Singapore Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Author Sukhwinder SinghPublished June 18, 2026Reviewed July 2, 2026Spec source ICA

Singapore passports are issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The standard photo size is 35 × 45 mm with a plain white background, matching ICAO Doc 9303. Singapore has moved much of passport renewal online through the ICA e-Service on Singpass, where applicants upload a digital photo that is validated automatically before an appointment at ICA Building or a selected SingPost branch. This guide covers digital upload specs, printed photo requirements, and the differences from work-pass and long-term visit pass photos.

Spec in one line: 35×45 mm, white background, head 25–35 mm (ICA tolerance), no glasses, neutral expression, JPEG upload or one printed copy.
Correct 100 percent print scale versus fit-to-page scaling
If you print at a shop instead of uploading digitally, insist on Actual size / 100% — not Fit to page.

1. Exact dimensions

  • Print size: 35 × 45 mm.
  • Digital upload: JPEG, 400×514 pixels (approx.) at 300 DPI equivalent.
  • File size: 60 KB to 300 KB on ICA e-Service (limits updated periodically).
  • Head height: ICA automated checker targets roughly 25–35 mm chin to crown within the frame.
  • Background: plain white only.

2. Digital upload via Singpass (ICA e-Service)

Most adult passport renewals now start online:

  1. Log in to ICA e-Service with Singpass.
  2. Complete the renewal form.
  3. Upload a JPEG meeting the pixel and file-size limits.
  4. ICA's automated checker validates face detection, background, and dimensions.
  5. Book collection at ICA Building, SingPost, or passport collection centre.

If the checker rejects your upload with “photo not suitable,” the cause is usually background contrast (face too similar in tone to white), head too small in frame, or glasses still visible.

3. Glasses, expression, and dress

  • No glasses for passport photos.
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed.
  • Plain clothing with contrast against white background.
  • Tudung and religious headwear permitted if the face is fully visible.
  • No uniforms except daily religious dress.

4. Work passes and other ICA photos

Employment Pass, S Pass, and Dependant's Pass applications use the same 35×45 mm white-background spec for the applicant photo. Student's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass follow the same standard. Do not reuse an old passport photo if your appearance has changed significantly — ICA compares against prior records.

5. Common rejection reasons

  1. Automated checker: face too small (~25%).
  2. Background not uniform white (~20%).
  3. Glasses visible (~15%).
  4. File size or dimension out of range (~12%).
  5. Smile or tilted head (~10%).
  6. Photo too old (~8%).
  7. Other (~10%).

6. Fees and processing (2026)

  • Passport renewal (5 years, under 16): S$70.
  • Passport renewal (10 years, 16+): S$80.
  • Photo studio in Singapore: S$8–15 for four prints.
  • Collection: typically 1–2 weeks after approval; express slots available.

Create your Singapore passport photo

Use the Free Passport Photo Maker with the Singapore preset. Download JPEG for ICA upload or PDF for printing at actual size at any photo shop in malls such as JCube, Funan, or neighbourhood print shops.