Philippines NBI Clearance Photo

Size: 51 × 51 mm (600 × 600 px at 300 DPI) · Background: Custom

Official Reference

The photo specifications shown on this page are summarized from publicly available information published by the relevant government authority. While we strive to keep this information up to date, official requirements may change. Please refer to the official source below before submitting your application.

Source

DFA — Philippines

https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/passport

Last reviewed: Jul 23, 2026

Specifications

Width51 mm (600 px)
Height51 mm (600 px)
Resolution300 DPI
Background colorCustom (#309eee)
Maximum file size240 KB
Head height ratio83% of photo height
Eye level30 mm from bottom
Glasses allowedNo
EarsBoth ears must be visible

Requirements

📋 Other Requirements

  • Size: 2×2 inch (51×51 mm)
  • Plain white background, uniform, no shadows
  • Colour photo, front view, no filters or beautification
  • Face occupies 70-80% of the frame, head and top of shoulders visible
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera
  • No glasses
  • Taken within the last 3 months (stricter than the 6-month rule for the Philippine passport)
  • Two printed copies required for OFW / overseas applicants
  • Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Head centered and straight, facing camera
  • Plain background, no shadows
  • Printed in color at 300 DPI minimum
  • Plain background, uniform color, no shadows
  • No retouching or AI editing
  • Background: Plain white

Common mistakes that lead to rejection

  • Wearing glasses — remove glasses before taking the photo.
  • Smiling or showing teeth — keep a neutral expression with mouth closed.
  • Ears covered by hair — both ears must be clearly visible.
  • Head coverings — only allowed for official religious or medical reasons. Face must be fully visible.
  • Using a scanned image of a printed photo — always use a new digital photo.
  • Shadows on the face or background — use even, front-facing lighting.
  • Incorrect background color — use exactly Custom (#309eee).

How to create a compliant Philippines NBI Clearance photo

  1. Click "Create photo" above — this opens the tool with the Philippines NBI Clearance specifications pre-selected.
  2. Upload a clear, front-facing photo or take one with your camera. Photos are processed entirely in your browser.
  3. Get ID Ready automatically removes the background, centers your face, and adjusts the size to exactly 51 × 51 mm.
  4. Download your photo or print a multi-photo sheet. Check the Compliance Check results before submitting to the embassy.

Philippines passport photo size in cm and inches

The official passport photo size is 51×51 mm, which equals 5.1×5.1 cm or 2.01×2.01 inches. At 300 DPI the file is 600×600 pixels. When printing, use exactly 5.1×5.1 cm — if the kiosk asks for inches, that is 2.01×2.01 inches.

How to take a Philippines passport photo at home

You don't need a studio. With a phone, a plain wall, and even lighting you can take a Philippines passport photo at home in about 5 minutes.

  1. Find a plain background — Stand 1–2 meters in front of a plain white or light-colored wall with no patterns, shadows, or objects behind you.
  2. Set up even lighting — Use a window or a lamp at eye level, slightly in front of your face. Avoid overhead lights and direct sun to prevent shadows.
  3. Take the photo — Look straight into the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed. Make sure your face fills about half of the frame and both ears are visible if required.
  4. Upload to Get ID Ready — Upload the photo in your browser. The tool removes the background, centers your face, and sizes it to exactly 51×51 mm.
  5. Run the compliance check — Check the result against the official Philippines requirements before downloading. Fix any issue in seconds and re-export.
  6. Download and print — Download JPEG, PNG, or a print-ready PDF with 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) sheets containing the exact number of photos.

Where to print Philippines passport photos

Once your photo passes the compliance check, you can print it at home, at a store kiosk, or via an online print service. Always print at 5.1×5.1 cm on glossy photo paper for best results.

Print at home

Use a photo-quality inkjet or laser printer with glossy photo paper. Select the 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) sheet option in Get ID Ready — it lays out multiple photos on one sheet and prints them at the exact required size.

Print at a store kiosk

Most photo stores and pharmacy kiosks accept a digital file. Bring the PDF sheet from Get ID Ready and choose the passport-photo option. Ask the staff to print at 5.1×5.1 cm and not to auto-resize.

Order online

Upload the downloaded file to an online print service and choose 4×6 inch glossy prints. Many services deliver within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will my photo be accepted by the embassy?

Our tool applies the published specifications and runs an automatic compliance check. However, the final acceptance decision always belongs to the issuing authority. If your photo is rejected, please contact us with the rejection reason so we can investigate.

Can I wear glasses in this photo?

No. Glasses are not allowed for Philippines NBI Clearance photos. Remove your glasses before taking the photo.

Can I smile?

No. A neutral facial expression with your mouth closed is required. Do not smile or show your teeth.

What background do I need?

Your photo needs a Custom background (#309eee). Get ID Ready automatically removes your original background and replaces it with the correct color.

Can I use a photo taken at home?

Yes. As long as the lighting is even, your face is clearly visible, and you follow the requirements above, a self-taken photo works. Use the camera feature in the tool to see a live alignment guide.

How recent must my photo be?

Your photo should be taken within the last 3 months. Using an older photo may result in rejection.

What if my ears are not visible?

Both ears must be clearly visible in this photo. Pull back your hair if needed.

Looking for a different document?View all Philippines documents or browse all countries.