Singapore Passport Photo Rules — Matte Paper, No Selfies, 400×514 Upload
Singapore’s photo guidelines are short but specific: a new application needs a new colour photo; a printed photo must be matte or semi-matte (non-reflective); ICA does not recommend selfies; and an e-Service upload is 400×514 pixels. This guide collects those rules. Verified against the ICA photo guidelines, September 2026 (official page retrieved via Wayback snapshot).
The 15-second answer
- New application, new photo: a new coloured photograph must be submitted.
- Printed photos: matte or semi-matte (non-reflective) finish.
- Selfies: ICA does not recommend them.
- e-Service upload: 400×514 pixels.
- No enhancement: the photo must not be altered or enhanced in any way.
Matte, not glossy
The hard requirement for a printed photo is a finish rule: “printed photograph for hardcopy submission must be on a matte or semi matte finish (non-reflective photo).” A glossy print that reflects light is out. If you are printing at home, the paper choice matters as much as the image — see the printing guide.
No selfies — ask someone
ICA answers the selfie question directly: “We do not recommend selfie as the result is usually not ideal and will cause delay to your application. We recommend that you ask someone to help you take the photo if you are using your mobile phone camera.” A phone photo is fine — just not one you take yourself.
The e-Service upload size
For a digital upload through the e-Services, “the dimension is 400X514 pixels.” That is a fixed box rather than a range, so a photo at a different size will not match. If you resize a digital photo on your computer, the guidance allows it — with a caveat: “your photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way.” Resizing the file is not the same as changing the image.
Where the rules come from
ICA states its requirements are standards-based: “ICA’s passport photo requirements are based on specifications by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).” And the baseline for a new document: “a new coloured photograph must be submitted when applying for a new application.”
60-second SG check
- ☐ A new colour photo (not reused)
- ☐ Printed on matte / semi-matte paper (non-reflective)
- ☐ Not a selfie
- ☐ Upload sized 400×514 px
- ☐ Not altered or enhanced in any way
Official source: ica.gov.sg, “Photo Guidelines”, retrieved 2026-09-27 via Wayback Machine snapshot (official ICA page). Confidence A (official page).
Frequently asked questions
What finish must a printed Singapore passport photo have?
A printed photograph for hardcopy submission must be on a matte or semi matte finish — a non-reflective photo. Glossy prints are not suitable.
Does Singapore accept selfies for passport photos?
ICA does not recommend selfies, because the result is usually not ideal and will delay the application. It recommends asking someone to help you take the photo if you use a mobile phone camera.
What size is a Singapore passport photo upload?
The dimension is 400×514 pixels for upload of photos via the e-Services.
Can I resize my Singapore passport photo on a computer?
You can use image editing software to resize the digital photograph, but note that your photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way — resizing the file is not the same as changing the image.
Do I need a new photo for a new Singapore passport application?
Yes. A new coloured photograph must be submitted when applying for a new application.
What standards are Singapore’s photo rules based on?
ICA states its passport photo requirements are based on specifications by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The file side across countries is in the digital file requirements, and paper/finish rules in the printing guide. The shooting side is in the at-home guide and how to take a passport photo, and paper versus digital channels in passport vs visa photo.