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.
Your photo will automatically be resized to the right size of 3x4 cm (360x480 px)
Makes sure the background is clean, white, or light-colored and has no shadows or patterns
Changes the brightness, contrast, and sharpness to provide professional-looking results
Get your photo ready to send in online or print off
Meets all the official requirements for JLPT photos
Your JLPT photo must meet both technical and aesthetic standards in order to be accepted.
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
Requirement for Aspect
Neutral: mouth closed, no smile or frown
Wide open, plainly visible, and looking right at the camera
Centered and looking straight ahead
Should take up 70–80% of the height of the picture
Don't wear white tops; dark, solid hues are better
Not allowed unless it's for medical reasons
Must be fully visible
The face and background should be evenly lit, with no shadows or reflections
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
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
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:
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.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
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
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.
For slightly older babies:
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
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
How big should my photo for the JLPT be?
Is it okay to use my phone to take my picture?
Is it okay to wear spectacles in my picture?
How old does the picture have to be?
What do I do if my photo is turned down?
Can I use my JLPT photo for other documents?
Other documents for the Japan
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