New Zealand Visa (online) photo requirements
New Zealand visa photos are uploaded online: a JPEG between 512 KB and 3.14 MB, portrait with a 3:4 aspect ratio, face covering 70–80% of the image, on a neutral, plain background with no shadows. Photos must be unaltered (no filters or AI tools).
| Photo size | Digital upload only (no printed photo) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 900 x 1200 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 70–80% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain, neutral |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 512 KB – 3 MB |
| Background editing | Not allowed by the official rules; we crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-10-17 |
Official source: www.immigration.govt.nz
How to take your New Zealand Visa (online) photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain, neutral wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a New Zealand Visa (online) photo in pixels and KB?
- 900 x 1200 px, JPEG, 512 KB – 3 MB, on a plain, neutral background. It is a digital upload only, with no printed size. The head should take up 70–80% of the photo height.
- Can I take my New Zealand visa photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: plain, neutral. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/applying-online/uploading-documents-and-photos/visa-and-nzeta-photos/. Last verified: 2026-10-17.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.