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The Challenge
New Zealand paper passport applications require 35×45mm photos less than 6 months old with specific framing: head centered, eyes positioned correctly, light colored background, no selfies. Wrong specifications = rejection and reapplication delays.
New Zealand paper passport photo specifications
New Zealand paper passport applications require 35×45mm photos in portrait 4:3 aspect ratio, taken within last 6 months. Department of Internal Affairs specifies light colored backgrounds (light blues, greys, creams work best), neutral expression with mouth closed, no smiling. Photos must be digital originals—scanned physical photos not accepted. No selfies permitted. Two identical printed photos required on matte paper.
NZ 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)
- Digital photo only (scans of physical photos not acceptable)
- Light colored background with strong contrast to face (light blues, greys, creams)
- 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
- 900-4500 pixels wide, 1200-6000 pixels high
- No filters or digital alterations to appearance
- No selfies (photo taken by professional or friend)
Common rejection reasons by NZ Department of Internal Affairs
- Photo older than 6 months
- Selfie submitted (not permitted—must be taken by another person)
- Scanned physical photo (digital originals only)
- Head not centered or insufficient space around head
- Eyes not positioned correctly in frame
- Smiling or mouth open
- Hair covering eyes or sides of face
- Background too dark or insufficient contrast with face
- People or objects visible in background
- Face tilted or turned to side
- Tinted or thick-framed glasses worn
- Glare or flash reflection on glasses
- Filters or digital alterations applied
- File size outside 250KB-5MB range
- Wrong file format (not JPG/JPEG)
How to print NZ passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo paper. NZ Department of Internal Affairs specifies matte finish for paper applications.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no fit to page), color mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for multiple photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Two identical photos: Paper applications require two identical 35×45mm prints.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or trimmer. Cut precisely along grey lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at Warehouse Stationery (NZ$12-18 for 4 photos), PostShop, or photo shops.
Framing requirements - positioning the head correctly
- Head length: Head from chin to crown should fill approximately 70% of photo height.
- Eyes positioning: Eyes must be positioned in upper third of photo between specific points.
- Horizontal centering: Midpoints of mouth and nose must lie on imaginary vertical centerline.
- Clear gap: Visible background must appear around entire head including hair and ears.
- Camera distance: Photographer stands 1.5m away at eye level (not too close—causes distortion).
- Shoulders visible: Include shoulders in frame, not just head.
Good vs bad NZ passport photo examples
Glasses requirements
Non-tinted, non-thick-framed prescription glasses permitted. Requirements: clear gap between eyes and frames visible, no glare or flash reflection on lenses, eyes fully visible through clear lenses. Sunglasses not allowed. Tinted lenses not permitted. If frames are thick or obscure eyes, remove glasses for photo.
Head coverings - religious and medical exemptions
Head coverings not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons. If worn for religious/medical reasons: face must be fully visible, passport endorsement required. Apply for endorsement when submitting application. Medical head coverings require documentation.
Taking passport photos of babies and infants
- Background: Lay baby on plain light colored blanket (light blue, grey, cream).
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centered.
- Expression: Neutral expression. Babies don't need to smile.
- Support: If supporting head, keep hands completely out of frame.
- No props: Remove pacifiers, toys, bottles from frame.
- Timing: Take photos when baby calm and alert. Expect 10-20 attempts.
- No selfies: Another person must take photo (parent can't take selfie with baby).
NZ visa photo requirements
New Zealand visa applications use same 35×45mm specifications as paper passport applications. Immigration New Zealand accepts same photo standards: 4:3 portrait ratio, light colored background, less than 6 months old, JPG format 250KB-5MB. Can use same photo for passport and visa applications if taken within 6 months.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in NZ
- Professional photo studios: NZ$15-25 for 4 photos
- Warehouse Stationery: NZ$12-18 for 4 photos
- PostShop locations: NZ$15-20 for 4 photos
- Neighborhood photo shops: NZ$10-15 for 4 photos
- This tool: Free. Print at home for NZ$0.30-0.70 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: NZ$10-25 per application. Family of four saves NZ$40-100 using DIY.
Digital vs paper passport applications
New Zealand offers two application methods with different photo sizes. Paper applications (this tool): 35×45mm, two identical printed photos on matte paper. Online applications: 33×44mm digital file. Check which application method before creating photos—sizes are NOT interchangeable. This tool is for 35×45mm paper applications. For online applications, use the NZ Passport Online Photo tool (33×44mm).
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 paper passport applications
- How to Take a Passport Photo Step-by-step guide with photo checklist
- Paper Application Forms Download adult and child passport application forms (PDF)
- Immigration NZ - Visa Photo Requirements Official visa and NZeTA photo specifications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position
Select Enhancement
Download or Print
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (paper applications)
- Resolution (Print)
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Resolution (Digital)
- 1800×2400 pixels (900-4500 wide, 1200-6000 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
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- File Format
- JPG/JPEG only
- File Size
- 250KB - 5MB
- Valid For
- Passport (paper), visa applications
Best Practices
- NZ photos valid for 6 months—plan passport and visa applications within this period
- Paper applications require two identical 35×45mm prints on matte paper
- Light colored backgrounds (light blues, greys, creams) work better than pure white for contrast
- No selfies permitted—must be taken by professional or friend at 1.5m distance
- Photographer should hold camera at your eye level to avoid distortion
- Stand 0.5m from background to prevent shadows
- Digital originals only—do not scan printed photos
- File must be JPG/JPEG format, 250KB-5MB, 900-4500px wide, 1200-6000px high
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Zealand paper passport photo requirements?
NZ paper passport photos must be 35×45mm, portrait 4:3 ratio, less than 6 months old, on matte paper. Light colored background (light blues, greys, creams), head centered with space around, neutral expression, mouth closed. JPG format 250KB-5MB. Digital originals only (no scans). No selfies. Two identical prints required.
Can I use same photo for NZ passport and visa?
Yes, if using paper applications. Both require 35×45mm format, same specifications. Photo works for both if less than 6 months old. Note: Online passport applications use different 33×44mm size.
Why are selfies not allowed for NZ passport photos?
Department of Internal Affairs prohibits selfies to ensure proper framing, distance, and lighting. Photo must be taken by professional service or friend at 1.5m distance at eye level. Selfies typically too close, causing facial distortion.
What background color for NZ passport photos?
Light colored backgrounds—light blues, greys, and creams work well. Must provide strong contrast with face. Pure white acceptable but light colors often provide better contrast. Stand 0.5m from background to avoid shadows.
Can I wear glasses in NZ passport photos?
Yes, if non-tinted and not thick-framed. Requirements: clear gap between eyes and frames, no glare/reflections on lenses, eyes fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses not allowed. Remove glasses if thick frames obscure eyes.
What is difference between NZ paper and online passport photo sizes?
Paper applications: 35×45mm (this tool). Online applications: 33×44mm. Sizes NOT interchangeable—verify application method before creating photos. Both require 4:3 portrait ratio, light backgrounds, less than 6 months old.
How recent must NZ passport photos be?
Less than 6 months old. More lenient than UK (1 month) but stricter than some countries. Photo must show current appearance. Older photos will be rejected.
Where can I print NZ passport photos?
Print at home on matte paper (NZ$0.30-0.70 per sheet), or print at Warehouse Stationery (NZ$12-18), PostShop (NZ$15-20), photo shops (NZ$10-15). Specify matte finish, two identical 35×45mm photos.
Can I scan a printed photo for NZ passport application?
No. Department of Internal Affairs requires digital originals only. Scanned physical photos not acceptable. Photo must be taken with digital camera or smartphone, not scanned from print.
What file format for NZ passport photos?
JPG or JPEG only. File size 250KB-5MB. Dimensions 900-4500 pixels wide, 1200-6000 pixels high. Portrait 4:3 aspect ratio. PNG, HEIC, and other formats not accepted.
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