New Zealand Document Guidelines
Applying for a New Zealand visa, residence, or passport? Get exact photo pixel dimensions, PDF limits, and format rules for Immigration NZ and NZ Passport portals.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has some of the most detailed and recently updated digital photo requirements among English-speaking nations, particularly around AI image manipulation. INZ explicitly prohibits photos that have been enhanced, altered, or "beautified" by AI tools — a policy updated in 2024 in response to the proliferation of AI photo enhancement apps.
The INZ photo standard requires a 3:4 aspect ratio (portrait orientation) with dimensions between 900×1200 px and 2250×3000 px, and a file size between 512 KB and 3 MB. This is a fairly narrow range — larger files (over 3 MB) are rejected, as are files that are too small (under 512 KB), indicating low quality or excessive compression.
New Zealand's RealMe digital identity platform (used for tax, government services, and business registration) has its own identity verification upload requirements, typically accepting up to 5 MB per file. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ), which handles social welfare applications, also accepts PDF uploads for supporting documentation.
New Zealand Portal Quick-Reference Table
Photo dimensions, file size limits, and official sources — compiled from immigration.govt.nz, passports.govt.nz, realme.govt.nz, workandincome.govt.nz.
| Portal | Category | Photo Size | Dimensions | PDF Limit | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
INZ Immigration New Zealand | immigration | 512 KB – 3 MB | 900×1200 px min | 3:4 ratio | JPG | No AI edits | Up to 5 MB each | immigration.govt.nz |
NZ Passport New Zealand Passport — DIA | passport | Up to 5 MB | 35–40mm × 45–50mm | JPEG | White bg | Up to 5 MB | passports.govt.nz |
RealMe RealMe — Digital Identity (DIA) | identity | — | — | Up to 5 MB | realme.govt.nz |
Work & Income Work and Income New Zealand (MSD) | employment | — | — | Up to 2 MB | workandincome.govt.nz |
New Zealand Rejection Prevention Checklist
- Must Be Between 512 KB and 3 MB — Both Ends Enforced: INZ enforces both a minimum (512 KB) and maximum (3 MB) file size. Heavily compressed photos below 512 KB are rejected alongside oversized photos. This is a narrow band — target 700 KB–2 MB for safety.
- Strict 3: 4 Aspect Ratio (Portrait): INZ requires a 3:4 aspect ratio (e.g. 900×1200 px). A photo with a different ratio — such as a square (1:1) or landscape — will be rejected regardless of resolution.
- No AI Enhancements — Explicitly Prohibited (2024 Policy): INZ updated their policy in 2024 to explicitly ban AI-enhanced photos. This includes AI upscaling, AI background replacement, AI beauty filters, and skin-tone adjustments. Use only natural, unedited photos.
- Minimum 900×1200 px — Maximum 2250×3000 px: INZ enforces both a minimum and maximum resolution. Upscaled low-quality photos that artificially exceed 900×1200 px will fail biometric quality checks. Start with a high-quality original.
- No Headwear Unless Religious: Like all ICAO-standard portals, INZ rejects photos with hats, caps, or head coverings unless the headwear is worn for documented religious reasons. Glasses are also not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Zealand Document Uploads
Common questions about file sizes, photo requirements, and portal-specific rules.
What are the exact photo requirements for Immigration New Zealand (INZ)?
INZ requires a JPEG photo in a 3:4 portrait ratio, between 900×1200 px and 2250×3000 px in resolution, with a file size between 512 KB and 3 MB. The photo must not be AI-enhanced, filtered, or digitally altered. Background must be plain white or light grey, face must be fully visible, and eyes open and looking at the camera.
Why does INZ enforce both a minimum and maximum file size?
INZ's system requires sufficient image data (minimum 512 KB) for biometric facial processing, and caps photos at 3 MB to keep the application portal responsive. Photos below 512 KB are typically too heavily compressed for reliable biometric matching. Target 700 KB–2 MB for the safest upload.
Can I use AI to enhance my photo for an INZ application?
No — INZ explicitly prohibits photos that have been enhanced, retouched, or altered by AI tools. This policy was updated in 2024 and applies to AI background replacement, AI upscaling, skin smoothing, and beauty filters. Use only an original, unedited photograph from your camera or phone.
What is RealMe and what documents do I need to upload?
RealMe is New Zealand's government digital identity platform, used to access IRD (tax), ACC (accident compensation), and business registration services. To verify your identity on RealMe, you typically need to upload a government-issued photo ID (NZ passport or driver licence) in PDF or JPG format, up to 5 MB.
How many pages can I upload per document to INZ?
INZ accepts PDF documents up to 5 MB per file. If your supporting evidence (e.g. a multi-year bank statement) generates a large PDF, use our Compress PDF tool to reduce it below the 5 MB ceiling. For very long documents, consider using our Split PDF tool to divide them into separate, smaller submissions.
Other Country Guidelines
Specifications compiled from official New Zealand government sources (immigration.govt.nz, passports.govt.nz, realme.govt.nz, workandincome.govt.nz). Requirements may change — verify on the specific portal at time of application.