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The Challenge
Singapore requires 35×45mm photos for ID cards, passports, and visa applications with strict ICA specifications: head height 25-35mm, white background, photos taken within 3 months, matte finish. Wrong specifications = automatic rejection and reapplication delays.
One photo format for all Singapore government IDs
Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uses standardized 35×45mm photos for ID cards (NRIC), passports, Long-Term Visit Passes, Student Passes, work permits, and visa applications. Same dimensions, same ICA specifications—create one compliant photo and use for multiple applications within 3-month validity period.
ICA photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- Taken within last 3 months showing current appearance
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 25-35mm (use crop guidelines)
- White background with even brightness, no shadows
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible (no hair covering eyes)
- Clear spectacle lenses if worn (no tinted/sunglasses)
- Matte or semi-matte finish for printed photos (non-reflective)
- 400×514 pixels for digital e-Services submission
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI for high-quality printing
- No filters, editing, or alterations using software/apps
- Full frontal view looking directly at camera
Common rejection reasons by ICA
- Photo older than 3 months
- Head size outside 25-35mm range (chin to crown)
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Uneven lighting or brightness
- Hair covering eyes or eyebrows
- Spectacle frames covering any part of eyes
- Tinted glasses or sunglasses worn
- Smiling, laughing, or mouth open
- Head tilted, rotated, or not centered
- Low resolution causing pixelation
- Red-eye not corrected
- Digital alterations or filters applied
- Background not plain white or has patterns/objects
How to print Singapore ID/passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte or semi-matte photo paper (non-reflective). ICA requires non-reflective finish for hardcopy submissions.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), color mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm with head 25-35mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at photo shops (S$8-15 for 4 photos), Popular Bookstore photo counter, or neighborhood photo studios.
Taking passport photos of babies and infants
- Setup: Lay baby on plain white blanket or sheet on floor.
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash. No shadows on face or background.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centered in frame.
- Requirements: Eyes open (if possible), neutral expression, no pacifiers/toys visible.
- Support: If supporting baby's head, keep hands completely out of frame.
- Background: Ensure white background fills entire frame with no furniture, toys, or other persons visible.
- Timing: Take photos when baby is calm and alert. Multiple attempts normal—expect 10-20 shots.
Digital photo submission for e-Services
ICA e-Services platform accepts digital photo uploads for passport renewals, ID card applications, and visa submissions. Digital photo requirements: 400×514 pixels (width × height), file format JPG/JPEG/PNG/HEIC/HEIF, file size under 8MB. This tool generates both high-resolution print files (826×1063px at 600 DPI) and digital submission files (400×514px) optimized for ICA e-Services.
Good vs bad Singapore ICA photo examples
Religious and cultural head coverings
ICA permits head coverings worn in accordance with religious or racial customs. Requirements: photograph must show full frontal view of head and shoulders, facial features must be visible in entirety with eyes open and clearly visible. Head covering must be dark in color against white background. Hat or head covering cannot cast shadows on face. Medical head coverings require supporting documentation.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Singapore
- Professional photo studios: S$12-20 for 4 photos
- Popular Bookstore photo service: S$10-15 for 4 photos
- Neighborhood photo shops: S$8-12 for 4 photos
- Photo booth machines (MRT stations): S$10-12 for 6 photos
- This tool: Free. Print at home for S$0.30-0.60 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: S$8-20 per application. Family of four saves S$32-80 using DIY approach.
Singapore passport photo requirements
Singapore passport applications require 35×45mm photos meeting ICA specifications. For passport renewals via e-Services, upload 400×514 pixel digital photo (JPG/PNG, under 8MB). For in-person applications at ICA Building or Self-Service Kiosks, submit two printed photos on matte/semi-matte paper. Photos must be taken within 3 months, show full face and shoulders, white background, head height 25-35mm.
Work permit and employment pass photos
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) work permits, Employment Passes (EP), S Passes, and Dependent Passes use same 35×45mm ICA photo specifications. Digital submission via MOM online portal requires 400×514 pixels. Hardcopy applications require matte finish prints. Same photo works for passport and work permit applications if taken within 3 months.
Spectacles (glasses) guidelines
ICA permits spectacles in photos only if worn habitually. Requirements: lenses must be clear and untinted (no tinted glasses or sunglasses), frames cannot cover any part of eyes, eyes must be fully visible through lenses, no glare or reflections on lenses. If you normally wear contact lenses, use non-colored lenses for photo. Red-eye must be corrected before submission.
Official ICA Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position
Select Enhancement
Download or Print
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution (Print)
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Resolution (Digital)
- 400×514 pixels for e-Services
- Head Height
- 25-35 mm (chin to crown)
- Background
- White (plain, no shadows)
- Recency
- Taken within last 3 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte or semi-matte (non-reflective)
- Valid For
- ID card, passport, visa, work permit
Best Practices
- Singapore photos valid for 3 months—plan multiple applications (passport, ID card, work permit) within this period
- Matte or semi-matte finish required for printed photos—glossy finish may be rejected
- White background is mandatory—cream, off-white, or light grey not accepted by ICA
- Use crop guidelines to ensure head height 25-35mm (automatic rejection if outside range)
- For e-Services digital submission, download 400×514px version (under 8MB)
- For printed applications, use 826×1063px at 600 DPI for sharpest results
- Remove spectacles if possible—if worn, ensure clear lenses with no glare
- Take photos in bright, evenly-lit area to avoid shadows on face or background
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Singapore ICA photo requirements?
Singapore ID card and passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within last 3 months, on matte/semi-matte paper with plain white background. Head must be 25-35mm from chin to crown, face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and fully visible. Clear spectacles permitted if worn habitually. Digital submission: 400×514 pixels, under 8MB.
Can I use same photo for Singapore passport and ID card?
Yes. Singapore passport, ID card (NRIC), work permits, Student Passes, and visa applications all use identical 35×45mm ICA specifications. One photo works for all applications as long as taken within 3 months.
How recent must Singapore passport photos be?
Within last 3 months. This is stricter than many countries (US 6 months, UK 1 month). Photos older than 3 months will be rejected by ICA.
What background color for Singapore ICA photos?
Plain white background only. ICA does not accept cream, off-white, light grey, or colored backgrounds. Background must have even brightness with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible.
Can I wear glasses in Singapore passport photos?
Yes, if worn habitually. Requirements: lenses must be clear and untinted (no tinted glasses or sunglasses), frames cannot cover any part of eyes, no glare or reflections on lenses. Eyes must be fully visible through clear lenses.
What file format for digital ICA photo submission?
ICA e-Services accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF file formats. Photo dimensions must be 400×514 pixels (width × height), file size under 8MB. This tool generates compliant digital files for e-Services upload.
What paper type for printed Singapore passport photos?
Matte or semi-matte finish (non-reflective) required by ICA for hardcopy submissions. Glossy finish may be rejected. Print on matte photo paper at home or request matte finish at photo shops.
Where can I print Singapore passport photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper (cheapest: S$0.30-0.60 per sheet), or print at Popular Bookstore photo counter (S$10-15), neighborhood photo shops (S$8-12), or professional studios (S$12-20 for 4 photos).
Can I use this for Singapore work permit applications?
Yes. Ministry of Manpower (MOM) work permits, Employment Passes, S Passes, and Dependent Passes use same 35×45mm ICA photo specifications. Digital MOM submissions require 400×514 pixels. Same photo works for passport and work permit if taken within 3 months.
What is the head size requirement for Singapore photos?
Head height must be 25-35mm measured from chin to crown of head. Use this tool's crop guidelines to position head correctly. Photos with head size outside 25-35mm range will be rejected by ICA.