Japan Visa Photo – Free Online Maker
Japanese visa photos typically require a 45×45 mm square format for short-stay tourist visa applications, with a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months, and a neutral expression with no glasses. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame.
Note on photo size:This tool outputs 35×45 mm, which is used for Japanese passports and some other Japanese documents. The Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) specifies 45×45 mm (square) for many short-stay visa applications. Check the exact requirement for your document type with the Japanese consulate before submitting.
The background must be plain white with no patterns, shadows, or objects behind the subject. Coloured or grey backgrounds are not accepted. The photo must be taken in colour with natural, even lighting. Both eyes must be clearly open, and the expression must be neutral with the mouth closed. Glasses are not permitted.
MOFA recommends that both ears be visible to facilitate biometric processing, though this is not as strictly enforced as in China. Head height from chin to crown must represent 70–80% of the photo height. For the most up-to-date requirements, consult the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa application guide.
Japan Visa Photo Requirements
- Size:45×45 mm square (tourist visa) or 35×45 mm (passport and other documents)
- Head height:70–80% of the photo height (chin to crown)
- Background: Plain white — no patterns, shadows, or objects
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed
- Ears: Both ears should ideally be visible (recommended by MOFA)
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for genuine religious reasons
- Colour: Full colour, natural skin tones
How to Make Your Japan Visa Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain white wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Remove glasses before taking the photo. Tuck your hair back so both ears are visible if possible.
- Adjust the crop.The tool sets the crop to 35×45 mm. Drag the frame so your head height fills 70–80% of the frame.
- Download and submit. Click Download to save your photo. Submit it at the Japanese consulate or Japan Visa Application Centre together with your application documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong size for tourist visa.Short-stay visa applications require 45×45 mm square. Verify the specific size requirement with the consulate before printing.
- Non-white background. Japan requires a strictly white background. Light grey (UK standard) or light blue (China option) are not accepted.
- Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted. Remove them before taking the photo.
- Shadows on the face or background. Use diffuse, even lighting and stand a few feet from the wall to avoid casting shadows.
Official Source
Requirements sourced from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa application guide, which specifies photo dimensions, background colour, and biometric requirements for all Japanese visa categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 45×45 mm and 35×45 mm for Japanese visa photos?
The Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) specifies a 45×45 mm square photo for short-stay tourist and business visa applications. The 35×45 mm rectangular format is used for certain other Japanese travel documents and resident cards. This tool outputs 35×45 mm, which covers most document types. If your consulate specifically requests a 45×45 mm square, verify the exact requirement on the official MOFA website or with the consulate before submitting. The head height, background, and expression requirements are identical for both sizes.
What are acceptable hairstyles for a Japanese visa photo?
Your hair must not obscure any part of your face, including the forehead, cheeks, or chin. Both eyes must be fully visible. Ideally, both ears should be visible as well — MOFA recommends ear visibility to assist biometric processing. Voluminous hairstyles that add significant height above the head are acceptable as long as the required head-height-to-frame ratio is maintained. Hair accessories should not cast shadows on the face.
What is the visa vs passport photo size difference for Japan?
Japanese passport photos are 35×45 mm (the same as the UK and Schengen format). Short-stay visa applications typically specify 45×45 mm square photos. Resident card (Zairyu Card) photos are 30×40 mm. Always check the specific document type you are applying for. For most single-entry tourist and business visa applications, the consulate will accept either size as long as the face occupies the required 70–80% of the frame.
Can I wear a head covering for a Japanese visa photo?
Head coverings are generally not permitted in Japanese visa photos. An exception is made for head coverings worn for genuine religious reasons, in which case the full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must be completely visible. The head covering must not cast shadows on the face. Decorative or fashion head coverings are not accepted. Confirm the specific rules with the Japanese consulate handling your application.
How recent must a Japanese visa photo be?
Your Japanese visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance at the time of application. MOFA requires that the photo be recent enough to enable reliable identity verification. If your appearance has changed significantly — for example due to weight change, a new beard, or different hair colour — you must take a new photo even if the existing one is less than 6 months old.
See general passport photo FAQ →