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Japan vs South Korea visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Japan and South Korea both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background and glasses, side by side.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Japan and South Korea publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Japan: White or light; South Korea: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
Japan and South Korea use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | Japan | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| File size limit | The authority does not publish this detail | ≤ 500 KB |
| Head height≠ differs | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 56–78% (25–35 mm) |
| Background | White or light uniform background. | Strictly white background. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Attire | Clothing must not blend into the background; face and shoulder line must be clearly defined. | Clothing must not blend into the background; face and shoulder line must be clearly defined. |
| Authority | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea — Korean embassies and consulates |
| Last verified | 1 Oct 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Japan and South Korea?
Japan and South Korea publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Japan: White or light; South Korea: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — Japan or South Korea?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Japan and South Korea require?
Japan requires: White or light. South Korea requires: Plain white. A plain white background satisfies both.