【Must-See for International Students】: Is Your Residence Card Renewal Ready? Photo Tips to Prevent Application Troubles

August 19, 2026 August 19, 2026

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Recently at 19Studio, we have seen an increase in customers coming in for Residence Card photo shoots.
Many international students have Residence Cards that expire between the beginning of the new year and the start of the academic year, so many of you may already be starting your renewal preparations around now. In this article, we will explain the specifications for Residence Card photos from a professional perspective, along with key points to watch out for to pass the inspection!

What Are the Specifications for Residence Card Photos?
Points to Watch Out for During Shooting
Is Photo Editing Allowed?
Summary│Prepare a Residence Card Photo That Meets the Requirements

What Are the Specifications for Residence Card Photos?

For Residence Card applications and renewals, it is mandatory to satisfy the photo standards (size, head position, shooting period, etc.) set by the Immigration Services Agency. If your photo does not meet the requirements, it can lead to issues such as your application not being accepted or requiring a resubmission. Be sure to check these thoroughly in advance!

Main Specifications for Residence Card Photos

サイズ：縦 40mm × 横 30mm（写真比率4:3）
背景（影など）がないもの
撮影時期：申請日から6か月以内に撮影されたもの
顔の大きさ：顔の高さ（髪を含む）は一定範囲に収める必要がある
Size: Height 40mm × Width 30mm (4:3 photo ratio)
No background (shadows, etc.)
Shooting period: Taken within 6 months prior to the application date
Face size: The height of the face (including hair) must fit within a specified range

For the size of the face, please refer to the format below! Reference:
Reference: Immigration Services Agency Photo Specifications

Points to Watch Out for During Shooting

Because the photo specifications for Residence Cards are strict, quite a few international students face situations where "the photo had deficiencies and was not accepted..." despite their efforts to apply. Make sure to thoroughly follow these "points to watch out for during shooting"!

① Face Straight Ahead

Photos for application require the subject to face directly forward.
Be careful not to let your face or body tilt or turn diagonally!

②Ensure Parts of Your Face Are Not Hidden

Your entire face must be clearly visible.
Avoid headwear or clothing and accessories that cover your face or contour!

Inappropriate Examples:：
・Bangs covering your eyes / shadows falling on your eye area
・Face covered by masks, hats, or accessories
・Contour hidden by clothing with high necks such as turtlenecks
・Eyeglass frames covering your eyes
・Eyeglass lenses reflecting light and hiding your eyes

If your eyes remain hidden even after adjusting the position of your glasses or lighting, it is safer to take the photo with your glasses removed! In addition, pay sufficient attention to factors that make your facial contour unclear, such as the background color being too dark or shadows falling on your face.

③ Other Points to Keep in Mind

Avoid expressions that differ greatly from your normal appearance, such as squinting your eyes or showing your teeth.
Also, be very careful to avoid camera shake or out-of-focus shots when pressing the shutter, which could make the subject appear unclear.

Is Photo Editing Allowed?

For Residence Card photos, editing that creates an impression significantly different from the actual person is not permitted.
Specifically, editing that changes the size or shape of facial features—such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contour—is considered inappropriate because it may interfere with identity verification. Furthermore, beauty editing such as completely erasing moles or wrinkles or making the skin excessively smooth is, as a general rule, not recommended.

On the other hand, adjustments such as correcting background shadows created during shooting or leveling the background to an appropriate white color are considered acceptable forms of processing to meet the requirements.

At 19Studio, keeping the Residence Card guidelines in mind, we provide "shooting instructions to avoid easily rejected points" and "retouching that does not change the impression of your face."

In fact, there are many cases where individuals who previously failed their Residence Card application successfully passed the screening using photos retaken at our studio! Even if you feel anxious about taking your Residence Card photo, you can use our services with confidence.

19Studio in Tokyo is Recommended for Residence Card Photos!

At 19Studio in Shinjuku, taking photos for passports and official documents is available! Our staff will advise you on your posture and expression from an objective perspective to capture a photo you are satisfied with.

Using specialized lighting techniques, we illuminate your entire face brightly, while our professionals carefully support you so that your eyes, ears, and facial contour are not hidden. Through retouching, we completely eliminate background shadows to produce a crisp, clear finish. Furthermore, we precisely match the face size and position down to the pixel level, providing high-quality photos aligned with Residence Card regulations!

Same-day reservations and same-day delivery are also available, making it highly recommended for those who need ID photos in a hurry!

Click here for details!

Summary│Prepare a Residence Card Photo That Meets the Requirements

When renewing a Residence Card, there are many cases where procedures do not proceed smoothly due to photo deficiencies.

At 19Studio, we offer shooting guidance in accordance with regulations and make precise adjustments to head positions, so if you have any concerns about your photo, please leave it to us!