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New Zealand Passport

New Zealand Passport Photo 35x45mm Online Maker

Free online New Zealand passport photo checker. AI validates the 35x45mm format with 29–34mm head height required by the Department of Internal Affairs. White or light grey background, neutral expression, ICAO biometric compliant.

Last updated May 11, 2026

Verified against the official source · May 11, 2026
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Official New Zealand Passport Photo Dimensions & Requirements (35x45mm)

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs follows the ICAO biometric standard for passport photos, similar to Australia and the UK.

  • Size: 35mm wide × 45mm high (printed).
  • Head Size: Chin to crown must be 29–34mm.
  • Background: Plain white or light grey — no patterns.
  • Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open.
  • Glasses: Not recommended; remove if possible.
  • Recency: Must be taken within the last 6 months.

How to Fix Background for New Zealand Passport Photo

For online renewal (RealMe identity verification) you upload a digital file. For in-person applications you bring two identical physical prints.

  • Digital: JPEG, minimum 600×800px at 300 DPI.
  • Physical: 2 prints on matte or glossy photo paper.
  • Both must match the 35×45mm specification.

How Our Tool Ensures NZ Compliance

Our AI handles every technical requirement so you can focus on getting the expression right:

  • Precise 35×45mm crop with correct 29–34mm head height.
  • Automatic background replacement to plain white.
  • File size and resolution validation.
  • Works for both RealMe digital uploads and printed applications.

Photo Examples

Correct photo

Pass example

Correct photo

Incorrect photo

Common rejection risk

Incorrect photo

Real New Zealand Passport Rejection Data

29.4% of New Zealand Passport photos were rejected on first submission, based on 17 checks run through VisaPhotoCheck.

Most common reasons a rejected photo failed

  • Crop or framing40%
  • Accessories (glasses, hats, headphones)20%
  • Expression20%
  • Lighting or shadows20%

Each figure is the share of rejected New Zealand Passport photos that failed that specific check. A single rejection often fails more than one check, so these do not add up to 100%.

Based on VisaPhotoCheck's own New Zealand Passport submissions — this reflects our users, not an official or industry-wide rejection rate.

How New Zealand Passport compares to similar documents

Every figure below is read from the same rule profiles this checker validates against, so it says what actually differs rather than what sounds different.

The same specification

A photo that passes for New Zealand Passport meets the same measurable requirements as Brazil Visa and UK BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). Size, head height and background are identical; check each portal's own file-size limit before uploading.

What changes for nearby documents

  • India OCI Card wants 51×51mm, not 35×45mm; head fills 70–80% of the frame, not 64–76%; file limit 200 KB, not 5000 KB; an off-white or light grey background, not pure white.
  • New Zealand Online Visa wants 900×1200px, not 35×45mm; head fills 70–80% of the frame, not 64–76%; file limit 3140 KB, not 5000 KB; an off-white or light grey background, not pure white.
  • Vietnam eVisa wants 40×60mm, not 35×45mm; head fills 70–80% of the frame, not 64–76%; file limit 1024 KB, not 5000 KB.
  • K-ETA wants 700×700px, not 35×45mm; head fills 70–80% of the frame, not 64–76%; file limit 100 KB, not 5000 KB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Document Requirements