Malaysia Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – MyKad & Jabatan Imigresen Rules

The following requirements apply to photos submitted with Malaysian passport applications and MyKad (National Identity Card) renewals processed through Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia offices or the MyEG online portal.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The standard ICAO biometric format.
• Background: Plain white. No off-white, light grey, patterns, or gradients are accepted.
• Head size: The face (chin to crown) should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height. The head must be centred horizontally.
• Expression: Neutral and relaxed. Mouth must be closed. Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly into the camera lens.
• Glasses: Not permitted. Eyewear of any kind — including prescription glasses — is not allowed in Malaysian passport or MyKad photos.
• Recency: The photo must have been taken within 6 months of the application date and must represent your current appearance.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Retouching: Digital filters, beauty retouching, or any alteration to your appearance is not permitted.
• Print quality: Printed photos must be on glossy photo paper with a minimum resolution of 600 DPI. The photo must be sharp and evenly lit.

Women may wear a hijab in Malaysian passport and MyKad photos. This is an explicit accommodation in Malaysian government guidelines, reflecting the country's majority Muslim population. The following conditions must be met:

• The full face must be clearly visible — from chin to forehead, and both cheekbones. No part of the face may be obscured by fabric.
• The hijab must not cast shadows on the face or on the white background.
• The hijab itself should ideally be a colour that contrasts with the white background to ensure clean separation.
• The hairline need not be visible — the head covering may cover all hair as long as the face is fully clear.

A niqab (face veil) is not accepted, as it covers facial features required for biometric identification.

The MyKad is Malaysia's multi-application national identity card, containing a biometric chip with the holder's facial photograph and fingerprint data. Photo requirements for the MyKad are identical to those for the passport: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses, full face visible.

For in-person MyKad renewals at Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) offices, your photo is typically captured on-site using the department's own biometric equipment. You do not usually bring printed photos for a MyKad renewal. Always confirm the current process with your local JPN office.

Malaysian citizens can renew their ePassport online through the MyEG portal (myeg.com.my). The digital photo upload must meet all ICAO biometric requirements. After completing the online process, applicants typically collect their passport at a selected Jabatan Imigresen office or post office. The specific steps and eligibility criteria for online renewal may change — always verify at the official Jabatan Imigresen website (imi.gov.my) before starting an application.