New Zealand Passport Photo Requirements
The complete spec for a New Zealand Passport photo, and how to hit it at home.
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
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| Digital | Digital accepted |
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| Head height | Head 70–80% |
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| Background | Plain light |
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| Fine print | No glasses; neutral expression; no shadows. |
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How to shoot it
- Daylight facing a window, plain plain light wall — see the lighting tutorial.
- Check head height against the spec above before cropping — it is the #1 silent rejection.
- Crop to exact size with the ID photo tool (this spec's proportions are baked in), print matte.
- Confirm current rules with the issuing authority — specs drift, especially for digital submissions.
Other specs
FAQ
What size is a New Zealand Passport photo?
35 × 45 millimetres (Digital accepted in pixels where digital submission applies). Head height should be Head 70–80% of the frame.
What background does the New Zealand Passport photo need?
Plain light. Keep the background evenly lit — shadows are a top rejection cause. No glasses; neutral expression; no shadows.