Preparing Your New Zealand Resident Visa Photo
Get your New Zealand resident visa application right by taking a photo that meets the exact standards required by Immigration New Zealand.
Official Size and Dimensions
For a paper application, the photo must measure 35 by 45 mm (about 1.38 by 1.77 inches)[1]. The authority does not prescribe a physical size for online photos.
For online applications, upload one digital photo in JPG or JPEG format, in portrait orientation and with a 3:4 aspect ratio[1]. The source does not specify a head-height measurement.
Background and Lighting Standards
The background of your photo depends heavily on how you choose to submit your application to the government. For an online photo submission, you must use a plain, neutral background with good contrast, and there must be no shadows, patterns, or objects visible behind you[1].
Immigration New Zealand does not specify an exact background colour[1]. The cited facts describe the plain, neutral background requirements for online photos; they do not specify a paper-photo background rule.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
Immigration New Zealand has strict rules about your facial expression when you take the photo[1]. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth completely closed[1]. Do not smile, frown, smirk, or open your lips at all while the picture is being taken.
Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera[1].
Glasses and Headwear Policies
Glasses are allowed conditionally[1]. Keep your eyes visible; the cited facts do not specify further glasses conditions.
Headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons[1].
File Size and Submission Rules
If you are applying online, your digital photo must meet strict file size limits set by the authority[1]. The minimum file size allowed is 512 kilobytes, and the maximum file size is 3,215.36 kilobytes[1]. Your digital image must be saved in JPG or JPEG format, use a portrait orientation, and follow a 3-to-4 aspect ratio[1].
You will upload one digital photo online as part of your application process[1]. If you are submitting a paper application where paper forms are still accepted, you must provide two physical photos[1]. New Zealand resident status is usually granted electronically by the government, so you will not receive a physical resident photo card from the authority[1].
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo
You can take your resident visa photo at home with a digital camera or a smartphone before you upload it or print it out. Find a plain wall with good lighting and ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you rather than trying a selfie.
Stand about one to one and a half metres away from the camera, and keep the lens level with your eyes. Check that your shoulders and head fit well within the frame and leave space around your hair. Once you capture a clear shot, you can use the tool above to check your crop and prepare your file for submission.
Rules for Infants and Children
Infants and children must also follow the general visa photo standards set by Immigration New Zealand[1]. The published guidelines specify clear face visibility and expression requirements even for younger applicants, though no separate infant dimensions are provided by the authority[1].
The general visa photo standards apply to infants, and the source does not specify separate infant dimensions[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size for a New Zealand resident visa photo?
The official size for your photo is 35 by 45 millimetres, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my resident visa photo?
What are the file size limits for uploading my photo online?
Can I wear a head covering for religious reasons?
Yes, headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons, but it must not cast shadows on your face, and your full face must remain visible[1].
How many photos do I need to submit with my application?
Online applications require you to upload one digital photo, while paper applications require two printed photos where paper forms are accepted[1].