CN China Social Security Card 32x26 mm Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 26 mm width × 32 mm height (±1 mm tolerance) printed on high-quality photo paper
• Head size: between 24 mm and 28 mm from chin to crown, occupying ~75–88 % of photo height
• Head position: perfectly centered horizontally, with ~4 mm margin above hairline and 4 mm below chin
• Eye level: eyes positioned at 60–70 % of photo height (approx. 19–22 mm from bottom edge)
• Background: plain white or light gray, uniform, matte finish, free of shadows, patterns or objects
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, no visible teeth, natural skin tone, no exaggerated makeup
• Head orientation: full-face view, no tilt or turn, both ears visible, forehead and jawline unobstructed
• Glasses: permitted if used daily, thin frames only, no glare or reflections, eyes fully visible, no tinted lenses
• Head coverings: only for religious reasons, must not cover forehead, eyebrows or cheeks, face outline fully visible
• Photo finish & paper: glossy or matte photo paper, smooth surface, no creases, scratches or printing artifacts

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify official specifications: Confirm the 32 × 26 mm size, 35–40 mm head height, white or light gray background, matte finish, no borders—this ensures compliance with China’s Social Security Card standards.
• Prepare equipment and environment: Use a high-resolution (≥ 2 megapixel) camera, tripod, softbox lighting, and plain backdrop—consistent lighting and stability prevent shadows and distortion.
• Position camera and subject: Set camera at eye level, 5 m from subject; ask subject to stand 50 cm from the backdrop—this yields a full-frontal view, correct head scale, and a uniform background.
• Frame the shot precisely: Adjust zoom or cropping guides so the subject’s head (including hair) fills 75–80% of the frame vertically—ensures the head height (35–40 mm) and top margin (2–5 mm) meet official ratios.
• Capture multiple images: Take 3–5 photos with neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses or headwear—extra files increase your chance of a flawless, compliant image.
• Crop and resize in software: Open the best shot in photo editor, set canvas to 32 × 26 mm at 300 dpi, align head center, export as high-quality JPEG—precise dimensions and resolution prevent automatic rejection by uploading systems.
• Check compliance and print: View full-size at 100% on screen, verify head measurement with on-screen ruler, print on genuine passport paper using a dye-sublimation printer—this final QA step catches any last-minute sizing or color shifts.
• Submit with application: Attach the printed photo or digital file per local Social Security office instructions, keep digital backup—proper submission avoids delays in card issuance.

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Dimensions: Crop exactly to 32×26 mm using a reliable photo editor to avoid distortion or unintended borders; matters because the Social Security system auto-rejects any image that isn’t the correct size.
• Centered Head Proportion: Frame the head so it occupies about 70 % of the photo from chin to crown and remains centered; matters because faces that are too large or too small fail the biometric scaling check.
• Uniform Plain Background: Use a solid light-grey or off-white backdrop free of shadows and textures; matters because uneven or patterned backgrounds trigger manual reviews and processing delays.
• Neutral Expression & Direct Gaze: Maintain a neutral facial expression with a closed mouth and eyes looking straight at the camera; matters because smiles or side glances interfere with automated facial recognition.
• No Accessories or Glare: Remove glasses, hats, and heavy jewellery and employ diffused frontal lighting to eliminate reflections; matters because obstructions or glare obscure facial features and result in photo rejection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CN China Social Security Card 32×26 mm Photo Requirements Guide ensures your photo meets all official standards to avoid processing delays. By adhering to these precise specifications, applicants can submit compliant images that facilitate smooth identity verification.

Key Points Summary:

• Photo Size: exactly 32 mm wide × 26 mm high
• Head Position: full face centered, head height 22–28 mm, top margin 3–5 mm
• Background: uniform light-colored (white or very light gray), no patterns or shadows
• Expression & Pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no head tilt
• Attire & Accessories: no hats, head coverings (unless for religious reasons), sunglasses, or tinted glasses; prescription glasses allowed if frames do not obscure eyes
• Image Quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, natural skin tones, no creases or watermarks
• Color & Print: true-to-life color, matte or semimatte finish, no borders, recent photo (taken within 6 months)

Following these guidelines guarantees that your social security card application proceeds without photo rejections or unnecessary delays.