Are you applying for a South African Permanent Residence Permit? One of the key requirements is providing a suitable passport photo. But what exactly are the photo specifications, and what’s the easiest way to get a photo that meets all the official requirements? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to take the perfect passport photo for your Permanent Residence Permit application.
Photo size and specifications
The passport photo for your South African Permanent Residence Permit must meet the following size requirements:
- You must have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open and clearly visible
- High-quality photo paper is essential for printing your passport photo
- Your face should occupy about 70-80% of the total photo area
- Ensure your facial features are clearly visible
- Pay attention to lighting to avoid shadows or glare on your face
- The photo must measure 35mm wide by 45mm tall
- Your head should take up between 29mm to 34mm of the photo vertically, from the top of your hair to your chin
- The photo must be in color, clear and in sharp focus, with no blurriness, pixelation, or graininess
- The photo must be taken against a plain white or off-white background with no shadows
Number of photos required
When applying for your South African Permanent Residence Permit, you need to submit two identical copies of your passport photo. Both photos must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and meet all the official size and quality specifications. We recommend getting a couple extra copies of your photo in case you make a mistake when attaching them to your application.
Submitting your photo with your application
When you have your passport photos ready, you’ll need to attach them to your Permanent Residence Permit application in the designated spots. Use paperclips rather than staples to avoid damaging the photos or application. Make sure the photos are firmly attached and will not fall off during processing.
Continue reading
- How to get a permanent residence permit in South Africa
- How to take the perfect passport photo for your South Africa visa
- How to take the perfect passport photo for your South African ID card
- How to get a passport photo for your South African driving license
- How to get a passport photo for your South African passport application
- How to get a digital passport photo
- How to take the perfect baby passport photo in South Africa
