Photo requirements · Singapore

Singapore Passport Photo Requirements 2026

A Singapore passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain white background. The head — chin to crown — must measure between 25 and 35 mm. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) applies these specifications to Singapore passports, the NRIC (National Registration Identity Card), and Singapore visa applications.

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Quick specs

Photo size

35 × 45 mm

1.38 × 1.77 inches

Head height

25–35 mm

chin to crown

Background

Plain white only.

Authority

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Documents covered

The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:

Document	Size	Head height
Singapore Passport	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)	25–35 mm
Singapore Visa	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)	25–35 mm
Singapore NRIC (IC)	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)	25–35 mm

Detailed requirements

Background

Plain white only. No patterns, no shadows, no off-white walls.

Expression and eyes

Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking straight at the camera. No smiling.

Glasses

Glasses are allowed only with clear lenses, no glare, and no thick frames covering the eyes.

Headwear

No headwear except for daily religious wear that does not cover the face.

Recency

The photo must have been taken within the last three months — stricter than the six-month rule used by most countries.

Digital format

For online ICA applications, digital photos must be JPEG, between 30 KB and 60 KB, exactly 400×514 pixels.

Country-specific notes

Singapore is one of the few countries requiring photos taken within the last three months (not six).
Online uploads require an unusually small file size — 30 to 60 KB — which can mean compressing your photo.
For NRIC renewals at age 30 and 55, ICA may re-take your photo on the day.

Common rejection reasons

These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.

1 Photo is older than three months.
2 File size exceeds 60 KB for the online upload.
3 Background is not pure white.
4 Wearing glasses that cause glare.
5 Smiling or showing teeth.
6 Photo dimensions are not exactly 400×514 pixels (for digital upload).

How to take it yourself in 3 steps

Plain white background

Stand 0.5 m from a pure white wall. Diffuse daylight in front, no shadow behind.

Take a neutral, recent photo

Singapore requires the photo to be from the last three months. Camera at eye level, 1.5 m away, neutral expression.

Output ICA format

Photo must be 35×45 mm with head 25–35 mm tall. For online upload, it must be exactly 400×514 pixels, 30–60 KB. Our app outputs the correct format.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Singapore passport photo? +

A Singapore passport photo is 35×45 mm with the head 25–35 mm from chin to crown.

How recent does my Singapore passport photo need to be? +

Within the last three months — stricter than the six-month rule used by most other countries.

What size must the digital photo be for ICA upload? +

For online ICA applications, the digital photo must be exactly 400×514 pixels, JPEG, 30–60 KB.

Does the same photo work for my NRIC? +

Yes — passport, NRIC, and visa all share the same 35×45 mm format. NRIC renewals at age 30 and 55 are taken in person at ICA.

Can I take a Singapore passport photo at home? +

Yes, if it meets the 35×45 mm size, white background, three-month recency rule, and digital file-size rules. Our app produces a fully ICA-compliant output.

Other countries

Take a photo that passes — automatically.

Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.

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