Japan Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Size, Background & Rules
Japan flag

Japan Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

35 × 45 mm Plain white or light grey background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 Japan Passport Photo Specifications

SpecificationRequired Value
Photo Size35 × 45 mm  1.38 × 1.77 inches
Digital Dimensions413 × 531 pixels minimum
Resolution300 DPI
File FormatJPEG
File SizeMax 700 KB (online application)
BackgroundPlain white or light grey  No colour
Face CoverageFace 32–36 mm in height (70–80%)
GlassesNot allowed (since 2020)
Photo RecencyWithin last 6 months
Face height32–36 mm from chin to top of head
Head positionCentred, facing directly forward
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, no smile
EyesOpen, looking straight at camera
HeadwearNot allowed (except religious)
Issuing AuthorityMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA)

Ready to create your Japan passport photo?

Create Japan Passport Photo Free →

✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

  • Photo taken Within last 6 months
  • Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Plain white or light grey background — no patterns or shadows
  • Face centred and occupying 70–80%) of the photo
  • Head upright, looking directly at the camera
  • Even lighting — no shadows on face
  • High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
  • Not allowed (since 2020)
  • No headwear (except religious with documentation)
  • No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
  • No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

  • Photo older than 6 months
  • Wearing glasses or tinted lenses
  • Background not plain white or light grey
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Smiling or mouth open
  • Head tilted, turned, or not centred
  • Hair covering forehead or eyes
  • Photo edited or retouched
  • Incorrect dimensions (must be 35×45 mm)
  • Low resolution or blurry image

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

  • Stand against a plain white wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
  • Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
  • Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
  • Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo
  • Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the white background
  • Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
  • Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
  • Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 35 × 45 mm size automatically.

Create Compliant Photo Now →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

35×45 mm (413×531 pixels at 300 DPI). This matches the ISO/ICAO standard used by most of Europe and Australia.
No. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan banned glasses from biometric passport photos in 2020.
Plain white or plain light grey with no patterns, shadows, or gradients. The background must be uniform throughout.
No. Japanese passport guidelines require a completely neutral expression with mouth closed and no smile.
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must be a true likeness of your current appearance.
Yes. Use a plain white or grey wall, good natural lighting, rear camera of a smartphone, no beauty filters. Ensure no shadows fall on the background.