Singapore Passport Photo Requirements 2025: The Complete ICA-Compliant Guide

Getting your passport photo right the first time can save you weeks of processing delays and additional costs. According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), non-compliant photos are one of the top reasons for passport application delays, potentially extending processing time by up to four weeks.

Whether you're applying for your first Singapore passport, renewing an existing one, or helping your child with their application, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about meeting ICA's strict photo requirements in 2025.

Official ICA Photo Specifications at a Glance

Requirement	Specification	Important Notes
Physical Size	35mm × 45mm	Standard passport photo size
Digital Size	400 × 514 pixels	JPEG format, max 2MB
Head Size	32-36mm	Must occupy 70-80% of photo
Background	Plain white	No shadows or patterns
Recency	Within 3 months	Must reflect current appearance
Expression	Neutral	No smiling, mouth closed

Detailed Requirements Breakdown

1. Photo Dimensions and Quality

The foundation of an acceptable passport photo starts with getting the dimensions right. ICA is particularly strict about these measurements because they need to comply with international biometric standards.

• Physical prints: Must be exactly 35mm wide by 45mm tall
• Digital submissions: 400 pixels wide by 514 pixels tall
• Resolution: Minimum 600 DPI for sharp, clear images
• File format: JPEG only for digital submissions
• File size: Maximum 2MB (60KB for visa applications)

2. Facial Position and Expression

Your face positioning is crucial for biometric recognition systems. Even slight deviations can cause rejection.

• Face must be centered and looking directly at the camera
• Head should be straight, not tilted or turned
• Eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Neutral expression with mouth closed
• No smiling or frowning
• Both ears should be visible when possible
• Shoulders must be square to the camera

3. Lighting and Background Standards

Proper lighting can make or break your passport photo. ICA requires even, natural-looking lighting that clearly shows your facial features without harsh shadows.

• Background: Pure white, no off-white or cream colors
• Lighting: Even illumination across the face
• Shadows: No shadows on face or background
• Contrast: Good contrast between face and background
• No red-eye: Avoid direct flash that causes red-eye effect

4. Glasses and Accessories Guidelines

While ICA allows certain accessories, they have strict rules to ensure facial recognition technology works properly.

Glasses:

• Prescription glasses are permitted
• Lenses must be clear and transparent
• No glare or reflections on lenses
• Frames shouldn't cover any part of the eyes
• Sunglasses and tinted lenses are prohibited

Head Coverings:

• Religious headwear is allowed
• Must not cast shadows on the face
• Full face must be visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
• Both edges of the face must be clearly visible

Other Accessories:

• Remove all non-religious head coverings
• Earrings are allowed if they don't obscure facial features
• Avoid heavy makeup that alters facial features
• No visible uniforms (except religious attire)

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

Infants and Young Children

Photographing babies and toddlers for passport photos presents unique challenges. ICA understands this and has specific allowances:

• Babies can be photographed lying on a white sheet
• Parents' hands can support the baby's head (hands must not be visible)
• Eyes don't need to be fully open for newborns under 1 month
• No toys, pacifiers, or other objects in the photo
• Same neutral expression requirement applies

Elderly Applicants

For elderly applicants who may have difficulty maintaining certain positions:

• Slight head support is acceptable if not visible
• Natural facial lines and features should not be edited
• Ensure adequate lighting to capture facial features clearly

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Based on ICA's feedback and our experience helping thousands of customers, here are the top reasons for photo rejection:

1. Incorrect dimensions: Always double-check measurements before submission
2. Poor lighting: Uneven lighting or shadows on face/background
3. Wrong expression: Smiling or non-neutral expressions
4. Outdated photo: Using photos older than 3 months
5. Digital alterations: Any editing, filters, or beauty modes
6. Blur or pixelation: Low-quality images or incorrect resolution
7. Incorrect background: Off-white, grey, or patterned backgrounds
8. Glasses glare: Reflections on lenses obscuring eyes

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Own Passport Photo

While professional services are recommended, you can take your own passport photo if you follow these steps carefully:

Equipment Needed:

• Digital camera or smartphone with good resolution
• Tripod or stable surface
• White wall or backdrop
• Good lighting source (natural daylight is best)
• Photo editing software for cropping (no other edits allowed)

Photography Process:

1. Set up your space: Find a white wall with good natural light
2. Position camera: Place at eye level, about 1.5 meters away
3. Check lighting: Ensure even lighting with no shadows
4. Frame the shot: Head and shoulders visible, centered
5. Take multiple shots: Capture at least 10 photos to choose from
6. Review carefully: Check all requirements before selection
7. Crop to size: Use proper dimensions (35mm × 45mm or 400 × 514 pixels)

Professional Photo Services vs DIY

While taking your own photo is possible, consider these factors when deciding between professional services and DIY:

Factor	Professional Service	DIY Approach
Cost	$10-25	Free (if you have equipment)
Time	5-10 minutes	30-60 minutes
Success Rate	95-99%	60-70%
Convenience	Very high	Requires setup and effort
Compliance Check	Professional verification	Self-verification only

Digital Submission Tips

For online passport applications, follow these digital submission best practices:

• File naming: Use clear, simple filenames without special characters
• File compression: Ensure JPEG quality is set to high (80-90%)
• Color profile: Use sRGB color space for consistency
• Upload verification: Always preview before final submission
• Backup copies: Keep original high-resolution versions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same photo for multiple applications?

No, ICA requires a fresh photo for each application. Photos must be taken within 3 months of application date, and you cannot reuse photos from previous applications.

What if I wear a hijab or turban?

Religious headwear is permitted. Ensure your full face is visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and both edges of your face are clearly shown.

Can I smile showing teeth?

No, ICA requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. Even a slight smile can lead to rejection.

How do I know if my photo is recent enough?

Your photo must accurately reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has significantly changed (weight loss/gain, different hairstyle, facial hair), take a new photo.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

You'll be notified to submit a new photo, which can delay processing by up to 4 weeks. Some cases may require an in-person appointment at ICA.

Expert Tips for Perfect Passport Photos

Based on our experience processing thousands of passport photos, here are insider tips for success:

1. Time of day matters: Take photos in the morning or late afternoon for best natural light
2. Clothing choice: Wear dark colored clothing for better contrast against white background
3. Hair preparation: Tie back long hair to show ears and full face outline
4. Posture check: Sit up straight with shoulders back for best positioning
5. Multiple attempts: Take at least 10 photos to ensure you have options
6. Review checklist: Use ICA's official checklist before submission

Why Choose IC Photo Singapore?

At IC Photo Singapore, we've streamlined the passport photo process with advanced AI technology that guarantees ICA compliance:

• Instant compliance verification using AI
• Automatic background removal and replacement
• Perfect sizing and cropping every time
• Professional quality from your smartphone
• 24/7 availability - no appointments needed
• Money-back guarantee if rejected by ICA
• Trusted by over 50,000 satisfied customers

Conclusion

Getting your Singapore passport photo right doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you choose to use professional services or take your own photo, following ICA's requirements precisely is crucial for avoiding delays.

Remember, a compliant passport photo is valid for your entire passport's validity period (5 or 10 years), making it worth investing time and effort to get it right. When in doubt, professional services like IC Photo Singapore can save you time, money, and frustration.

Additional Resources

• ICA Official Passport Application Guide
• Singapore IC Photo Requirements Explained
• Where to Take Passport Photos in Singapore
• Common ID Photo Questions Answered