MOM uses the same photo specs as ICA. Get one compliant 400×514 image and you can use it for Employment Pass, S Pass, and passport or NRIC. The catch: EP Online is strict on file size and background—off-white or oversized files get bounced.

[Table of Contents]

MOM photo specs at a glance (table)
EP vs S Pass: same photo?
EP Online upload rules (file size, format, name)
Why MOM rejects your photo (table + fixes)
One photo for EP, passport, NRIC
Do's and don'ts (table)
Get a compliant photo without a studio
FAQ

MOM Photo Specs at a Glance

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) work pass applications use the same dimensions as ICA: 400×514 pixels, 35×45 mm at 300 DPI, JPEG. Background must be pure white #FFFFFF. Face 70–80% of frame, neutral expression, no glasses (unless exempt).

Spec	Requirement
Digital size	400 × 514 px
Print size	35 mm × 45 mm
Background	#FFFFFF only
File format	JPEG
Face	70–80% of frame, neutral, both eyes open

If you already have an ICA-compliant photo, you can reuse it for MOM as long as it is recent and looks like you.

EP vs S Pass: Same Photo?

Yes. Both Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass use the same 35×45 mm / 400×514 px standard. One compliant digital file works for:

EP (Employment Pass) application or renewal
S Pass application or renewal
Singapore passport or NRIC (ICA)
Most Singapore visa applications

Shoot once, use for work pass and travel documents.

EP Online Upload Rules

When you upload via EP Online or the relevant MOM portal:

Rule	What to do
File size	Keep under 60KB where the portal specifies a limit
File name	Simple name, no spaces or special characters
Format	JPEG only
Recent photo	MOM typically expects a photo taken within the last 3 months

Wrong dimensions or a grey/cream background often cause instant rejection or upload errors. Use 400×514 and #FFFFFF so the system accepts the file.

Why MOM Rejects Your Photo (and How to Fix It)

Rejection reason	Fix
Background not pure white	Use a white wall or a tool like GetVisaPic to set background to #FFFFFF
Face too small or too large	Crop so head is 70–80% of frame
Shadows on face or background	Use even, front lighting; no overhead or side-only light
Glasses or hat	Remove unless you have an approved exemption
Wrong file size or format	Export as JPEG, under 60KB if the portal has a limit
Old or unrecognisable photo	Use a recent photo that clearly looks like you

MOM and ICA share the same technical bar. Fix these and your work pass photo will pass.

One Photo for EP, Passport, NRIC

Many applicants need a photo for both work pass and passport or NRIC. Good news: one 400×514, #FFFFFF, 70–80% face photo meets all of them. Take it at home against a white wall, run it through GetVisaPic for exact crop and background, then download and use for:

MOM EP or S Pass submission
ICA passport or NRIC application
Visa applications that accept the same size

No need to visit a studio twice.

Do's and Don'ts

Do	Don't
Use #FFFFFF background	Use grey, cream, or off-white
Keep face 70–80% of frame	Submit full-body or distant shots
Use JPEG, under 60KB if required	Use PNG or oversized files
Recent photo (within 3 months)	Use an old or heavily edited photo
Neutral expression, both eyes open	Smile, tilt head, or wear non-exempt glasses

Get a Compliant Photo Without a Studio

Shoot at home against a white wall or sheet, with front lighting and neutral expression.
Upload to GetVisaPic. We crop to 400×514, set background to #FFFFFF, and keep file size within limits.
Download the JPEG and use it for EP Online, S Pass, or ICA.

Same workflow as for passport photos; MOM accepts it.

FAQ

Are MOM EP photo requirements the same as ICA?
Yes. 400×514 px, 35×45 mm, #FFFFFF background, face 70–80%. One compliant photo works for both.

What file size does MOM accept for EP Online?
JPEG; many portals specify 60KB or similar. Keep the file small; GetVisaPic outputs within typical limits.

Can I use my passport photo for my EP application?
Yes, if it meets the specs above and is recent. Same file for both.

Why did MOM reject my EP photo?
Usually background not #FFFFFF, face size wrong, shadows, or wrong format/size. Fix those and re-upload.

Do I need a different photo for S Pass vs EP?
No. Same specs. One photo works for either.