idpixo

Singapore Baby & Child Passport Photo (ICA)

Singapore passport and ID photos are checked against ICA's guidelines, built on ISO and ICAO specifications. Babies and children must meet the same standards as adults. This guide covers the rules and how they apply to a wriggling subject. Verified against ica.gov.sg, October 2026.

The 15-second answer

For an online application the recommended photo is 400 × 514 pixels. Submit a new colour photograph; if printed, on matte or semi-matte (non-reflective) stock. It must not be altered in any way, and ICA advises against selfies — ask someone to help. Children follow the same standards as adults.

What ICA requires

Online dimensions

For upload through ICA's e-Services, the recommended photo size is 400 × 514 pixels. You can resize a digital photo with image software (or a purpose-built app) — but resizing must not cross into altering the face.

Phone photos and selfies

ICA recommends downloading an app specifically designed for passport or ID photos, because those handle the required dimensions for you. It does not recommend selfies — the result is usually not ideal and can delay the application. Ask someone else to take the photo.

Babies and children

Children's photos must meet the same standards as adults, so the rules above apply unchanged to a baby or toddler. The practical challenge is the subject, not the spec: because you cannot direct a newborn, have a helper support the baby just outside the frame, use flat, even lighting, and take several shots so you have a compliant one. Check the result against the rules with the free passport photo checker, and see the baby passport photo guide for more on child photos.

Preparing the photo

Start from the Singapore passport photo page for the Singapore spec, and lay the photo out for printing with the print sheet. A plain, light background keeps the face clearly visible.

Frequently asked questions

What size photo does ICA Singapore want for an online application?
The recommended dimensions for online photo submission are 400 x 514 pixels.

Can I take a Singapore passport photo with my phone?
You can, but ICA recommends using an app designed for passport or ID photos (which handle the dimensions), and it advises against selfies. Ask someone to take the photo instead.

Can I edit a baby's Singapore passport photo?
No. The photo must not be altered or enhanced in any way, including modifying facial features or using photo-editing software.

What finish should a printed Singapore photo have?
A printed photo submitted in hardcopy must be on a matte or semi-matte (non-reflective) finish.

Do babies and children follow the same Singapore photo rules?
Yes. Children's photos must meet the same standards as adults, which are based on ISO and ICAO specifications.

What background does ICA want?
A plain, light-coloured background with the face clearly visible; ICA's guidelines are based on ISO and ICAO specifications.

Singapore photo requirements →  Baby passport photo guide →

Source note: the 400 × 514 px online dimensions, the new-colour-photo rule, the matte/semi-matte printed finish, the ISO/ICAO basis, the no-altering rule and the no-selfie advice are from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) photo guidelines at ica.gov.sg/photo-guidelines, checked October 2026. ICA's public guidelines do not list separate baby photo exceptions, so none is invented here; children follow the adult standards.

Browse all passport guides or the photo size chart.