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The Challenge
New Zealand online passport applications require 33×44mm digital photos (different from paper 35×45mm) less than 6 months old with specific framing: head centered, 4:3 portrait ratio, light colored background, no selfies. Wrong size = rejection.
New Zealand online passport photo specifications - 33×44mm format
New Zealand online passport applications require 33×44mm digital photos (different from paper applications which use 35×45mm). Department of Internal Affairs online portal accepts 1800×2400 pixel JPG files in portrait 4:3 aspect ratio, taken within last 6 months. Light colored backgrounds (light blues, greys, creams), neutral expression, no smiling. Digital originals only—no scans. No selfies permitted. This tool generates 33×44mm photos specifically for online applications.
Critical: 33×44mm for online only - not for paper applications
Online applications: 33×44mm (this tool). Paper applications: 35×45mm (different tool). Sizes are NOT interchangeable. Using wrong size will cause rejection. Verify you are applying online before using this tool. If applying by paper, use the NZ Passport Photo (Paper) tool for 35×45mm photos.
NZ online passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- Less than 6 months old showing current appearance
- Portrait photo with 4:3 aspect ratio (or 3:4 on smartphone)
- 1800×2400 pixels (or 900-4500 wide, 1200-6000 high)
- Digital photo only (scans of physical photos not acceptable)
- Light colored background with strong contrast to face
- Stand 0.5m away from background with no people/objects visible
- Head centered with space around top and sides
- Face fully visible, not tilted or turned to side
- Hair out of eyes and away from sides of face
- Neutral expression, no smiling, mouth closed
- Clear gap visible around entire head including hair and ears
- JPG/JPEG format, 250KB-5MB file size
- No filters or digital alterations to appearance
- No selfies (photo taken by professional or friend)
How to submit photo for NZ online passport application
- Apply online: Visit Department of Internal Affairs passport online portal.
- Photo upload: System prompts for photo upload during application.
- File requirements: Upload JPG file 1800×2400px, 250KB-5MB.
- Do not print: Photo is for digital submission only. No printing required.
- Verification: Portal may verify photo meets requirements before accepting.
- Processing: Faster than paper applications (typically 10 working days vs 15-20).
Online vs paper NZ passport applications - photo differences
Why does NZ use different sizes for online vs paper?
Department of Internal Affairs uses 33×44mm for online applications (optimized for digital processing and biometric systems) and 35×45mm for paper applications (standard international photo size for physical documents). Online system processes photos digitally, allowing slightly different dimensions. Always verify application method before creating photos—using wrong size causes rejection.
Taking passport photos - same rules as paper applications
- Background: Light colored (light blues, greys, creams). Stand 0.5m away.
- Lighting: Even, natural lighting. No shadows on face or background.
- Distance: Photographer stands 1.5m away at eye level.
- Expression: Neutral, no smiling, mouth closed.
- Hair: Out of eyes, away from face sides.
- Head position: Centered with space around top and sides.
- No selfies: Another person must take photo.
- Digital original: No scanned photos. Use digital camera or smartphone.
- Format: Save as JPG, ensure 1800×2400px, 250KB-5MB.
Glasses and head coverings - same rules as paper applications
Glasses: Non-tinted, non-thick-framed prescription glasses permitted. Clear gap between eyes and frames, no glare, eyes fully visible. Sunglasses not allowed. Head coverings: Not permitted unless religious/medical reasons. If worn, face must be fully visible, passport endorsement required.
Do not print these photos
33×44mm photos are for digital submission to online passport portal only. Do not print. If you need printed photos for paper application, use the NZ Passport Photo (Paper) tool for correct 35×45mm size. Printing 33×44mm photos will not work for paper applications.
Official New Zealand Government Resources
- New Zealand Passports - Official Portal Main passport application portal by Department of Internal Affairs
- Passport Photos - Requirements and Standards Official photo requirements for online passport applications
- How to Take a Passport Photo Step-by-step guide with photo checklist
- Photo Technical Requirements Checker Online tool to verify your photo meets specifications
- Apply for NZ Passport Online Complete online application guide
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position
Select Enhancement
Download for Online Submission
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 33×44 mm (online applications only)
- Resolution (Digital)
- 1800×2400 pixels (recommended)
- Resolution Range
- 900-4500px wide, 1200-6000px high
- Aspect Ratio
- 4:3 portrait (or 3:4 on smartphone)
- Background
- Light colored (light blues, greys, creams)
- Recency
- Less than 6 months old
- Expression
- Neutral (no smiling), mouth closed
- File Format
- JPG/JPEG only
- File Size
- 250KB - 5MB
- Valid For
- Online passport applications only
Best Practices
- 33×44mm size is ONLY for online applications—verify you are applying online
- For paper applications, use different tool for 35×45mm photos
- Photos valid for 6 months—can't reuse for paper application if applied online
- Light colored backgrounds (light blues, greys, creams) provide better contrast than white
- No selfies—must be taken by another person at 1.5m distance
- Photographer holds camera at your eye level to avoid distortion
- Stand 0.5m from background to prevent shadows
- Digital originals only—do not scan printed photos
- Save as JPG 1800×2400px, 250KB-5MB for upload to online portal
Frequently Asked Questions
What size for NZ online passport photos?
33×44mm for online applications. This is different from paper applications (35×45mm). Use this tool for online submissions only. Digital file 1800×2400 pixels, JPG format, 250KB-5MB.
Can I use 35×45mm photos for online passport application?
No. Online applications require 33×44mm. Paper applications require 35×45mm. Sizes NOT interchangeable. Using wrong size causes rejection. Verify application method before creating photos.
Do I print 33×44mm photos for NZ online passport?
No. 33×44mm photos are digital files for online submission only. Do not print. Upload JPG file directly to passport online portal. For printed photos, use paper application with 35×45mm size.
What file size for NZ online passport photo upload?
1800×2400 pixels (or 900-4500 wide, 1200-6000 high). JPG/JPEG format only. File size 250KB-5MB. Portrait 4:3 aspect ratio.
Can I use same photo for NZ online passport and visa?
Only if visa also accepts 33×44mm digital format. Most NZ visas use paper applications requiring 35×45mm. Check specific visa requirements before using this photo.
Why does NZ have different photo sizes for online vs paper?
Online system (33×44mm) optimized for digital processing and biometric systems. Paper applications (35×45mm) use standard international photo size. Always match photo size to application method.
How do I upload photo to NZ passport online portal?
During online application, portal prompts for photo upload. Select JPG file (1800×2400px, 250KB-5MB). System may verify photo meets requirements before accepting. No printing needed.
Are photo requirements same for online and paper NZ passports?
Most requirements identical: 4:3 portrait ratio, light colored background, less than 6 months old, neutral expression, no selfies. Only difference: size (online 33×44mm vs paper 35×45mm) and delivery (digital upload vs printed photos).
Can I wear glasses in NZ online passport photo?
Yes, if non-tinted and not thick-framed. Same rules as paper: clear gap between eyes and frames, no glare, eyes fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses not allowed.
Is online NZ passport application faster than paper?
Yes. Online typically 10 working days. Paper 15-20 working days. Online also more convenient—no printing or mailing physical photos required.
Related Guides
New Zealand Passport & Visa Photo (Paper) - 35×45mm Format
- 35×45 mm (paper applications)
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- 1800×2400 pixels (900-4500 wide, 1200-6000 high)
Australia Passport & Visa Photo Tool - 35×45mm Compliant Format
- 35–45 mm (width 35-40mm, height 45-50mm)
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI
- 32-36 mm (chin to crown, 71-80% of frame)