China work permit photo requirements: 33 × 48 mm for the residence permit

Comparing specifications: residence permit, work permit, and China permanent residence photo

Foreigners in China have to deal with three different statuses, and the documents for these are processed by different departments. The photo requirements for them vary in framing details and submission methods. In our database of 241 document profiles, 229 have a fixed size, using 17 different formats. The most common in this database is the 35 × 45 mm size (found in 148 profiles), but for a residence permit in China, the official guide specifies the 33 × 48 mm format, designated as the "small two-inch format" (小二寸).

A separate photo size for the permanent residence card has not been established in the reviewed sources. The guide describes the procedure for the residence permit and visa extension but does not publish a separate size for permanent residence.

Why your photo might be rejected: strict Chinese guidelines

The Chinese standard for document photos, published by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC for Chinese visa applications, contains a number of restrictions. For a visa photo, it is stated that if the image does not meet the requirements, the application may be rejected, and the applicant bears the responsibility.

• Visible ears: The Chinese visa photo requirements specify "露出双耳" — both ears must be visible.
• Head tilt tolerances: For a visa photo, the left-to-right rotation of the face must not exceed 20 degrees, and the up-and-down tilt must not exceed 25 degrees.
• Paper type: Glossy photo paper ("面光相纸") is required for a visa photo, rather than textured paper or standard printer paper. The photo must also be free of dirt, scratches, and creases. The application of this rule to residence permits has not been established in our review; however, for a visa, an improper photo can lead to the application being rejected.
• Glasses frames: You cannot wear thick-framed, tinted, or glaring glasses for a visa photo.
• Differences in work permit applications: The photo requirements for a work permit are described differently than for a residence permit. The list of materials requires a frontal photo of the applicant without headwear, taken within 6 months, without specifying millimeters. The employer will submit the application and photo via the Ministry of Human Resources system. The department does not publish requirements for the digital file (pixels, file size, format) for uploading into the work permit system via 12333.gov.cn in open guidelines.
• Submission deadlines: Those who entered on a visa and plan to work and live in China must obtain a residence permit within 30 days of entry. The employer submits an application for a work permit extension no later than 30 days before it expires; a residence permit extension is processed before the expiration date, and in the event of changes to registration details, an application must be made within the established timeframe.
• Entry and exit document photos: The National Immigration Administration of the PRC guidelines state that such photos must avoid beautification, filters, and altering the face shape. Facial features, including eyebrows, eyes, and ears, must be clearly visible.

The procedure: from a work visa to a residence permit

The process of legalizing a foreign employee in China is regulated by the Interdepartmental "Guide to Working and Living in China for Foreign Business Personnel". Document processing is divided into several stages involving different authorities.

1. Obtaining a Z visa for entry. Foreigners working in China must obtain a work permit. If the planned work period is 90 days or less, the foreigner applies for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad based on the "Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit" and works for the duration specified in the visa.
2. Entry and compliance with the 30-day period. If the work period exceeds 90 days, the foreigner also enters on a Z visa. Individuals who have entered on a visa and plan to work and live in China must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, provided they meet the relevant conditions.
3. Employer data upload. The Chinese employer submits the application for the work permit itself. This is done online via the National Government Services Platform of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (http://www.12333.gov.cn). The employer logs into the Service System for Foreigners Working in China and attaches the necessary documents, including a frontal photo of the applicant without headwear, taken within the last 6 months.
4. Personal visit to the entry-exit administration. To obtain the residence permit itself, as well as to extend, replace, or restore it, the foreigner must personally visit the entry-exit administration of the public security organ.
5. Providing a photo on site. One color photo measuring 33 × 48 mm on a white background must be attached to the application. The interdepartmental guide explicitly states "可现场免费拍照", which means you can take the picture directly at the department office for free during your appointment. To prepare the file in advance, you can get your China residence permit photo 33x48 online to ensure the correct proportions.

There are exceptions to the personal appearance rule. The applicant may be exempt from appearing in person if they fall into the category of highly qualified and urgently needed talents, if they are under 16 or at least 60 years old, or if their mobility is restricted due to illness. In such cases, the documents can be submitted by the inviting organization or individual, the applicant's relatives, or a specialized service agency.

Deadlines for extensions and updating data

The employer must submit an application to extend the work permit to the local foreigners' work management department no later than 30 days before its expiration date. For a residence permit, the extension application is submitted before the expiration date; the guide specifies a deadline of no later than 30 days before this date.

If a foreigner's personal information (name, passport number, position) changes, the employer must submit an application for the change within 10 working days of such changes occurring. When replacing a passport or changing other registration details on the residence permit itself, the foreigner must apply to the entry-exit administration of the public security organ within 10 days to update the information.

Detailed technical photo specifications

The interdepartmental guide sets a base size of 33 × 48 mm for the residence permit. The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC publishes a separate list of technical requirements for the visa photo, specifying the size as 48 × 33 mm, which reflects the same dimensions in a different order. The listed requirements for the visa photo have been in effect since December 1, 2016.

Face size and framing

For a visa photo, the image must be borderless. The head width should be 21–24 mm, and the head length should be 28–33 mm. The face must be centered in the frame, and facial features must be complete and clear. Our database shows that for residence permits and permanent residence, the head height takes up 50–66% of the frame height, while for work permits, a value of 70–80% of the frame height is specified.

Facial expression, glasses, and headwear

For a visa photo, the applicant must look directly into the camera lens, keep both eyes open, and keep their lips closed. The facial expression must be natural, without any movements. The face rotation is limited to 20 degrees, and the tilt to 25 degrees.

Wearing hats, scarves, and other head accessories is prohibited for a visa photo. An exception is made for headwear worn for religious reasons, provided it does not obscure the face. For a visa photo, you cannot wear thick-framed, tinted, or glaring glasses.

Background, lighting, and validity period

For a visa photo, the background must be white or close to white. An everyday snapshot with a scenery background does not meet this requirement. In our database of 241 document profiles, 53 specify a white background.

The image must be free of glare and shadows, with moderate brightness and a natural skin tone. There must be no "red-eye" effect or noticeable distortion.

For a residence permit and work permit, the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. In our database, 32 out of 241 profiles have a fixed maximum age for the photo: 30 of them require a photo no older than 6 months, and 2 require a photo no older than 3 months. The remaining profiles do not record this parameter; the absence of a record does not mean the restriction does not exist.

The state fee amounts for the issuance of a residence permit, its extension, and the issuance of a work permit are not provided in the reviewed interdepartmental sources.