Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card Photo Guide
Get the exact size and background for your Chinese foreign permanent resident ID card application. Follow these simple steps to prepare your picture correctly.
Official Size and Margins
Shanghai guidance gives a photo size of 33 by 48 millimetres, or about 1.3 by 1.89 inches[1]. Check the requirements for your location and application type before preparing the photo.
Shanghai guidance specifies a top margin of 1.5 to 2.5 millimetres[1]. The opened guidance does not specify a head-height measurement.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your application requires a recent colour photo with a plain white background[1]. Beijing renewal rules also specifically require a clean white background and a digital copy of your picture[2]. Any shadows, patterns, or objects behind you can cause your application to be rejected by the immigration officials.
To get a proper white background at home, stand directly in front of a smooth white wall without any posters or texture showing. Good lighting plays a helpful part here, so face a bright window or position soft lamps in front of you to eliminate dark shadows on the wall. Avoid using harsh flash from a direct camera light because it creates ugly dark spots and shadows right behind your head.
Clothing, Glasses and Headwear
The supplied guidance says headwear is not permitted[2][3][1]. It does not state an exception for religious or medical reasons.
The official guidelines do not specify a strict rule for glasses, but you must check your lenses carefully for glare, reflections, or thick frames that hide your eyes. If your glasses create heavy reflections or obscure your facial features, it is much safer to take them off for the photo session.
Print and Digital Submission
Depending on your specific city and application type, you may need to provide both physical prints and digital files. Shanghai guidelines state that applicants have an electronic ID photo taken directly at the immigration service center while also providing two recent printed ID photos[1].
Beijing renewal rules similarly require two physical photos and a digital copy for your submission[2]. Having the right formats ready ahead of time makes your appointment go much faster. You can use the tool above to prepare your image files precisely for both print and digital submission requirements without any trouble.
Steps to Take Your Photo at Home
Taking your ID photo at home requires careful positioning to match official standards. Stand about one to one and a half metres away from the camera or ask a family member to take the picture for you. Keeping the camera lens directly level with your eyes prevents distorted facial angles and keeps your proportions natural.
For a home photo, look toward the camera with a relaxed expression. Check your local office's instructions before cropping the image to 33 by 48 millimetres.
Preparing and Printing on a 4×6 Sheet
If your local office accepts printed copies, you can arrange your cropped photos onto a standard 4 by 6 inch template sheet. This layout lets you print multiple copies cheaply at a local pharmacy, store kiosk, or home photo printer.
Once printed, cut the individual photos carefully along the borders using sharp scissors or a paper cutter to maintain straight edges. Check the final physical measurements with a physical ruler to confirm they match the 33 by 48 millimetre rule exactly. Keeping your cutouts neat and accurate helps you present a professional application package at the immigration counter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size of the Chinese permanent resident ID photo?
The official size is 33 by 48 millimetres, which is about 1.3 by 1.89 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
The official guidance does not specify a rule for glasses, but you must check that there is no flash glare or reflection on the lenses.
Are head coverings allowed?
Headwear is not permitted in the ID photo.