When applying for a New Zealand visa, submitting a photo meeting their official requirements is necessary. If your photo doesn't match the standards, your application could be delayed, or you might be asked to resubmit it, which no one wants. Make sure your photo is spot-on to save time and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. To help you avoid all that back-and-forth, Atlys has created the New Zealand Visa Photo Maker Tool. A simple, reliable way to ensure your photo is 100% compliant from the very start. Whether for you or a family member, the tool handles all the technical details like size, background, and face alignment so you can focus on the rest of your visa process with peace of mind.
With the New Zealand Visa Photo Maker Tool, your photo will effortlessly meet all the official requirements. Regarding the rest of your visa application, Atlys makes the process easy and stress-free.
How do you use the New Zealand visa photo maker tool?
Steps to create and adjust your photo to meet New Zealand visa photo size requirements:
Upload your photo in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, or you can take a selfie.
Click 'Transform' to resize and adjust your photo.
Download your ready-to-use photo for visa application.
New Zealand visa photo requirements
Here are the New Zealand visa passport size photo specifications:
Height: 35mm to 45 mm
File Size: 500 KB and 3 MB
Photo format: JPG or JPEG
Background: light-coloured background (not white)
Face Size: 1.5 metres from the face
Borders: No
Recent: No more than 3- 6 months old
Face orientation: Full face, facing forward
Quality: clear and in focus
Facial expression: Neutral, no smiling
Note: The Atlys visa photo tool automatically handles all the above specifications to make your application process smooth. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.
When applying for a New Zealand visa or NZeTA, your photo must meet the official specifications to avoid delays or resubmission requests. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s required:
New Zealand Visa Photo Size
For paper applications, the photo must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, the standard passport size. Your full head and upper shoulders must be visible in the frame. For digital submissions, the photo must be between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels and taken from approximately 1.5 metres away to maintain proper facial proportions. To ensure biometric clarity, your face should occupy about 70–80% of the image height.
File Size & Format
Your photo must be in JPG or JPEG format and have a file size between 500 KB and 3 MB for online visa applications.
For NZeTA applications, the file must also be JPG or JPEG but can be up to 10 MB. The image must be high-resolution, unedited, and suitable for biometric recognition. Filters and heavy photo enhancements are not allowed.
Photo Background
The background must be plain and light-coloured, such as light grey or cream. White backgrounds are not recommended as they may blend with lighter skin tones or hair. The background must be free of objects, patterns, or textures, allowing for a clear view of facial features.
Face Size & Positioning
Your head should be centered and upright, facing directly toward the camera. Your face must cover approximately 70–80% of the photo, measured from the chin to the top of the head (excluding hair). The eyes should be level with the camera lens, and both edges of the face and jawline must be visible.
No Borders Allowed
Photos must not contain borders, frames, or design elements. The image should be cropped closely around your face and shoulders without cutting off any part of the head, and the focus must remain entirely on your face.
Recent Photos
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance accurately. Using older photos may lead to delays, especially if your appearance has changed.
Orientation & Head Position
Photos must be in portrait orientation (taller than wide). The head should be straight and not tilted or turned. Profile views or tilted poses are not permitted. Eyes must be visible and looking directly at the camera.
Photo Quality
Photos must be in color, clear, and sharp, with natural skin tones. They should also avoid blurring, pixelation, red-eye, or uneven lighting. No shadows should appear on your face or background, and lighting must be balanced. Selfies are not acceptable.
Facial Expression
A neutral expression is required. Keep your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions are not allowed. Hair should be tucked behind your ears to make your full face visible.
Eyewear & Headgear
Prescription glasses are allowed if they have clear lenses with no glare or reflections and your eyes remain fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted. Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons and must not obscure your face or hairline. Your face must be fully visible from chin to forehead.
New Zealand visa photo requirements for minorsÂ
Photo Requirements for Babies and Toddlers (Under 1 Year Old)
Babies under 12 months do not need to open their eyes in the photo.
A neutral expression is preferred, but some relaxation is allowed for young infants.
The photo must be taken from the front with the baby’s face centered and visible.
The baby must be alone in the photo; no toys, pacifiers, hands, or other people should appear in the frame.
The background should still be plain and light-coloured, with no patterns or shadows.
Photo Guidelines for Children (Over 1 Year Old)
Children must look directly at the camera with their heads straight and eyes open.
A neutral expression is required- no smiling, frowning, or showing teeth.
Hair should be kept from the face, and ears should be visible when possible.
The same size, background, quality, and format requirements apply to children’s photos as to adults'.
Do’s for a New Zealand Visa Photo
Use a plain, light-coloured background (like light grey, not white).
Keep a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
Make sure your face is centered and visible.
Submit a color photo that’s sharp, clear, and recent (within 6 months).
If wearing glasses, ensure clear lenses with no glare, and your eyes must be visible.
Don’ts for a New Zealand Visa Photo
Don’t use selfies or photos taken at an angle.
Don’t smile, frown, or tilt your head; the face must be straight and neutral.
Don’t let hair cover your face or eyes.
Don’t use white backgrounds, patterns, or shadows.
Don’t digitally alter the image- no filters, enhancements, or edits.
Can I use a selfie?
Technically, no – New Zealand immigration does not accept selfies. However, the Atlys tool can transform a selfie into a compliant image by correcting alignment, cropping, and background. Just ensure the original photo is clear and well-lit.
What kind of background should my visa photo have?
Use a plain, light-coloured background, such as light grey or cream. Avoid white, patterns, or shadows.
What expression should I have in the photo?
Maintain a neutral expression—do not smile, frown, or open your mouth. Your eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera.
Are there special requirements for babies and kids?
Yes!
Babies (under 1 year): Eyes don't need to be open, but the face should be visible and centered.
Children (1+ years): Must follow adult rules – looking straight, neutral face, and no obstructions like toys or hands.
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt