Taiwan National Health Insurance Card Photo Guide
Prepare your photo for a Taiwan National Health Insurance card correctly by following official rules for size, background, and submission.
Official Size and File Requirements
The official size for your Taiwan National Health Insurance card photo is 35 by 45 millimeters, which equals about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1]. You must make sure your final image matches these physical measurements if you submit a printed copy. The issuing authority does not set a specific head height requirement for this photo, unlike many other documents[1]. This gives you some flexibility with framing, but you should still center your face clearly in the frame.
If you plan to send a digital file instead of a physical print, it must meet specific technical limits. Your digital photo needs to be at least 413 by 531 pixels in dimension[1]. Additionally, the file size must be no larger than 5,120 kilobytes to pass the online upload requirements[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct pixel and physical dimensions quickly.
Background and Lighting Rules
Your photo must feature a plain, light-colored background[1]. The issuing authority does not require one specific color, but the backdrop must remain simple, clean, and free of patterns or objects[1]. Common light background choices include off-white, light gray, pale cream, or very soft blue.
Good lighting helps your camera capture your face clearly without dark shadows. Try to face a bright window during daylight hours so natural light falls evenly across your skin. Stand a small step away from your background wall to prevent dark shadows from forming directly behind your head. Avoid using flash if it creates harsh white spots or red-eye effects.
Facial Expression and Headwear
You must maintain a neutral expression when you take your photo, with your mouth completely closed[1]. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth, and keep your eyes open and looking straight at the camera lens. Your face should be relaxed and natural.
Glasses are permitted only under conditional rules, so it is often much safer to take them off entirely before snapping the picture[1]. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, check that the frames do not hide your eyes and that there is no glare on the lenses. Headwear is strictly prohibited unless worn for valid religious or medical reasons[1]. Even with religious or medical headwear, your entire face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead must remain completely uncovered and visible.
Rules for Newborns and Special Cases
Taking photos for very young applicants comes with specific allowances. A newborn baby's first National Health Insurance card may be issued without a photograph[1]. If your infant receives a photo-free card, you will need to present another official identification document for verification purposes instead[1].
Photo-free cards are also permitted in a few other specific circumstances recognized by the agency[2][1]. For standard applicants, however, a valid photo remains the normal rule. Always check your specific application category to see if you qualify for an exemption before you skip the photo step.
How to Take Your Photo at Home
You do not need an expensive studio setup to take a valid identification photo. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from your camera or smartphone. Make sure the camera lens stays at your exact eye level rather than pointing up or down. Tilting the camera can distort your facial features and cause a rejection.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of holding the device at arm's length. Taking a selfie causes distortion because your hand is too close to the lens. Stand straight with your shoulders level, relax your expression, and take several test shots to check your lighting before choosing the best one.
Submitting and Printing Your Photo
You have multiple options for submitting your picture because the agency accepts both printed copies and digital files[2][1]. If you need a physical print, you can save your cropped image onto a standard 4 by 6-inch photo template and print it out cheaply at any local photo kiosk or shop.
National Health Insurance Administration service counters also offer free photo services at locations where they are available[2]. If you prefer to handle everything digitally, just make sure your file meets the 5,120 kilobyte limit and pixel requirements before uploading[1]. You can use the tool above to prepare your image file safely right in your web browser.
Frequently asked questions
What size does a Taiwan health insurance card photo need to be?
The official size is 35 by 45 millimeters, or about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Can babies get a card without a photo?
Yes, a newborn's first National Health Insurance card may be issued without a photograph, and you will need another identification document for verification[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, so it is usually safer to remove them to prevent a refusal[1].
What are the file size limits for digital uploads?
Digital files must be no larger than 5,120 kilobytes and measure at least 413 by 531 pixels[1].
Do I have to pay for a photo at the office?
National Health Insurance Administration counters offer free photo services where available[2].