China visa and ID photo specs — get them right the first time
Government photo booths in China are pickier than anywhere else in the world: exact size, white background, no glasses, no smiling, both ears visible. Here are the exact specs for visas, residence permits and ID cards, and where to get compliant photos in Shanghai in 10 minutes.
The specs that matter
| Purpose | Size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese visa (签证) | 33 × 48 mm | White | The standard for all entry-exit photos |
| Residence permit (居留许可) | 33 × 48 mm | White | Same spec as visa photos |
| Work permit (工作许可) | 33 × 48 mm | White | Usually electronic upload |
| ID card (身份证) | 26 × 32 mm | White | Chinese citizens only; just for context |
| Driver's license (驾驶证) | 22 × 32 mm | White | 1-inch photo (一寸照) |
In a nutshell: 33×48mm, white background for anything immigration-related, and 1-inch (25×35mm) for most other documents.
The rules that get people rejected
- No glasses — even clear ones. The requirement explicitly says no eyewear.
- No smile — neutral expression, mouth closed.
- Both ears visible, no hair covering the face; no headwear (religious headwear is considered case by case).
- Head proportions: head takes up roughly 2/3 of the frame; your eyes should be about 60-70% from the bottom.
- No shadows, no red-eye, straight-on — the photo must be a front view.
- Recent (usually within 6 months), sharp, no retouching.
Where to get compliant photos in Shanghai
- Inside government offices: the exit-entry administration (出入境管理局) and vehicle management offices have on-site photo booths that print to the exact spec (~¥20-40). Cheapest, guaranteed-correct option — do it on the day.
- Metro-station photo booths: many stations have self-service photo kiosks with a "签证/护照" option.
- Print shops near government offices: ask for 签证照 (visa photo) or 一寸照 (1-inch) — they know the templates.
- WeChat mini-programs: photo tools that cut your own photo to spec, then print at any photo kiosk. Saves money but riskier for strict offices.
- Hotels: expat-friendly hotels often offer photo service — handy in a pinch.
DIY tips (and why not to)
You can take your own photo: plain white wall, direct soft light, phone camera, then cut it to 33×48mm in a photo editor and print at a kiosk. It works if you nail the lighting and proportions — but government counters in Shanghai do reject sloppy self-photos, and the on-site booth costs ¥30 and takes 3 minutes. For visa/residence permit photos, use the on-site booth. For everything else, DIY is fine.
Questions & answers
What size is a Chinese visa photo?
33 × 48 mm with a plain white background, head roughly two-thirds of the frame. The same spec applies to residence permit applications.
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
No. China's specs require no glasses, no headwear (except religious), a neutral expression, and both ears visible.
Where can I get compliant photos in Shanghai?
Photo booths at the exit-entry administration, metro-station kiosks, and print shops near government offices. Tell them 签证照 and they use the right template.
Can I take the photo myself?
You can, but government offices are picky about lighting and proportions. On-site booths are cheap (~¥20-40) and guarantee acceptance.
How many photos do I need?
Usually 2-3. Bring extras — different applications want their own copy and retaking them mid-process is a pain.
Related: Work permit & residence permit · Visa extensions · Driver's license