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Japan Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Japan visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (外務省). In this guide, you can confirm the exact 45×45 mm size, 531×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Japan visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Head height must be 34±2 mm from chin to crown — measured with a template at the passport office.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 45×45 mm (531×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Japan visa photo rules
- Head height must be 34±2 mm from chin to crown — measured with a template at the passport office.
- A very slight natural smile is accepted but no teeth may be visible.
- Photos with red-eye are rejected even when minimal.
Common mistakes in Japan visa photos
- Showing teeth in the photo.
- Head height outside the strict 32–36 mm range.
- Even minor red-eye from on-camera flash.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Japan
The visa photo in Japan is 45×45 mm, while the passport photo is 35×45 mm. That size difference is enough to trigger rejection if you upload the wrong file, so always double-check which document you are preparing. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Japan passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
South Korea (35×45 mm)China (33×48 mm)United States (51×51 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Is smiling allowed in a Japanese passport photo?
A very slight natural smile is acceptable, but teeth must not be visible. The official guidance says 'natural expression' (自然な表情), which is more lenient than most countries but stricter than the U.S. interpretation.
How is head height measured for a Japanese passport photo?
Prefectural passport centres use a printed template overlaid on the photo to verify the chin-to-crown distance is 34 mm ±2 mm. Photos outside this range are returned for retake.
What is the official visa photo size for Japan?
The official Japan visa photo size is 45×45 mm, which equals 531×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Japan visa photo?
Japan visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.