Japan Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to japan visa photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
Japan visa photos use a distinctive square format of 45x45mm with a plain white or off-white background, unlike the rectangular photos required by nearly every other country. Glasses are permitted as long as there is no glare and both eyes remain clearly visible. For digital submissions, photos should be 600x600 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format, with file sizes between 50 KB and 5 MB. These specifications are established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and apply to tourist, work, and student visa categories. PassportPic handles the unusual square crop and all MOFA requirements automatically, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 45mm x 45mm |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 70-80% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 50 KB - 5 MB |
| Document Type | Visa |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, facing directly forward
Glasses
Allowed if no glare and eyes are clearly visible
Head Covering
Not allowed unless for religious reasons
Additional Requirements
- Unique square format: 45mm x 45mm
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- Face must be centred with no tilt
- Background must be plain white or off-white
- No shadows on face or background
- Printed photos should be on matte or glossy paper
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 70-80% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for Japan Visa photos: allowed if no glare and eyes are clearly visible. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, facing directly forward. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 45mm x 45mm; digital submissions need 600x600 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-10