China Passport & ID Photo Requirements
China uses several standard photo sizes depending on the document: passports and visas require the 大一寸 ("large 1-inch") size at 33×48mm, while everyday documents like résumés, exams, and certificates commonly use 一寸 (25×35mm) or 二寸 (35×49mm). Here's exactly what's required for each, based on published Chinese consular and public-security guidance, plus a free tool below that positions, sizes, and backgrounds your photo correctly in under a minute.
Passport & visa photo requirements at a glance
- Size: 33 × 48 mm (大一寸, "large 1-inch")
- Head height: about 28–33 mm, measured from chin to the top of the head
- Background: plain white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- No glasses with glare, no hats, and hair should not obscure the face
- Taken within the last 6 months, in color, with no filters or digital retouching
- Printed at 300 DPI on photo paper for consular/passport-office submission
Common reasons photos get rejected
- Non-white background, or shadows/patterns behind the head
- Head too small or too large for the required 28–33 mm range
- Glare on glasses, tinted lenses, or a hat obscuring the hairline
- Non-neutral expression, or a photo older than 6 months
Get a compliant photo in under a minute
Common Chinese photo sizes compared
Outside of passports and visas, most everyday Chinese documents ask for one of a few standard sizes:
| Size | Dimensions | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 一寸 (1-inch) | 25 × 35 mm | Résumés, exams, everyday documents |
| 大一寸 (Large 1-inch) | 33 × 48 mm | Passport, visa, graduation photos |
| 二寸 (2-inch) | 35 × 49 mm | Exams (考试), résumés (简历) |
| 居民身份证 (Resident ID) | 26 × 32 mm | Resident ID card applications |
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Chinese passport or visa?
33 × 48 mm (大一寸, "large 1-inch"), with a plain white background and a neutral expression.
What's the difference between 一寸 and 二寸 photos?
一寸 (1-inch, 25×35mm) and 二寸 (2-inch, 35×49mm) are both used for everyday documents like résumés and exam registrations — which one you need depends on the specific form or institution's instructions.
Can the background be blue or red instead of white?
For passports, white is required. For many everyday 一寸/二寸 photos (exams, résumés, some ID cards), blue or red backgrounds are also commonly accepted — check your specific requirement.
Requirements are compiled from published Chinese consular and public-security guidance and may vary by issuing authority or use case — always confirm current rules before submitting your application.
Need a US passport or Schengen visa photo instead? See our US passport photo requirements guide or Schengen visa photo size guide.