Photo PassMake my photo Japan visa photo requirements and form sizes
Check Japan visa photo dimensions, why official forms can show 45 × 45 mm or 45 × 35 mm, and which size to prepare for your application.
Start with the exact Japanese visa form
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently publishes more than one visa application form. The general “Visa Application Form to Enter Japan” shows a square 45 × 45 mm photo box, also described as 2 × 2 inches. A separate form containing a Certificate of Eligibility field shows a 45 × 35 mm photo box. Use the dimensions printed on the form required by your embassy and visa category.
- General visa form
- 45 × 45 mm
- COE form variant
- 45 × 35 mm
- Default tool preset
- 45 × 45 mm
- Authority
- Japan MOFA
The tool opens the square general-form preset. If your downloaded form shows 45 × 35 mm, use Custom official dimensions in the maker or follow the embassy’s required workflow.
Why two official sizes appear
The photo box is part of the application form, so the correct size follows the version you are instructed to submit. Do not assume that a size copied from a travel blog applies to every Japanese visa route.
Download the form from the website of the embassy or consulate handling the application shortly before preparing the print. Check whether the mission uses an appointment centre or accepts an electronic form.
Portrait composition
Use a recent, full-face colour portrait taken directly from the front. Keep the head upright and centred, with the eyes open and facial features clearly visible. Leave enough margin around the hair and chin so the printed photo fits the form box cleanly.
Avoid selfies taken too close to the face, because wide-angle distortion can change the apparent proportions of the nose, ears and jaw.
Background and appearance
Use a plain white or light background with even lighting and no visible shadow. Wear normal clothing that contrasts with the background. Remove sunglasses, hats and anything that obscures the eyes or face.
Keep the portrait natural. Do not use beauty filters, face reshaping, skin smoothing or AI-generated replacement details.
Print and attachment checks
- Print at the exact dimensions shown on your form.
- Use photo-quality paper and disable “fit to page”.
- Do not stretch a rectangular image into a square box.
- Check whether the embassy asks you to paste or otherwise attach the photo.
- Keep an additional copy in case the first print is damaged.
Which output should you choose?
| Form or instruction | Photo to prepare | Action |
|---|---|---|
| General MOFA visa form | 45 × 45 mm square | Use the Japan tourist-visa preset |
| MOFA form with Certificate of Eligibility field | 45 × 35 mm | Use custom official dimensions if the mission confirms this form |
| Embassy-specific checklist | Whatever that current checklist states | Treat the mission instruction as controlling |
| Digital application channel | Portal-specific format and limit | Check the upload screen before export |
Common mistakes
The most important mistake is preparing the wrong official form size. Other problems include old photos, a patterned background, poor contrast, a head cropped too closely, glasses glare, visible shadows and retouching that changes the natural likeness.
If the source image needs extensive correction, take a new portrait instead of forcing it into the form.
Official sources
Compare Japan MOFA’s general visa application form with the Certificate of Eligibility form variant, then follow the instructions from the Japanese embassy or consulate handling the case.
Related visa photo guides
Requirements change by destination, visa category and submission channel. Use the guide for the exact application you are preparing.
Prepare the photo after checking the rules
Photo Pass can frame and export the image for this preset in your browser. It does not submit an application or guarantee that an authority will accept the photo.
Make a Japan visa photo