Hong Kong passport photo rules from the Immigration Department (ImmD)
The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (ImmD) sets the photo standard for the HKSAR passport. The published specification calls for a colour photograph measuring 40 mm wide by 50 mm tall on a plain white background, with the head from chin to crown sitting between 32 mm and 36 mm. The same spec also applies to the Document of Identity for Visa Purposes, while the HK Permanent Identity Card and the HKSAR Re-entry Permit use their own canvas sizes under separate ImmD forms.
ImmD enforces the rules through an automated validator on its online portal that is noticeably stricter than counter staff. Explicit rejection codes include ’not centred’, ’with shadow’, ’hair across eyes or eyebrows’, ’wearing a frame across eyes’, ’flash reflection on face/glasses’, ’too light’, and ’too dark’. Because the portrait is laser engraved onto the passport data page rather than printed and affixed, image clarity and contrast are held to an unusually high standard.
A photograph that misses any element of the ImmD specification will be returned, and the application cannot proceed until a compliant replacement is supplied. We build to the portal-grade reading of the rules so the file you submit clears the automated check the first time.
Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements
The Immigration Department (ImmD) publishes a strict set of subject rules for HKSAR passport photos. Meeting all of them is the difference between a smooth submission and an automated rejection.
Expression & pose
- Neutral expressionImmD requires a clear, full frontal view of the face. Hold a relaxed, neutral expression so that the biometric features read cleanly.
- Mouth closedKeep the mouth closed and the lips relaxed. Showing teeth or holding a wide smile interferes with the facial features ImmD captures for the data page.
- Eyes open and visibleBoth eyes must be fully open and looking straight at the camera. Nothing may cross or obscure the eye area.
- Head straightThe head must face the camera squarely with no tilt or rotation. ImmD states the head must not be tilted in any direction.
- Square shouldersShoulders should be level and squared to the camera so the pose reads as a true en face portrait.
Eyewear & lenses
- EyeglassesEyeglasses are permitted only if the frames do not cross any part of the eyes and the lenses are entirely clear. ImmD recommends removing glasses to avoid rejection.
- No glare on lensesAny flash reflection on the lenses is an explicit ImmD rejection reason. Lenses must be free of glare so both eyes are fully visible.
- Tinted lenses prohibitedSunglasses and tinted or photochromic lenses are not accepted. The natural colour of the eyes must be visible.
- Cosmetic contacts prohibitedColoured or decorative contact lenses that change the appearance of the iris are not permitted under the true likeness principle. Clear prescription contacts are acceptable.
Hair
- Eyes and eyebrows clearHair must not cross the eyes or the eyebrows. Even a single strand touching an eyebrow is an ImmD rejection reason flagged by the automated checker.
- Bangs and fringesFringes must sit clearly above the eyebrow line. Style or pin them back so the full eyebrow is visible on both sides.
- Voluminous hairstylesLarge or tall hairstyles must still allow the chin to crown measurement of 32 to 36 mm to be met. Flatten or tie back hair that pushes the head out of range.
Headwear
- No head dressImmD instructs applicants not to wear any head dress in the photo. Hats, caps and decorative head coverings are not accepted.
- Religious or medical coveringsHead coverings worn for religious or medical reasons are accepted in practice provided the full face from chin to forehead is unobstructed and the fabric casts no shadow on the face.
- Hair accessoriesBulky clips, bands, ribbons and similar decorations are treated as head dress and should be removed before the photo is taken.
Jewelry & accessories
- Earrings and necklacesModest earrings and necklaces are acceptable as long as they do not cover any facial feature or create reflective hotspots.
- Facial piercingsSmall facial piercings are permitted provided they do not cast shadows or obscure facial features.
- Headphones and earbudsHeadphones, earbuds and similar wearables must be removed for the photo.
Cosmetics
- Avoid heavy makeupImmD instructs applicants to avoid heavy make-up. Natural skin tone must be preserved so the photo reflects a true likeness.
- ContouringHeavy contouring that alters the apparent shape of the face risks rejection because it changes the biometric reading.
Clothing
- Mid-tone clothingImmD specifically asks applicants to avoid both overly dark and overly light coloured clothing. Mid tones such as blues, greys and soft patterns work best.
- Avoid pure white topsPure white or near white tops merge into the white background and are discouraged.
- Avoid pitch black topsVery dark solid clothing causes exposure imbalance in ImmD’s automated biometric checker and is discouraged.
Photo quality
- No shadows on the faceShadows cast on the face, including those from headwear brims, are an explicit ImmD rejection reason. The face must be evenly lit from chin to forehead.
- No red-eyeRed-eye is not accepted. The photo must be retaken rather than digitally corrected.
- True likenessThe photograph must reflect the applicant’s current appearance. Significant changes in appearance require a new photo.
Dimensions, resolution & background.
Head position & camera distance.
- Head height, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, must be between 33 mm and 37 mm (roughly 67–73% of the photo height).
- Top margin (from the top of the head to the top edge): 2–3 mm.
- The head must be centered horizontally in the frame, with a small symmetrical margin on each side.
- Shoulders must be square to the camera and both visible. No three-quarter angles or rotated torso.
- The full face, from chin to crown, must be inside the frame with proper top margin.
Hong Kong SAR accepts more than one size — we generate them all.
Hong Kong SAR publishes more than one acceptable format depending on where you submit your application — domestic passport offices, the official online portal, and regional consulates abroad can each call for a different print or pixel size. We render every variant below from the same source photo, so the head sits at the same physical position across files, and each one arrives in your order email with a clear filename indicating which submission channel it's for.
Hong Kong Passport 40×50 mm
Primary · Print + DigitalHong Kong's official format — the same file works for both printed in-person submissions and the online portal upload.
Hong Kong Passport 1200×1600 px — online
Digital uploadPixel-exact format required by the official online portal upload.
Country-specific details to know.
A few details set Hong Kong’s spec apart from most other passport photos.
Mid-tone clothing mandate
Hong Kong is one of the few jurisdictions that explicitly forbids both very dark and very light clothing. The data page is produced by laser engraving, and ImmD’s automated checker reads extreme tones as exposure errors. Choose a mid-tone top in blue, grey or a soft pattern.
Eyebrow-touch rejection
ImmD’s automated validator rejects photos where any hair crosses an eyebrow, including a single stray strand. Smooth or pin back fringes before the photo is taken.
Laser-engraved data page
HKSAR passport photos are laser engraved directly onto the polycarbonate data page rather than printed and affixed. This is why ImmD enforces unusually strict image quality and contrast rules.
True likeness over fixed recency
ImmD does not publish a fixed maximum photo age. The rule is current appearance and true likeness, so a new photo is required after any significant change in how the applicant looks.
As easy as snap, upload, done.
You take a quick picture. We do the spec work and tell you immediately if anything needs a retake.
Free to check. You only pay when you keep it.
Print & paper standards.
If you submit a printed photo with a paper application, the print itself has to meet acceptance-facility standards in addition to the rules above.
- Photo-quality white paper (matte or glossy finish).
- Inkjet printing is not accepted. Use a professional photo lab.
- No visible pixels, banding, dithering, or printer artifacts.
- The print must be undamaged: no creases, holes, smudges, staples, or pinholes.
- Do not write on the back of the photo.