Singapore Passport Photo Online

Are you going to renew your Singapore passport or apply for your first one? You can submit your application online through the ICA website using the MyICA e-Service, or follow other available application options depending on your situation.

In both cases, you need a high-quality passport photo that meets ICA requirements. Let’s look at where to get a passport photo in Singapore, how much a Singapore passport photo costs, and the key Singapore passport photo requirements you need to know before applying.

Table of contents

Note that the same info is applicable to the Singapore visa photo and Singapore ID card photo: all kinds of biometrics meet the same requirements. Photos for driving licence, Citizenship Certificate and Certificate of Identity should be the same too.

Basic requirements for Singapore passport photos

If you choose to make an online passport application (which is the most convenient option for many applicants), you will need a digital passport photo that meets ICA requirements.

The required digital photo size for a Singapore passport application is 400 × 514 pixels. The accepted file formats are jpg, jpeg, heic, heif, and png, and the maximum file size is 8 MB.

Singapore passport online photo

If you submit a paper application, you will need a printed passport photo measuring 35 × 45 mm. The photo should be printed on matte or semi-matte paper and must not have a frame.

A Singapore passport photo must be taken within the last three months. It must be in color, with a plain white background, and show your full face from the front. Your expression should be neutral, with your mouth closed and your eyes open. The distance from the chin to the crown of the head should be approximately 25–35 mm.

The photo must be clear and well-focused, with even lighting and no shadows on the face or background. Glasses are allowed only if they do not create reflections, hide the eyes, or have tinted lenses. Hair should not cover the eyes or important facial features.

ICA does not allow photo editing that changes your appearance. Do not use beauty filters, face reshaping, skin smoothing, or other retouching that alters your facial features. A passport photo can be taken with a mobile phone, but ICA does not recommend selfies because they often result in incorrect angles or proportions.

The same basic photo rules apply to other official Singapore identity documents, but for a passport application you should always follow the latest ICA passport photo guidelines.

Get a Singapore passport photo online

The process is simple: take a photo with your smartphone or camera, upload it here, and get a passport photo prepared for your Singapore passport application according to ICA requirements.

Take an image with a smartphone against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

Visafoto.com works online 24/7, and you can prepare your Singapore passport photo in just a few moments. The tool automatically adjusts the image to the required format, including the correct size, framing, and background.

For paid orders, Visafoto can also improve the technical quality of the image. The service can adjust uneven lighting, enhance image clarity, improve resolution, and correct framing while keeping your natural appearance unchanged. ICA does not allow modifications that alter facial features, so the photo should remain a realistic representation of you.

You will receive a digital passport photo suitable for online submission and a printable template for physical copies.

When taking a photo for a Singapore passport, avoid selfies whenever possible. ICA allows photos taken with a mobile phone, but the camera should be positioned at eye level and the photo should be taken from an appropriate distance. It is usually better to ask another person to take the picture for you.

Passport photo original source

Make sure your face is clearly visible and centered in the frame. Look directly at the camera with your eyes open and keep a neutral expression. Use even lighting and avoid shadows, strong reflections, or backgrounds that make your face difficult to see.

After uploading your image, you will receive a digital Singapore passport photo prepared in the required 400 × 514 pixel format for online applications.

You will also receive a printable version that can be used to create physical passport photo prints.

Here are samples:

Example of a Singapore passport online photo
Singapore passport photo for printing

How much does a Singapore passport photo cost?

Passport photo prices in Singapore vary depending on whether you choose a photo studio, a self-service booth, or an online service. Most photo studios charge around S$12–22 for a standard passport photo package, which usually includes several printed photos.

Visafoto costs $9 US dollars and includes everything you need for your application: a digital passport photo ready for online submission and a printable template for producing physical passport photos. For paid orders, the service also enhances the technical quality of your image by improving lighting, resolution, and framing while keeping your natural appearance unchanged. A digital copy is often available as an add-on or included in higher-priced packages. Printing an already prepared photo can cost as little as S$0.50 for a 4R print.

How to submit a photo along with your Singapore passport application

Most Singapore passport applications are submitted online through the ICA e-Service using Singpass. Before starting your application, prepare a recent digital colour passport photo that meets ICA requirements. The photo must be taken within the last three months and should be ready for upload in the required format. (ICA)

For an online application, upload your digital passport photo together with your passport application form through the ICA e-Service. The required digital photo size is 400 × 514 pixels. Accepted file formats are jpg, jpeg, heic, heif, and png, and the maximum file size is 8 MB.

After uploading your photo, complete the remaining application steps and pay the passport application fee. The online application fee is S$70. You can check your application status through MyICA after submission. (ICA)

If you are applying from overseas, you can submit your application online through the ICA e-Service or apply in person through a Singapore Overseas Mission. For paper applications submitted overseas, you will need a printed passport photo that follows ICA requirements. (AskGov)

The printed photo should be 35 × 45 mm, without a frame, and printed on matte or semi-matte paper.

Before submitting your application, check that your photo meets all ICA requirements. An unsuitable photo may delay passport processing, and ICA may request a new photo if the image does not meet the required standards. (ICA)

Printing out a Singapore passport photo

If you need a printed passport photo for a paper application or another official document, you can print the file prepared for ICA requirements instead of taking a new photo at a studio.

Visafoto provides a ready-to-print template containing multiple passport photos on one sheet. You can print it at home or use a local photo printing service.

Many photo labs, printing shops, and self-service kiosks in Singapore offer photo printing. If you already have a correctly prepared file, printing it is usually cheaper than ordering a full passport photo service.

Printing Singapore passport photo

When printing your Singapore passport photo, make sure the final image follows ICA requirements: the photo should be 35 × 45 mm, printed on matte or semi-matte paper, and have no frame.

FAQ

Can I take a Singapore passport photo with my phone?

Yes. ICA allows applicants to use a mobile phone to take a passport photo. However, selfies are not recommended because they often result in incorrect angles, uneven distance from the camera, or poor framing. For better results, ask another person to take the photo and keep the camera at eye level.

Do I need to go to a professional photo studio for a Singapore passport photo?

No. ICA does not require passport photos to be taken by a professional photographer. You can take a photo yourself as long as it meets all official requirements, including the correct size, background, lighting, and facial position.

What file formats are accepted for a Singapore passport photo upload?

For online applications, ICA accepts jpg, jpeg, heic, heif, and png files. The maximum file size is 8 MB. Older instructions that mention smaller file limits or JPEG-only uploads may refer to different systems or outdated requirements.

Can I edit my Singapore passport photo?

You can adjust the technical properties of a photo, such as size, cropping, or file format, but you should not change your appearance. ICA does not allow beauty filters, face reshaping, skin smoothing, or any editing that modifies your facial features.

Can I improve the quality of my Singapore passport photo?

Yes, technical improvements such as correcting uneven lighting, improving clarity, or adjusting resolution are different from changing your appearance. The final photo should still look like a realistic image of you and meet ICA requirements.

How old can a Singapore passport photo be?

The photo must be taken within the last three months. Using an older photo may result in a request for a new image and delay your application.

Can I wear glasses in a Singapore passport photo?

Yes, glasses are allowed if they do not cover your eyes and there are no reflections on the lenses. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed. If your glasses create glare, it is safer to remove them for the photo.

Can I wear a head covering in a Singapore passport photo?

Head coverings are allowed only when they are normally worn for religious or customary reasons. They must not hide your facial features, and the face must remain clearly visible. A white head covering should be avoided because it may blend into the background.

Why can ICA reject a passport photo?

Common reasons include an incorrect photo size, unsuitable background, shadows on the face, uneven lighting, reflections on glasses, hair covering the eyes, an unnatural expression, poor image quality, or photo editing that changes your appearance.

What happens if ICA does not accept my passport photo?

If your photo does not meet the requirements, ICA may ask you to provide a new one. This can delay the processing time of your passport application, so it is important to check the photo carefully before submitting it.

How long does it take to get a Singapore passport after submitting the application?

Processing times depend on the application method and circumstances. For applications submitted in Singapore, processing is generally around one to two weeks, but photo issues can extend the process. Overseas applications may take longer because they involve Singapore Overseas Missions and additional handling.

Can I print a Singapore passport photo from a digital file?

Yes. If you already have a correctly prepared digital photo, you can print it at a photo lab, printing shop, or self-service kiosk. Make sure the final print follows ICA requirements for size, paper type, and quality.

Last update: July 2026

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