Malaysian Passport Photo (photographed at the counter, age 4 and over): size and requirements
The Malaysian Passport Photo size is 35 x 50 mm (1.38 x 1.97 inches). Not stated for the live capture; white follows the under-4 rule 'shadowless WHITE background'; head 50 to 60 percent of the photo height. Last verified 2026-10-08 against Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Immigration Department of Malaysia), 'Malaysian International Passport', Photo Specifications.
For the Malaysian international passport, whose photo the Immigration Department captures live at the passport division for every applicant aged 4 and over, so no photo is handed in. Not for a child under 4 (one 35 x 50 mm print, separate page) and not for a Malaysian visa or MyKad.
The Immigration Department photographs you at the counter for the passport. See the Malaysia documents we can prepare.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 35 x 50 mm (1.38 x 1.97 inches)
- Head height
- Head 50 to 60 percent of the photo height (The face size of the passport holder must measure a minimum of 25-30mm (50% – 60% of the photo space according to ICAO guidelines).)
- Background
- not stated for the live capture; white follows the under-4 rule 'shadowless WHITE background'
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Not allowed
- Head covering
- Not allowed
- We deliver
- 413 x 591 px (300 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckYou bring no photo: 'Photos will be taken at the passport division using a Facial Live Capture device.' Any file or print you buy is wasted.
- CheckAt the camera: 'Look directly at the camera; eyes must be open and the mouth must be closed.' Hats and headwear are off, hair must not cover the face, and hijab wearers must leave the forehead uncovered.
- CheckSpectacles and contact lenses are both banned during the capture session ('The use of contact lenses and spectacles/eyeglasses is not permitted'), so bring a case for your glasses and remove lenses beforehand.
- CheckOnly children under 4 hand in a photo (35 x 50 mm, white background); from the fourth birthday the counter camera takes over.
Source and verification
No national rule published; ICAO 9303 standard applies. Last checked 2026-10-08 (archived copy dated 2024-09-12) at Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Immigration Department of Malaysia), 'Malaysian International Passport', Photo Specifications.
Photos will be taken at the passport division using a Facial Live Capture device.
Look directly at the camera; eyes must be open and the mouth must be closed.
Do not wear hats/headwear; hair must not cover the face, and the forehead must not be covered for those wearing a hijab.
The use of contact lenses and spectacles/eyeglasses is not permitted during the photo capture session.
Specifications for photos of children under 4 years old:
One (1) piece of photo measuring 35mm x 50mm with a shadowless WHITE background.
The crown-to-chin portion of the facial image shall be 70 to 80 per cent of the longest dimension defined for Zone V, maintaining the aspect ratio between the crown-to-chin and ear-to-ear details of the face of the holder.
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.
Frequently asked questions
