Condensed guide. Read the full Singapore passport (ICA) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25–35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 3 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, matte or semi-matte (not reflective) — Hardcopy prints must have a matte or semi-matte finish. |
| Digital upload | 400×514 px JPEG, 0–8 MB (ICA e-Services (MyICA) photo upload); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing a 35×45 mm matte photo) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 1 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | ICA – Photo guidelines |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- Verified from ICA: e-Service uploads are 400×514 px, max 8 MB, in jpg/jpeg/heic/heif/png; hardcopy prints matte or semi-matte; no editing beyond resizing; selfies discouraged.
- Printed size 35×45 mm, white background and head/face band are in ICA's 'Dos and Don'ts' graphic, which could not be read; flagged for a visual check.
- The ICA upload is a fixed 400×514 px; the tool downsamples from the full crop so the result stays sharp.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes, with ICA's caveat that it does not recommend selfies and suggests having someone else take the photo. ICA's rules are based on the ISO/ICAO passport photo standard, so the usual framing applies. Because the e-Service wants a fixed 400×514 pixel image, the main value of this tool for Singapore is producing exactly that file from a high-resolution original without guessing at the crop.
Why SG passport photos get rejected
- Background not white. Retake against a white wall. ICA does not accept edited backgrounds, so the tool keeps this option off.
- Wrong pixel dimensions. The e-Service expects 400×514 px. Download the ICA preset here rather than resizing by hand.
- Photo altered or enhanced. No filters or smoothing; only resizing is allowed.
- Selfie distortion. Have someone else take it from 1.5 metres.
- Shadow behind the head. Stand away from the wall; light from the front.
SG passport photo FAQ
What pixel size does ICA want?
400×514 pixels for photos uploaded through e-Services, up to 8 MB, in jpg, jpeg, heic, heif or png.
Can I take the photo myself?
ICA does not recommend selfies and suggests someone else takes it, but a self-arranged photo that meets the guidelines is accepted.
What background colour is required?
White. Edited or replaced backgrounds are not accepted.
How recent must the photo be?
Within the last three months, and a new photo is needed for each application.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if the eyes are clearly visible without glare and the lenses are not tinted.
What finish do printed photos need?
Matte or semi-matte. Glossy prints are not accepted.
Related documents
Last verified 2026-10-28 against ICA – Photo guidelines. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.