos. Face must occupy 25–30mm, dark clothing, neutral expression, no headgear unless religious. The photo is submitted digitally through the application portal. Ensure your photo file meets the portal's specific upload requirements for size and format.
Official Malaysian Government Resources
- Expatriate Services Division (ESD) Portal Official portal for Employment Pass and expatriate applications
- Employment Pass Information – ESD Employment Pass categories, requirements, and application process
- MYXpats Centre FAQs Frequently asked questions about EP, Dependant Pass, and MYXpats services
- Malaysian Immigration Department Official immigration website for all visa and pass information
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo (Blue Background)
Position Head Between Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×50 mm (3.5×5 cm)
- Resolution
- 827×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 25–30 mm (chin to top of head)
- Top/Bottom Margin
- 10 mm each
- Background
- Blue (mandatory for EP/visa applications)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Employment Pass, Dependant Pass, work visa, digital nomad visa
Best Practices
- Employment Pass and work visas require BLUE background – not white like passports
- Avoid wearing blue clothing that blends with the blue background
- Prescription glasses are allowed for work pass (unlike passport) – but no glare
- ESD portal digital upload requires 99×142 pixels, under 20KB – resize after downloading
- Same 35×50mm dimensions as passport – only background colour differs
- One photo set works for EP Category I, II, III, Dependant Pass, and PVP
- Dark clothing mandatory – black or navy recommended for contrast against blue
- For home photos: use solid blue fabric backdrop, not blue wall (may have texture)
- Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau) uses same blue background specs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Malaysia Employment Pass require blue or white background?
Blue. Employment Pass applications through ESD/MYXpats require blue background. This is different from Malaysian passports which now use white background. Using the wrong background colour will result in rejection.
What size is a Malaysia Employment Pass photo?
35×50mm (3.5×5cm) – same dimensions as Malaysian passport photos. Head height 25–30mm from chin to crown. 10mm margins above and below. Only the background colour differs: blue for EP, white for passport.
Can I wear glasses in Employment Pass photo?
Yes, prescription glasses are permitted if the lenses are transparent, there is no glare or reflection, and frames do not cover the eyes. This is more relaxed than passport rules which ban all eyewear. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.
What digital dimensions for ESD portal upload?
The ESD portal requires 99×142 pixels, JPEG format, under 20KB file size. This tool generates high-resolution 600 DPI photos which you should resize using any image editor before uploading to the portal.
Can I use my passport photo for Employment Pass?
No. Passport photos have white background, Employment Pass requires blue. Same 35×50mm dimensions but different background colour. You need separate photos for each document type.
What shade of blue for the background?
A medium blue is standard – not too dark (navy) and not too light (baby blue). The blue should be solid and even across the entire background without shadows, wrinkles, or colour variations.
Which visa types need blue background?
Employment Pass (all categories), Dependant Pass, Professional Visit Pass, Temporary Employment Visit Pass, and DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa all require blue background. Tourist visas and student visas may use white – check the specific application portal.
How many photos for Employment Pass application?
Typically one digital photo is uploaded to the ESD portal. For passport endorsement at MYXpats Centre, bring 2 printed copies on matte paper as backup. Print extra copies for Dependant Pass applications.
Where to get blue background photos near MYXpats Centre?
Photo shops near MYXpats Centre in Mutiara Damansara charge RM 30–50. Alternatively, take photos at home with a blue backdrop and use this tool for cropping and enhancement – saves RM 27–47.
Does Digital Nomad Visa use same photo as Employment Pass?
Yes. The DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa requires the same 35×50mm photo with blue background, identical specifications to Employment Pass photos. One photo works for both application types.