Preparing Your Cameroon Residence Permit Photo
The residence permit process includes physical enrollment, where the official portrait is captured. The sources do not publish a photo size for a submitted image.
Understanding the Size Requirements
The decree does not publish a submitted-photo size; it describes physical enrollment and a portrait-bearing biometric card[1][2]. The 40×40 mm (1.57×1.57 inch) crop is a common-practice fallback, not an official size.
The decree does not set a specific head-height rule for the portrait[1][2].
The authority publishes no single photo size. The 40×40 mm size is a common-practice fallback, not an official requirement.
Submission and Document Rules
The residence permit applies to eligible foreign nationals. Its procedure follows the national identity card process, with physical enrollment and a portrait-bearing biometric card[1][2]. Applicants do not supply a printed photo.
Decree No. 2025/059 sets out the identification-document process[1][2].
The decree describes physical enrollment and a portrait-bearing biometric card[1][2]. It does not specify whether applicants should bring a photo print; check with the DGSN before your appointment.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
The decree describes pink pre-printed card stock but does not state the portrait photo background[1][2].
Stand facing a soft light source like a window to get even lighting on your face. Avoid harsh shadows behind your head or across your features. Natural light from the front gives the best results without creating dark spots under your eyes or nose.
Turn off overhead lights if they create yellow or uneven lighting tones. Position yourself a couple of feet away from the wall behind you to stop shadows from forming. Wear solid colors that contrast nicely with a light background.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expression
The official rules leave glasses and headwear unspecified for this document[1][2]. Ask the enrollment staff for instructions.
The decree does not specify whether the mouth must be closed or require a neutral expression[1][2].
Ask the enrollment staff for guidance on glasses and how to pose for the portrait.
Taking Your Photo at Home
The authority captures the portrait during physical enrollment[1][2].
The decree does not provide framing instructions for the portrait[1][2].
The authority captures the portrait during physical enrollment[1][2]. The decree does not provide instructions for taking or editing a photo at home.
Printing and Cutting
The authority captures the portrait during physical enrollment, so you do not need to prepare or submit a printed photo[1][2].
The authority captures the portrait during physical enrollment, so the decree does not require applicants to prepare a printed photo[1][2].
You may keep a personal copy if you wish; the authority does not publish an official submitted-photo size.