head 70–80 %
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceEmbassy of Malaysia in Manila — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
Verified
Quick answer: The recommended Malaysia work permit photo size is 35 × 50 mm. Plain white background. Head occupies 70–80% of photo height. Neutral expression, clear lenses only, no glare. Last verified .
Requirements
| Format | 35 × 50 mmICAO 9303: 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of photo height |
| Background | Plain white background. Make photo background white — Malaysia work permit → |
| Pose | Strictly full face, head without rotation or tilt, shoulders level. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Glasses | Clear glasses only, no reflections; sunglasses prohibited. See full rules → |
| Lighting | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing, shoulders visible, without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| File format | JPEG · sRGB / 24-bit |
| Millimetres | 35 × 50 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 3.5 × 5 cm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.97″ |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 413 × 591 px |
| Pixels at 600 dpi | 827 × 1181 px |
For a Malaysian employment visa applied for at the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila the Embassy lists «2 pcs photo with white background (3.5 cm × 5.0 cm) — scan and send the actual photo, must be of good quality». The student visa takes «2 pcs photo with white background (3.5 cm × 5.0 cm)», the dependent and social visit visa «2 passport-size photos of the applicant (white background)», and the social business visa «2 pcs photo with white background». The rest of the employment-visa list: the passport and a copy of its bio page, the MDEC approval, VDR, calling visa, immigration approval or e-VWR, the visa form filled out at the Embassy and the fee of PHP 550; all applicants first submit a copy of the application online and, once it is checked and approved, get an appointment for the physical submission. The page gives no head, expression or glasses rule.
Examples and mistakes
One compliant example next to the six most common rejection causes for Malaysia work permit applications. These are the differences that most often determine whether a document photo is accepted.
Typical reasons a photo is rejected under the rules Embassy of Malaysia in Manila — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| A photograph that is not on a white background | A white background. |
| A scan of poor quality, or a photograph that is not the actual print | The actual photograph, scanned in good quality. |
| A print that is not the 3.5 × 5.0 cm the Embassy names | A 3.5 × 5.0 cm print. |
How to take it
Background: plain white
The tool puts in the required background. Stand half a metre from a plain light wall, face a window and shoot without flash — then there are no shadows on your face or on the wall.
Head: 70–80 % of the photo height
Camera at eye level, about a metre away; head and shoulders in the shot. The tool crops it to 35 × 50 mm.
Clear lenses only, no glare
If you wear glasses, check the shot: no glare on the lenses, eyes clearly visible.
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Look straight into the lens with your head level; keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows.
An ordinary selfie will do: we fix the background, light and framing ourselves — to this document's rules. The preview is free.
Head straightHold the phone at eye level and your head straightens by itself.
Face uncoveredMove your hair away so your eyes and eyebrows show.
No glare on glassesStand so that no light reflects in the lenses.Printing and submission
| 10 × 15 cm · 4 × 6″ | 8 (4 × 2) |
|---|---|
| A4 · 21 × 29.7 cm | 32 (4 × 8) |
Print at 100% scale, borderless, and turn off fit-to-page so each photo keeps its exact size.
A Malaysian employment visa is applied for at the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila: a copy of the application goes online first and, once approved, an appointment is given for the physical submission with the photographs.
kln.gov.my — Embassy of Malaysia, Manila
Two photos on a white background, 3.5 × 5.0 cm; scan and send the actual photo, good quality.
Authority page| Authority | Embassy of Malaysia in Manila — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Source | Entry requirements for foreigners — employment visa |
| Verified |
Questions
The Embassy in Manila asks for two photographs with a white background, 3.5 cm × 5.0 cm; the actual photograph is scanned and sent in good quality.
Two photographs on a white background in each case; for the student visa the page names 3.5 × 5.0 cm, for the dependent visa «passport size».
Both: a copy of the application is submitted online first and, once checked and approved, an appointment is given for the physical submission.
The recommended size for the Malaysia work permit photo is 35 × 50 mm. The head occupies 70–80% of the photo height. Work permit applications typically use the same biometric standard as Malaysia passports.
Sometimes. If your visa or passport photo was taken within the last six months and meets the work permit requirements, reusing it may be acceptable.
Plain white background. Even, shadow-free lighting is critical because work permits often go through both automated and manual review stages, and any inconsistency between them slows the application.
Most work permit applications accept photos taken within the last six months. Submit a photo that reflects your current appearance because the permit card is checked at workplaces and border crossings throughout its validity period.
No. Uniforms, military or law-enforcement clothing, religious headwear (except for permanent religious exception), or any clothing that obscures the neckline is typically rejected for Malaysia work permit photos.
Anfas.Pro provides a 14-day full refund if the Malaysia work permit authority rejects the photo and you supply the rejection notice.
35 × 50 mm = 3.5 × 5 cm = 1.38 × 1.97 inches. At 300 dpi that is 413 × 591 pixels; at 600 dpi, 827 × 1181 pixels.
2 identical photographs, 35 × 50 mm each.
Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. The face must stay fully visible from chin to forehead and on both sides, with no shadow across it.