New Zealand passport photo guide
Check the current online and paper New Zealand passport photo requirements, create a crop-only digital photo, and use the official NZ photo checker before you apply.
New Zealand Passports is the issuing authority. Its current website, application form and manual assessment override this guide and any generated photo.
Upload a clear portrait to prepare a 3:4 New Zealand passport photo preview at 1200 × 1600 px. The preset requests crop-only output and keeps automatic background replacement switched off.
Technical output preset
Loading the New Zealand preset...
AI-generated visual comparison, not an actual processing result. The selected preset controls the final dimensions and export format.
This generator prepares a prepared JPG. It cannot verify the final file size, photo age, natural appearance, lighting, shadows, pose, glasses, head clearance or official acceptance. Keep your original photo and run the downloaded file through the official New Zealand Online Photo Checker before applying. This service handles the stated size and image processing only; final acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official-first guidance
The generator fixes one valid 3:4 pixel size and leaves background replacement off. It does not inspect every New Zealand passport photo rule.
Start with the route
The required photo format depends on what you are applying for and how you submit it.
Step 01
Use a digital colour JPG or JPEG. A scan of a printed photo is not accepted. Create a 3:4 preview above, keep the original and check the final file with the official Online Photo Checker.
Step 02
Follow the current paper form. Adult forms currently request 2 identical 35 × 45 mm colour photos and route-specific information on the back of one photo.
Step 03
Use Immigration New Zealand guidance. Visa and NZeTA file sizes, head proportions and selfie exceptions are not the same contract as a New Zealand passport application.
Size and format
Keep online and paper specifications separate. The receiving route determines which row applies.
Online passport
Size and file3:4 JPG/JPEG; 250KB–5MB; 900–4500 × 1200–6000 px
FramingCentre the head, leave a clear gap at the top and sides, and include shoulders and upper chest
Important notesUse a colour portrait taken within the last 6 months. Do not upload a scan of a printed photo.
Paper passport
Size and file2 identical colour prints, 35 × 45 mm, less than 6 months old
FramingHead including hair must be centred, with a clear gap, and occupy 80% of the photo height
Important notesUse the latest form for witness or identity-referee instructions and photo-back details.
New Zealand Passports — Adult general application form PAS310
The 1200 × 1600 px generator preset is one point inside the official online range. It is not a paper-photo preset and does not validate the final byte size.
Rules beyond pixels
Correct dimensions are only one part of the review. The photo must still show your natural appearance clearly.
Ask another person to take the photo. New Zealand Passports says selfies will be rejected because a camera held too close can distort the nose, forehead and ears.
Keep the original image. Cropping to 3:4 is allowed in the official smartphone guide, but filters, appearance changes and AI retouching are not.
Before you upload
The photographer should stand about 1.5 metres away and hold the camera at eye level. Stand at least 0.5 metres in front of a plain, light-coloured background so shadows are less likely.
Face the camera directly with the head level. Keep a neutral expression, close the mouth and keep both eyes open. Hair must stay out of the eyes and away from the face.
Prescription glasses may be worn if the lenses are clear, the frames are not thick and there is no glare. Sunglasses are not allowed.
A baby may lie on a plain, light-coloured sheet while the photo is taken from above. The entire face should be visible, with eyes open where possible under the current official guidance.
Do not use filters, beauty modes, generative fill or AI tools to change the way you look. The generator above requests crop-only output and cannot certify that the source photo meets these rules.
From camera to checker
Follow this sequence to preserve the original image and reduce avoidable upload problems.
01 / 05
Decide whether you are applying for a passport online, using a paper passport form, or preparing a visa/NZeTA photo. Open the matching official source before taking the photo.
02 / 05
Use a plain light background, even light and enough distance to prevent facial distortion and background shadows. Ask someone else to hold the camera at eye level.
03 / 05
Keep the head straight, eyes open and mouth closed. Include the shoulders and enough surrounding space for a 3:4 crop.
04 / 05
Upload the original to the generator above. The New Zealand preset requests a 1200 × 1600 px JPG and does not request background replacement.
05 / 05
Upload the downloaded JPG to the official checker. Fix any reported technical problem using the original image rather than repeatedly editing an already processed file.
If the checker rejects the preview, do not claim it is compliant. Return to the original capture or use a professional passport photo service.
Avoid repeat attempts
Most failures come from mixing routes, using a weak source photo or changing the image too aggressively.
Problem: 01. Using 35 × 45 mm as the online digital specification
Why it fails: That measurement belongs to the paper route; online applications use a 3:4 pixel and file-size range.
What to do: Use a digital 3:4 JPG/JPEG and check its pixels and byte size.
Problem: 02. Uploading a scan of a printed photo
Why it fails: New Zealand Passports explicitly says scans of physical photos are not accepted online.
What to do: Use the original digital capture or obtain a digital file from the photo service.
Problem: 03. Taking a selfie or holding the camera too close
Why it fails: Close capture can distort facial features and remove the required surrounding space.
What to do: Ask another person to stand about 1.5 m away with the camera at eye level.
Problem: 04. White or low-contrast background with shadows
Why it fails: The face may not separate clearly from the background, and shadows can trigger checker errors.
What to do: Use a plain light colour with strong contrast and stand 0.5 m in front of it.
Problem: 05. Glare, tinted lenses or thick frames
Why it fails: The eyes may be obscured and the photo may not support reliable identification.
What to do: Adjust the light or remove the glasses. Never wear sunglasses.
Problem: 06. Tight crop or tilted head
Why it fails: The photo needs a centred, straight face and clear space around the head.
What to do: Return to a wider original and recrop without cutting into the hair or shoulders.
Problem: 07. Filters, beauty mode or AI appearance editing
Why it fails: The official rules require a natural image and prohibit digital changes to appearance.
What to do: Use the unedited source, disable appearance enhancement and keep background replacement off.
Problem: 08. Messaging-app compression
Why it fails: Compression can reduce pixel dimensions or push the file below the 250KB minimum.
What to do: Transfer the original or final file at full size by a method that preserves it.
The official checker gives technical feedback, but a passport officer still makes the application assessment.
Final review
Complete the checks that match your application route before submitting the photo.
Checklist progress
Primary sources
Use these pages to recheck current dimensions, route instructions and the official checker before applying.
nz-passport-photos
New Zealand Passports — Passport photos
Checked: 2026-08-20
nz-online-photo-checker
New Zealand Passports — Online Photo Checker
Checked: 2026-08-20
nz-paper-forms
New Zealand Passports — Paper application forms
Checked: 2026-08-20
nz-adult-paper-form
New Zealand Passports — Adult general application form PAS310
Checked: 2026-08-20
nz-iphone-guide
New Zealand Passports — Take your own photo using an iPhone
Checked: 2026-08-20
nz-immigration-photos
Immigration New Zealand — Visa and NZeTA photos
Checked: 2026-08-20
Questions from applicants
Answers use current official passport guidance and keep passport, paper and visa routes separate.
Before you apply
Use the official checker on the exact JPG you plan to submit, and keep the original image in case you need to start again.
A generated photo and a checker result are preparation aids, not an acceptance decision.
