Dominican Republic Residence Permit Photo Guide
Learn the official photo rules for your Dominican Republic residence permit application and how to prepare your pictures correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
Your application for a Carnet de Residencia requires photos that match strict official rules set by the Dirección General de Migración (DGM)[1][2]. The official size for these residency photos is 50.8×50.8 mm, which is also commonly known as 2×2 inches[1][2].
The cited requirements do not specify a head-height measurement. The DGM requires applicants to provide photos[1][2].
When you check your photo dimensions, make sure the width and height match the required numbers exactly. If you print your own images, use a ruler to measure the physical print before you cut the paper.
Background and Appearance Rules
The DGM specifies a white background and requires frontal photos without jewelry or accessories[1][2].
The DGM requires frontal photos with the ears uncovered[1][2].
Remove earrings, necklaces, and other visible accessories, and keep your ears uncovered. The cited requirements do not specify what clothing to wear.
Frontal and Right-Profile Photos
The specific photo types and quantities you need depend on the exact type of residence application you are filing with the government. For initial Residencia Temporal Laboral (RT-3) and Residencia Permanente (RP-1) submissions, you must provide four recent photos from one single set[1][2].
These initial applications require two frontal photos and two right-profile photos to complete your file[1][2]. If you are filing for a renewal or definitive residence document, the rules change slightly and call for two frontal photos instead[3]. Always check your specific service page to confirm the exact number of copies you need to hand in[3].
When taking your right-profile shot, turn your body and head cleanly to the side so your right cheek faces the camera. Keep your expression neutral and your eyes focused straight ahead even though your face is turned.
Print and Digital Submission
The initial RT-3 and RP-1 requirements call for printed photos[1][2].
The definitive residence page accepts JPG uploads[3]. Check the instructions for your specific application to confirm its submission format.
If you upload a digital file, check that the image format matches the JPG requirement. For printed copies, use matte or glossy photo paper with high resolution so the details of your face remain sharp and clear.
Taking Your Picture at Home
You can take your residence permit photo at home using a digital camera or smartphone. Find a room with good natural light and face a bright window to get even lighting on your face without harsh shadows.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture so you do not distort your facial features with an awkward selfie angle. Keep the camera level with your eyes and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Check that your background is completely plain and white before you take the shot.
Avoid standing too close to the wall behind you, as this can cast dark shadows in the frame. Turn off overhead yellow lights if they create mixed color tones with the daylight from the window.
Rules for Children and Dependents
Dependent residence (RT-7) is available to children. Check the DGM service page for the requirements that apply to that application.
Check the DGM service page for the photo requirements that apply to the dependent residence application.
If you are preparing documents for a young child, lay them on a plain white sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above. Make sure the child faces the camera with eyes open and mouth closed.
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
The cited requirements specify a white background[1][2].
The DGM requires frontal photos without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered[1][2].
Check the instructions for your application type to confirm which photo views are required. The cited sources do not specify rules for glasses.
Before You Go
Gather all your physical photo prints into a clean envelope to protect them from bends, folds, or smudges before you hand them to the agent.
Verify your appointment details and check the latest instructions published by the Dirección General de Migración (DGM) to confirm whether any new rules apply to your specific residency category.
Checking Your Photo
Look closely at your finished picture on a computer screen before printing or uploading. Check that the lighting is bright and your face has no shadows.
Measure the printed square with a physical ruler to confirm it meets the required dimensions. Make sure your hair does not cover your ears and you wear no jewelry.