Immigration New Zealand Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) visa and NZeTA photo requirements — sizes, background, format, and how to prepare a compliant photo with PhotoOmni.
Last updated: August 2026
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — a different agency from the Department of Internal Affairs, which handles passports — has its own photo rules for visa and NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) applications. The core spec is similar to a passport photo, but a few details are easy to get wrong if you assume the two are identical.
Quick Answer
For an Immigration New Zealand visa or NZeTA application, your photo must be less than 6 months old, clearly identify you, and meet INZ's technical standards — 35×45 mm for paper applications, or digitally 900×1200 to 2,250×3,000 pixels, JPG format, 500 KB–3 MB for visa applications (NZeTA files can go up to 10 MB). Background should be plain and light-coloured — light grey or cream, not white. Selfies aren't accepted; the photo needs to be taken by someone else from about 1.5 metres away. If you're applying for NZeTA specifically, applying through the app costs NZ$17 versus NZ$23 through the website — same product, cheaper channel.
Visa vs. NZeTA: Which One Do You Need?
- NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) applies if you're from a visa-waiver country (this includes the US, UK, most EU nations, Canada, Japan, and others) visiting for tourism, business, or transit. It's applied for through the NZeTA app or immigration.govt.nz, costs NZ$17–23 plus a NZ$35 International Visitor Levy, and is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
- A visa (Visitor, Work, Student, Residence, etc.) applies if you don't qualify for NZeTA-based travel, or you're staying longer or for a different purpose than a short visit. This goes through an INZ online account, and processing can include biometric collection at a Visa Application Centre for some applicants.
Both use similar photo specifications, but they're separate application systems — a photo prepared for one generally works for the other, since both fall under INZ's same photo standards, but confirm the current spec for your specific application type before submitting.
Full Photo Specification
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size (paper applications) | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high |
| Digital size (visa applications) | 900×1200 px to 2,250×3,000 px |
| Digital file size (visa) | 500 KB–3 MB |
| Digital file size (NZeTA) | Up to 10 MB |
| Format | JPG/JPEG |
| Face coverage | Approximately 70–80% of image height |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured — light grey or cream, not white |
| Expression | Neutral — no smiling, frowning, or open mouth; eyes open, looking directly at camera |
| Who takes it | Someone else, from approximately 1.5 metres away — selfies not accepted |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
For babies and children
- Under 1 year: eyes don't need to be open, but the face should be visible and centred
- Ages 1 and up: follow the standard adult rules — neutral expression, no toys, dummies, or hands visible in frame
If You're Applying via NZeTA: A Few Extra Details
- The app is cheaper than the website: NZ$17 through the NZeTA app versus NZ$23 through the website, for the same outcome — plus the NZ$35 International Visitor Levy either way.
- The app supports live photo capture directly through your phone's camera as part of the application flow, which can be more convenient than preparing and uploading a separate file — though you can also upload a pre-prepared compliant photo if you prefer more control over lighting and background.
- You'll also need a photo of your passport's biographical data page as part of the NZeTA application, separate from your personal photo — make sure all four corners and the machine-readable zone are clearly visible and free of glare.
Preparing a Compliant Photo With PhotoOmni
- Have someone else take your photo from about 1.5 metres away, against a plain light grey or cream background — not white.
- Use even, natural daylight, facing a window rather than relying on a single overhead light, and keep a neutral expression with both eyes open.
- Upload it to PhotoOmni's free AI check. It verifies dimensions, face-coverage ratio, background compliance, and lighting against the current INZ specification.
- Fix anything flagged and re-check — there's no cost to try again.
- Download the compliant file once it passes — the only paid step — sized correctly for either a visa upload or NZeTA submission.
FAQ
Is a selfie acceptable for a New Zealand visa or NZeTA application? No — the photo needs to be taken by someone else, from approximately 1.5 metres away, to avoid the facial distortion that comes with a close-range selfie angle.
Is it cheaper to apply for NZeTA through the app or the website? The app — NZ$17 versus NZ$23 through the website, for the identical outcome, plus the NZ$35 International Visitor Levy either way.
Does my visa photo need a white background? No — INZ prefers a light grey or cream background. A pure white background is discouraged, as it can reduce contrast or blend with lighter skin tones.
Is a visa photo the same as a passport photo? Not necessarily — INZ (visas/NZeTA) and DIA (passports) are separate agencies with their own specific rules, even though the general format is similar. Check the current requirements for the specific document you're applying for.
Is PhotoOmni's compliance check free? Yes — checking your photo against the current INZ specification is free. You only pay if you choose to download the final compliant file.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), immigration.govt.nz photo requirements guidance for visa and NZeTA applications. This guide is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Immigration New Zealand or the New Zealand Government. Always verify current requirements at immigration.govt.nz before submitting your application.
Create Your Passport Photo Now
About the Author
Emma Richardson Senior ICAO Photo Compliance Expert, PhotoOmni
Emma Richardson is the Senior ICAO Photo Compliance Expert at PhotoOmni. With 12+ years of experience in passport and visa photo verification, she has helped applicants achieve 820,000+ successful photo approvals across 100+ countries and territories. She specializes in global passport photo requirements, ICAO-compliant photo standards, and biometric image verification.
Related Articles
- How to Take a Passport Photo at Home (2026 Guide)
- Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide
- Why Was My Passport Photo Rejected? 15 Common Reasons & Fixes
Data sources: US Department of State passport processing (FY2024), UK Home Office annual report (2023), NIST FRVT Part 3: Demographic Effects (March 2024), ICAO Doc 9303 photo specifications. Pricing based on publicly listed rates as of July 2026.