Photo for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) - 2025

Name: Make Japanese language proficiency test Photo for Free
Brand: Photogov
SKU: jp-jlpt-photo
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (1480 reviews)

One important thing you need to do when you apply for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is send in a photo that meets the requirements. For digital submissions, the official size for the JLPT photo is 3x4 cm (360x480 pixels). If you don't follow the rules, your application could be delayed or turned down. We make it easier to take a compliant JLPT photo at PhotoGov. You can upload your selfie or a high-quality photo, and we will resize, crop, and optimize it to match the official requirements so that you can send it in digitally or print it off.

Auto-crop the photo to fit the Japan language proficiency test size (free online tool)
Full document requirements for photos
How to get a photo - tutorial

Why Should You Use Our JLPT Photo Service?

Exact 3x4 cm Size (360x480 px)

Your photo will automatically be resized to the right size of 3x4 cm (360x480 px)

Background Correction

Makes sure the background is clean, white, or light-colored and has no shadows or patterns

Image Enhancement

Changes the brightness, contrast, and sharpness to provide professional-looking results

Digital and print versions

Get your photo ready to send in online or print off

Full Compliance Guarantee

Meets all the official requirements for JLPT photos

Photo Requirements for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Your JLPT photo must meet both technical and aesthetic standards in order to be accepted.

Here are the details:

40mm

30mm

75%

6%

Layout, size and scale by indentation for the JP language proficiency test

Size 3 x 4 cm (30 x 40 mm)
Image Size 360 x 480 pixels
File Type JPEG or PNG
File Size Usually less than 1 MB
Color No patterns or shadows, only plain white or light-colored wall
Printable Yes
Submitting Digitally Accepted for online applications through the official JLPT websites

*Data from government agencies

Rules for how to look

Requirement for Aspect

Expression on the face

Neutral: mouth closed, no smile or frown

Eyes

Wide open, plainly visible, and looking right at the camera

Position of the Head

Centered and looking straight ahead

Covering the Face

Should take up 70–80% of the height of the picture

Clothes

Don't wear white tops; dark, solid hues are better

Glasses

Not allowed unless it's for medical reasons

Coverings for the head Face

Must be fully visible

Lighting

The face and background should be evenly lit, with no shadows or reflections

How to Make Your JLPT Picture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choose the Type of Document

On PhotoGov.net, look for the selection of document types and choose "JLPT Photo – 3x4 cm (360x480 px)"
Take a Picture

Use a good smartphone or digital camera. Stay 1.5 to 2 meters away from a white or light-colored background. Make sure the lighting is gentle and even
Put your picture up

Send your picture to PhotoGov. Use good lighting and a neutral expression to make sure your face is easy to see
Resize and optimize automatically

PhotoGov will cut your photo down to 3x4 cm (360x480 px), clear up the background, and make it sharper, brighter, and more contrasty
Get it and send it in

You can either print the final photo file to use in person or download it and submit it

Best Ways to Take Your JLPT Photo

Use natural light or mild artificial light to avoid shadows or too much brightness

Background: Stand in front of a wall that is simple white or light-colored. Make sure there aren't any patterns or things that could distract you in the backdrop

Positioning: Make sure your face is in the middle of the frame and looking straight at the camera. Your face should take up around 70–80% of the height of the photo

Clothes: Wear dark, solid-colored clothes that stand out against the background. Don't wear white tops

How to take your own Japanese language proficiency test photo

If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect language proficiency test photo yourself:

1. Take a picture of yourself

Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.

How to take selfies for a language proficiency test

Clean background. More light. Not a blurry photo.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)

2. Upload your photo to PhotoGov AI

Next, upload your image and process it through our site.

Upload your language proficiency test photo to PhotoGov

3. Receive your Passport Photo

Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.

Download ready photo for language proficiency test JP document

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong size, like a passport size instead of 3x4 cm (360x480 px)

Putting on glasses or other things that cover your face

Using pictures that are grainy or low-res

A background containing patterns, shadows, or objects

Smiling or moving your head

During photo processing, PhotoGov will automatically find and fix these problems

How to take Japanese language proficiency test photos for babies and kids

When taking pictures of babies and children for language proficiency test, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.

If you are photographing a newborn:
Spread a white sheet out over the floor.
Place the baby down on the sheet and take their photograph against it.

For slightly older babies:

Prop them up in a child’s chair against a white sheet.
If they are still unable to hold up their head, prop it up for them using a hand behind the sheet. Ensure no one else is visible in the shot.

More tips for following the rules

No Retouching: Don't use filters or digital changes that change the way your face looks

Sharpness: Make sure the picture is crisp and not pixelated or blurry

Face Coverage: Your face should take up 70–80% of the height of the picture

File Size and Type: JPEG or PNG, and less than 1 MB for digital submission

Guidelines for Submitting and Printing

For Physical Submission: Make sure your photo is the right size by printing it on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper that is 3x4 cm (30x40 mm)

For Digital Submission: Upload your photo to the JLPT application site or consular system. Make sure it fits the requirements for file size and resolution

FAQ

How big should my photo for the JLPT be?
The photo needs to be 3 x 4 cm (30 x 40 mm).
Is it okay to use my phone to take my picture?
Yes, as long as the picture satisfies the requirements. Upload it to PhotoGov to get it fixed automatically.
Is it okay to wear spectacles in my picture?
No. You can't wear glasses unless you need them for medical reasons. Check to see whether there is any glare.
How old does the picture have to be?
Your photo should have been taken in the last six months to show how you look now.
What do I do if my photo is turned down?
You can change and reprocess your photo for free with PhotoGov until it is accepted.
Can I use my JLPT photo for other documents?
Yes, as long as the requirements for such documents are similar.