Singapore Passport Photo Requirements — 400 × 514 px, ICA Rules
For a Singapore passport photo submitted through ICA’s e-Service: the online upload is 400 × 514 pixels, a new application needs a new colour photo, printed copies must be matte or semi-matte (non-reflective), and the image must not be altered or enhanced. Singapore’s photo specification is based on ISO and ICAO. Verified against ICA’s official Photo Guidelines, October 2026.
Official Singapore passport photo specification
| Online upload size | 400 × 514 pixels (ICA e-Service) |
| Print finish | Matte or semi-matte (non-reflective) |
| Photo type | New colour photograph |
| Editing | Not permitted — no alteration or enhancement |
| Basis | ISO and ICAO specifications |
| Background | Per ICA requirements (colour value not published) |
| Head height / file limit | Not published on the guidelines page — confirm in the e-Service |
The specification is deliberately short: ICA publishes the pixel frame for the online upload and the presentation rules, and points the rest to the ISO and ICAO standards it follows. Where ICA does not publish a figure, this page says so rather than filling the gap with a guess.
The 400 × 514 px online size
When you apply through ICA’s e-Service, the photo is uploaded digitally and the stated frame is 400 × 514 pixels. That is the number to hit for the online submission. Because ICA does not publish a file format or a maximum size on the guidelines page, check the upload screen for the current accepted format and cap before you finalise the file.
Print, colour and finish
A new application must include a new colour photograph. If you submit a printed photo, it must be matte or semi-matte — in other words, non-reflective. Glossy prints that throw back light are the wrong finish for this route.
Do not alter or enhance the photo
ICA is explicit: the photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way. That includes changing facial features and using photo-editing software. Retouching, smoothing, or “improving” the face is disallowed; the image must faithfully show you as you are.
ICA does not recommend selfies
ICA does not recommend selfies for a Singapore passport photo. Its guidance is to use a dedicated passport-photo app or computer software to adjust the photo to the required size. If you are choosing how to capture the image, see the guide on selfies and the how to take a passport photo walkthrough.
Getting the frame and framing right
Two things trip people up on a short spec like this. First, the pixel frame: crop and export to 400 × 514 for the upload, not to a print size. Second, the framing: ICA does not publish a head-height ratio on the guidelines page, so work to the framing its examples show, with the face centred and the head a natural share of the frame. The head size and eye line guide explains the usual chin-to-crown convention if you need a reference. If a photo has already been refused, the rejected photo next steps guide covers what to fix.
For the mechanics, the photo size chart lists the frames for every country, and if you are producing the digital file yourself, the passport photo checker tests an image in the browser against the published figures.
Before you upload — a short check
- Export the upload at 400 × 514 pixels.
- Use a new colour photo for a new application.
- Printed copies: matte or semi-matte, non-reflective.
- Do not retouch, smooth or edit the face.
- Skip the selfie — use an app or software that sizes to spec.
- Confirm the current file format and cap in the e-Service.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Singapore passport photo?
For the online e-Service upload, Singapore's ICA specifies a photo of 400 × 514 pixels. New applications must include a new colour photograph. The size basis is ISO and ICAO.
Does Singapore accept a selfie as a passport photo?
ICA does not recommend selfies. It recommends using a dedicated passport-photo app or computer software to adjust the image to the required size.
Can I edit or enhance my Singapore passport photo?
No. ICA states the photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way, including changing facial features or using photo-editing software.
What finish must a printed Singapore passport photo have?
If you submit a printed photo, it must be matte or semi-matte (non-reflective).
What background should a Singapore passport photo have?
ICA's photo guidelines require a background that meets its requirements, which are based on the ISO and ICAO specifications. The guidelines page does not publish a specific colour value, so treat the exact shade as not published and follow ICA's current requirement.
What file format and size limit applies?
ICA's photo guidelines give the pixel dimensions (400 × 514) for the online submission but do not publish a file format or a maximum file size on that page. Check the current requirement in the e-Service before you upload.
How much of the frame should the head take up?
The ICA photo guidelines page does not publish a head-height ratio. Follow the framing ICA requires; see the general head-size guide for the common chin-to-crown convention.
Is the ICA photo spec the same as for a passport application?
The ICA photo guidelines cover Singapore passport photos and are based on the ISO and ICAO standards.
Related: the Singapore passport photo rules guide, the photo size chart, the passport photo checker, or the Singapore passport photo tool.
Browse all photo sizes → Make a Singapore photo →
Source: ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore), “Photo Guidelines” (ica.gov.sg/photo-guidelines), retrieved 2026-10-01. Requirements can change; confirm the current figure in the ICA e-Service before you submit.