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China residence permit for foreigners photo requirements

The 33 × 48 mm photo rules set by National Immigration Administration (NIA) via public security exit-entry offices for the China residence permit for foreigners, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 4 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What size is the China residence permit for foreigners photo?

A Chinese residence permit (外国人居留许可) needs one recent colour photo, taken within 6 months, that meets NIA's exit-entry photo standard: 33 x 48 mm on a white, light grey or light blue background. Apply within 30 days of entry. NIA lists fees of 400, 800 or 1,000 yuan depending on how long the permit lasts.

A Chinese residence permit (外国人居留许可) needs one recent colour photo, taken within 6 months, that meets the National Immigration Administration's exit-entry photo standard: 33 x 48 mm, on a white, light grey or light blue background. The applicant applies within 30 days of entry, and NIA lists fees of 400, 800 or 1,000 yuan depending on how long the permit lasts.

NIA's photo standard, 《出入境证件相片照相指引》, covers every document issued by public security exit-entry offices, including visas and residence permits issued inside China. It is the same standard used for Chinese passports applied for in China.

China residence permit for foreigners photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by National Immigration Administration (NIA) via public security exit-entry offices:[1]

Print size33 x 48 mm, with a 30 x 40 mm effective area for the head
Digital size354–480 x 472–640 pixels
Head heightHead 30–34 mm high, face 16–24 mm wide, crown 1–3 mm below the top of the effective area
BackgroundUniform white, light grey or light blue, with no gradient, shadow or objects
ColourColour; dark clothes with a collar, no uniforms
Photo ageTaken within the last 6 months
File size20–80 KB
File formatJPEG, 24-bit colour
Print qualityPhoto paper, with no stains, creases, scratches or border
Pixels when printed390 × 567 px at 300 dpi · 780 × 1134 px at 600 dpi (calculated)
33 mm48 mm30–34 mm
33 × 48 mm photo drawn to scale, with the 30–34 mm head height from chin to crown. Background: uniform white.

Key requirements

  • One photo

    NIA's service guide asks for one photo, attached to the 外国人签证证件申请表 (Foreigner Visa and Permit Application Form). Some offices take or check photos differently, so the local exit-entry office should be asked.

  • Head size differs from the visa sheet

    NIA measures a head height of 30–34 mm and a face width of 16–24 mm. The COVA visa sheet used abroad gives a head height of 28–33 mm and a head width of 15–22 mm, with 3–5 mm above the crown. Both use the same 33 x 48 mm print. A white-background photo that fits both ranges works for either.

  • Background

    NIA's exit-entry standard allows a uniform white, light grey or light blue background with no gradient. Visa photos taken abroad for COVA must be white.

  • Deadline to apply

    Apply within 30 days of entering China if the visa says a residence permit is needed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists D, Q1, S1, X1 and Z visas as the types that need one.

  • Photo receipts

    In many cities, approved photo studios upload exit-entry photos and give a printed receipt (回执) with a number. The local exit-entry office should be asked whether it wants a paper photo, a receipt number or a photo taken on site.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Sit upright with shoulders level and face the camera
  • Keep a natural expression with eyes open and hair clear of the eyes
  • Wear clear glasses only, with no glare and frames clear of the eyes
  • Wear a religious, medical or cultural head covering only if it leaves the face clear and casts no shadow

Don't

  • Wear tinted glasses, unless needed for an illness
  • Wear thick frames, a hat or a headscarf for any other reason
  • Show teeth, look sideways or tilt the head
  • Wear clothing the same colour as the background, or heavy make-up

Sample photos

How a China residence permit for foreigners photo should look, and the mistakes that most often get photos rejected. Each example is drawn to this document's 33 × 48 mm, head height and background colour.

Correct
Open-mouth smile
Head tilted
Too close: head too big
Too far: head too small
Busy background
Shadows on face or background
Glare on glasses

Illustrations, not real photos. The official rules above always take priority; some documents do not allow glasses at all.

Glasses

Clear glasses only, with no glare and frames clear of the eyes. Tinted glasses are not allowed unless needed for an illness; thick frames are not allowed.

Headwear and religious dress

A religious, medical or cultural head covering is allowed if it leaves the face clear and casts no shadow. Hats and headscarves are otherwise not allowed.

Babies and children

NIA allows someone else to apply for applicants under 16 or aged 60 and over, and for people who are ill; family reunion permits run up to 3 years for applicants under 18 or aged 60 and over, otherwise 2 years.

Print at 33 x 48 mm on photo paper with no border. The digital file is a JPEG of 24-bit colour, 20–80 KB, 354–480 x 472–640 pixels.

Where to submit the photo

At a public security exit-entry office. NIA's service guide says prefecture (city) level or above; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa instructions (August 2026) say county level or above, so local arrangements should be checked. Documents: a valid passport, the 外国人签证证件申请表 with one photo, supporting documents for the purpose of stay, and a health certificate for permits of 1 year or more. Applicants normally apply in person. The receipt is valid for up to 15 working days, a decision is made within that time, and the permit is collected in person with the receipt. Fees listed by NIA: under 1 year 400 yuan; 1 year to under 3 years 800 yuan; 3 to 5 years 1,000 yuan.

How to get your China residence permit for foreigners photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the China residence permit for foreigners: 33 × 48 mm print, uniform white background. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: one photo; head size differs from the visa sheet; background; deadline to apply.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. Print at 33 x 48 mm on photo paper with no border. The digital file is a JPEG of 24-bit colour, 20–80 KB, 354–480 x 472–640 pixels.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. At a public security exit-entry office. NIA's service guide says prefecture (city) level or above; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa instructions (August 2026) say county level or above, so local arrangements should be checked.

China residence permit for foreigners photo FAQ

NIA's service guide asks for one photo, attached to the 外国人签证证件申请表 (Foreigner Visa and Permit Application Form). Some offices take or check photos differently, so the local exit-entry office should be asked.

Only if it is still within 6 months old and meets the NIA standard. The layout is the same 33 x 48 mm, but NIA measures the head differently (30–34 mm high with the face 16–24 mm wide) from the COVA visa sheet (28–33 mm high, 15–22 mm wide). A white-background photo that fits both ranges works for either.

Yes. NIA's exit-entry photo standard allows a uniform white, light grey or light blue background, with no gradient. Visa photos taken abroad for COVA must be white.

Within 30 days of entering China if the visa says a residence permit is needed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists D, Q1, S1, X1 and Z visas as the types that need one.

NIA lists 400 yuan for a permit of under 1 year, 800 yuan for 1 to under 3 years and 1,000 yuan for 3 to 5 years.

NIA says the receipt given is valid for up to 15 working days, and a decision is made within that time. The permit is then collected in person with the receipt.

Related photo specifications

Other China documents

Residence and work permits nearby

Also 33 × 48 mm

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Official sources

  1. National Immigration Administration. 外国人居留证件签发、延期、换发、补发服务指南 (residence permit service guide) nia.gov.cn. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. National Immigration Administration. 出入境证件相片照相指引 (exit-entry photo guide) nia.gov.cn. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. China Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visa Application Instructions (August 2026) cs.mfa.gov.cn. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. China Online Visa Application (COVA), photo requirements consular.mfa.gov.cn. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with National Immigration Administration (NIA) via public security exit-entry offices before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

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"China residence permit for foreigners photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/china/residence-permit-photo

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