Malaysian Child Passport Photo Requirements for Under Fours
If you are applying for a Pasport Malaysia Antarabangsa for a child under the age of four, you must supply a printed photo[1]. Following the strict guidelines set by the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia will help prevent delays with your application[1].
Understanding the Under-Four Rule
For children under four, the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia requires one printed studio photo[1]. Other passport applicants are photographed at the passport division[1].
You can use the tool above to prepare your child's photo at home before printing it.
Official Size and Head Measurements
The official size for this passport photo is 35 by 50 millimeters, which translates to about 1.38 by 1.97 inches[1]. Within this exact rectangular frame, the size of your child's head is strictly measured[1]. The head height must be 25 to 30 millimeters, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
The face must occupy 50 to 60 percent of the photo space[1].
Background and Lighting Specifications
The background for a child under four must be a shadowless white background[1]. You should look for a plain, bright white wall with no textures, patterns, or objects behind your child. Even lighting is necessary to eliminate any shadows cast on the wall or on your child's face and shoulders.
Natural light from a large window often works best when photographing a baby at home. Position your child facing the window so the light hits their face evenly without creating harsh dark spots. Avoid using direct flash if it creates heavy shadows on the white background behind them.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Appearance
Glasses are strictly not allowed in the passport photo for your child[1]. Even if your child wears prescription glasses every day, you must remove them for the photograph to comply with official standards[1]. Any tinted lenses or frames will cause an immediate refusal by the issuing authority[1].
Headwear is not permitted. The source also says hair must not cover the face and the forehead must not be covered for applicants wearing a hijab[1].
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Photo at Home
To take the photo at home, lay your child on a plain white sheet on the floor or seat them in a high chair against a white wall. Stand about one to one and a half meters away and keep your camera or phone at your child's eye level. Take multiple pictures so you have options where your child is facing forward and looking toward the lens.
Once you have a clear picture, you can use the tool above to crop the image to the exact 35 by 50 millimeter dimension[1]. The tool helps you arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo layout. You can then save the file and print it out as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo at any local print kiosk.
Rules for Older Children and Submission Details
It is important to remember that the printed photo rule only applies to children under four years old[1]. Older children and adult applicants do not bring their own photographs because the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia captures photos directly at the passport division[1]. Always verify these procedures with the official immigration office before you submit your documents[1].
When you print your infant's photo at a kiosk, print it at its original size without adding filters, adjustments, or color corrections. Bringing a properly sized, shadowless white background photo helps your passport application move forward without unnecessary hurdles[1].
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a photo if my child is five years old?
No. Older children are photographed directly at the Immigration passport division when you apply[1].
Can my baby wear glasses in the photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in Malaysian passport photos[1].
What color should the background be?
The background must be a shadowless white for children under four[1].
What is the required head height?
The head height must be 25 to 30 millimeters from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
Is a digital upload accepted for infants?
You must submit one printed studio photo for children under four[1].