Malaysia Passport (Print)

Last verified 2026-04-25 against Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) — Immigration Department of MalaysiaStandards: Malaysian International Passport photo specification (KLN / JIM) · ICAO Doc 9303

Government-spec dimensions, head positioning, and file constraints.

Pixel size
827 × 1181 px
Print size
35 × 50 mm · 600 DPI
Background
white#FFFFFF
Face height
70–80% · target 75%
Eye line
50%–60% from bottom
File size limit
300 KB
35 mm · 827 px50 mm · 1181 px
Face height: 70%–80% (target 75%)Eye line: 50%–60% (target 55%)

Dimensions

  • Print size: 35 × 50 mm (aspect 7:10)
  • Pixel size at 600 DPI: 827 × 1181 px
  • DPI: 600 minimum
  • File format: JPEG (recommended), PNG, BMP
  • File size: 100 KB – 300 KB (when submitted digitally)
  • Color mode: full colour
  • Finish: matte or glossy photo paper, no creases

Head position

  • Head height (top of hair to chin): 25–30 mm
  • Top margin (top of photo to top of hair): 10 mm minimum
  • Face coverage: ~70–80% of photo height
  • Head position: centered, full-face view, directly facing camera
  • Shoulders: squarely aligned with camera
  • Ears: both ears should be visible (hair must not cover them)

Background

  • Color: white (#FFFFFF)
  • Plain, evenly lit, no shadows, no patterns
  • Clothing must contrast noticeably with the white background
  • (Note: the light-blue variant for the IMI digital portal is covered by my_passport_digital)

Expression

  • Neutral expression; mouth closed; no smiling or frowning
  • Both eyes clearly visible and open; no red-eye
  • Even, balanced lighting; no shadows on face or background
  • Hair must not cover the forehead or ears

Accessories

  • Glasses: removal recommended (to avoid glare); historically prescription glasses were tolerated, but current JIM/EMGS guidance is to remove
  • Religious head coverings: permitted, provided all facial features (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, chin) remain clearly visible
  • Non-religious head coverings and hats: not permitted

Other rules

  • Photo must have been taken within the last 6 months
  • No digital alterations, filters, or beauty enhancements
  • Should not be a self-taken photo (professional studio recommended per EMGS)
  • Photo must contain only the applicant — no other people, props, or objects
  • At some JIM offices, the photo is captured on-site via the Facial Live Capture system, in which case a pre-prepared photo is not required

Notes

  • The 35 × 50 mm physical size is consistent across JIM, KLN, and EMGS sources.
  • Glasses guidance has tightened over time; treat removal as the safer default.
  • Clothing colour is not formally mandated, but dark / coloured clothing is recommended to contrast against the white background.

Sources

Can I wear glasses in my Malaysian passport photo?

Current JIM and EMGS guidance is to remove glasses to avoid glare. Historically prescription glasses were tolerated, but treat removal as the safer default — frames or reflections are a common rejection reason.

Can I wear a head covering in the photo?

Religious head coverings are permitted, provided your forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, and chin all remain clearly visible. Non-religious head coverings and hats are not allowed.

Can I smile in a Malaysian passport photo?

No. JIM requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed — no smiling or frowning. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, with no red-eye.

How recent does the passport photo need to be?

The photo must have been taken within the last six months. EMGS additionally recommends a professional studio rather than a self- taken photo.

What file format and size does JIM accept?

For digital submissions, JPEG (recommended), PNG, or BMP at 100–300 KB and 600 DPI minimum. The image must be 35 × 50 mm (827 × 1181 px at 600 DPI) on a pure white (#FFFFFF) background. The IMI digital portal variant requires a light-blue background instead — see `my_passport_digital`.

Credit card · 85.6 × 54 mmPrint · 35 x 50 mm
Visual proportions, not actual size — depends on viewport DPI.
03 — Compliance engine

Live validation
against the actual rulebook.

Every crop is measured against the published tolerance ranges for the selected document. Pass or warn, in real time — no "submit and hope."

VALIDATOR · MY_PASSPORTALL CHECKS PASS
Dimensions
827 × 1181 px
exact
827×1181
Face height
70% – 80%
target 75%
75%
Eye line
50% – 60%
target 55%
55%
Background
white
ΔE < 3
#FFFFFF
File size
300 KB
JPEG q=92
182 KB
Sharpness
no motion blur
Laplacian var
1,284

The same checks the authority will run — before you submit.

  • Face height & eye line measured from the pupil midpoint with sub-pixel accuracy, clamped to the tolerance range your authority publishes.
  • Background colour checked across a sampled grid — catches gradients and fringe from poor segmentation (ΔE < 3 against spec).
  • File-size ceiling enforced per-spec — recompressed silently for sub-60 KB e-visa portals, lossless for print.
  • Sharpness & expression guards warn on blur, closed eyes, or non-neutral expressions before you export.

Process this in your browser

No install. Photos stay on your device. $2.99 per photo, watermark-free.

Open in browser

Shoot once. Ship anywhere around the world.

SpecSnap is free to download. Try it on the next passport renewal, visa application, or driving-licence form sitting in your inbox.

Download on theApp StoreGet it onGoogle Play