CN China Social Security Card 32x26 mm Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines
Navigating China’s Social Security Card photo requirements can feel like threading a needle—every millimeter matters. With the CN China Social Security Card mandating a precise 32 × 26 mm portrait, strict background colors, exact head-to-photo ratios and biometric standards, one tiny misstep can lead to costly rejections and delays. Drawing on over two decades of expert collaboration with Chinese government agencies, our definitive guide cuts through the confusion to deliver crystal-clear instructions, insider tips and troubleshooting advice. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your card, this guide ensures your photo meets every technical and regulatory specification at first submission—so you can focus on what really matters, not photo retakes.
Requirements
- Photo size: exactly 32 mm wide × 26 mm high, measured from edge to edge with no borders
- Head position: head centered and facing forward, eyes level with the horizontal middle of the frame
- Head size: head height (from chin to crown) between 70 %–80 % of photo height (approx. 18–21 mm)
- Background: uniform light color (white or very pale blue), free of patterns, shadows and objects
- Expression: neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no smiling or frowning
- Attire: everyday clothing without uniforms, no large collars or accessories that obscure the neck and shoulders
- Glasses: if worn, frames must be thin and not cover eyes, lenses clear and free from glare or reflections; tinted or sunglasses prohibited
- Headwear: only allowed for verified religious reasons, must not cover forehead, eyes or cast shadows on face
- Lighting: even front lighting, no shadows on face or background, no red-eye or hotspots
- Photo quality: high resolution (min. 600 dpi), sharp focus, natural color balance, no creases, spots or digital artifacts
- Age of photo: taken within the last six months, reflecting current appearance with no retouching or filters
- Paper and finish: printed on high-quality matte or semi-matte photo paper, no border or frame margins
Step-by-Step Process
Content about CN China Social Security Card 32x26 mm Photo Requirements Guide - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Exact print size: have your lab or printer crop your image to precisely 32 mm × 26 mm at 300 dpi so it fits the card window and avoids automatic rejection for oversize or undersize
- Correct head placement: position your eyes roughly 16 mm from the bottom edge with the head centered and occupying 70–80 % of frame to ensure your face isn’t too small or clipped
- Uniform background: use a plain white or light-gray backdrop with no shadows or textures so biometric scanners can distinguish your face and speed up processing
- Even lighting: employ soft, diffused front lighting to eliminate shadows, glare and hotspots on your face or glasses so your features remain clear and uncompromised
- Neutral expression & unobstructed view: maintain a relaxed, closed-mouth expression without glasses, hats or hair covering your forehead so ID systems and officers can verify your identity easily
Conclusion
In summary, adhering precisely to China’s 32 × 26 mm Social Security Card photo specifications ensures a smooth application process and avoids costly delays. Remember:
- Size and Composition: photo must measure exactly 32 × 26 mm with the head height 20–24 mm and top margin 2–4 mm.
- Background and Lighting: plain white, evenly lit, no shadows or reflections.
- Pose and Expression: full-face view, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible.
- Attire and Accessories: everyday clothing without uniforms, hats or head coverings (unless for religious reasons), and no glasses, headphones or masks.
- Image Quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, true-to-life color, no creases or stains.
- Submission Format: for online applications use a JPEG file under 200 KB; for in-person submissions use two identical printed photos on glossy, unmounted photo paper.
By following these core requirements—size, background, pose, attire, quality, and submission format—you’ll present a compliant, professional photo that meets the CN Social Security Card standards and keeps your application on track.
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