Preparing Your Photo for a New Zealand Citizenship by Grant Application
You need to submit the right photo with your New Zealand citizenship application. This page helps you check your image using the tool above so you can prepare it correctly[1].
Official Size and Dimensions
The Citizenship Office accepts passport-style photos but does not publish a physical photo size for citizenship applications[1]. A 35 by 45 mm crop (about 1.38 by 1.77 inches) is a common studio size, not an official requirement.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to this common size. The source does not set a head-height measurement. Make sure your photo shows your head and shoulders and that your face looks directly at the camera[1].
Background and Lighting
The citizenship photo guidance points applicants to New Zealand passport photo requirements[1]. Choose a plain background and follow those requirements.
Face a window with natural light to illuminate your facial features evenly and clearly. Avoid using a direct camera flash because it creates bright glares or harsh dark shadows behind your head. Good lighting helps the authority see your true skin tone and facial structure without any visual distractions in the room.
Facial Expression, Glasses and Headwear
You must maintain a neutral expression while the photo is taken[1]. Your mouth must remain closed during the shot, meaning you should not smile, laugh, or frown[1].
You may wear prescription glasses if your eyes remain visible[1]. The cited guidance does not specify rules for headwear. Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera[1].
Rules for Babies and Children
Special rules apply when you need to photograph an infant or a very young child for this citizenship application. For a baby, lay them down flat on a plain sheet and photograph them from directly above[1].
Make sure the baby’s face is fully visible and their eyes are open. There must be no other people or objects in the background[1].
Submission Options and File Limits
You can choose to submit your application either online, by post, or in person depending on your preference[1]. If you decide to apply online, you must upload one JPEG photo[1]. The maximum file size allowed for this digital upload is 10,240 kilobytes[1].
If you choose to submit your application by post or in person, you need to provide two identical printed photos[1]. You can format your printed images to fit neatly onto a standard sheet for easy printing at a local photo kiosk.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can easily set up a photo shoot at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Stand or sit roughly one to one and a half metres away from the lens to avoid facial distortion. Always ask someone else to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself for a selfie.
Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level to prevent awkward high or low angles. Check that your shoulders and head fit comfortably within the frame before you save the final file.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Many passport and ID photos get refused because of simple lighting or posture errors. Common reasons for rejection include having your eyes half closed, wearing heavy dark glasses, or tilting your head to the side.
Make sure you do not cast shadows on the wall behind you by stepping slightly forward away from the surface. Review your finished picture carefully to check that your expression is neutral and your mouth is completely shut[1]. Preparing your photo carefully saves you time and prevents unnecessary delays in your application process.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a New Zealand citizenship by grant?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35 by 45 millimetres (1.38 by 1.77 inches) is the size most often asked for[1].
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules set by the department, provided they do not obscure your eyes or cast heavy shadows[1].
What background color should I use?
You need a plain and neutral background, though the exact colour is not specified by the authority[1].
How many photos do I need to submit?
You provide one JPEG photo online, or two identical printed photos by post or in person[1].
What is the maximum file size for digital uploads?
The maximum file size allowed for a digital photo upload is 10,240 kilobytes[1].