Algerian Foreign Resident Card Photo Guide
Learn the official rules and practical steps for your Algerian foreign resident card photo so you can prepare your prints correctly.
Official Size and Submission Rules
When you apply for an Algerian foreign resident card, you must submit five recent, identical identity photos[1]. The authority does not publish a photo size in the cited requirements. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 inch) crop is common practice, not an official size. Confirm the size with your local issuing office before printing.
To help you prepare your images, you can use the tool above to crop your picture to this common size quickly and easily. The tool lets you make a sheet that fits on a standard 4×6-inch photo print. Remember that the authority decides whether to accept your submission, so checking with them first is always a smart step.
Background and Lighting
The official source provides specific instructions on many application items, but no background color is specified on the cited resident-card requirements page[1]. Because the official rules do not list a required backdrop color, picking a plain, neutral background is a safe and practical choice.
When you take your picture at home, stand a short distance away from a plain wall to avoid harsh shadows behind your head. Face a bright window so that natural light falls evenly across both sides of your face. Keep your camera or phone at eye level, roughly one to one-and-a-half meters away from you, to prevent distortion. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture rather than taking a selfie, because selfies often distort facial proportions.
Head Height, Glasses, and Headwear
Certain measurements and appearance details are left open in the official guidelines. For instance, the head height is not set by the authority[1]. You should frame your face naturally within the frame, leaving a reasonable amount of space around your head and shoulders.
Glasses are unspecified in the official source[1], meaning there is no strict ban or requirement listed for eyewear. Similarly, headwear is unspecified by the authority[1]. If you wear glasses or head coverings daily, you may choose to keep them on, but make sure your eyes and facial features remain clearly visible without heavy glare or shadows.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
Official rules regarding your expression are minimal in the source documentation. A neutral expression is not set by the authority[1], and rules regarding whether your mouth must be closed are also not set[1].
Even without strict rules, keeping a calm, natural look with a closed mouth is generally safest for identity documents. Avoid exaggerated smiles or frowning, and look directly into the camera lens so your eyes are open and clearly visible.
Rules for Children and Minors
Families applying for residency need to know how the rules apply to younger applicants. Foreign minors apply for a resident card, but no separate infant photo instructions were found in the official source[1].
If you are taking a photo for a child, try to lay them on a plain light sheet or hold them against a plain wall if they are very small. Take several shots so you have options, and make sure their face is fully visible and looking toward the camera as much as possible.
Printing and Card Validity
The application requires five recent, identical identity photos[1]. The cited page does not specify whether they must be printed or uploaded digitally.
The card may be valid for two years or, in qualifying cases, ten years[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for an Algerian resident card?
The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for[1], which is typically 35×45 mm. Always confirm with your local office.
How many photos must I submit?
You must submit five recent, identical identity photos[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are unspecified by the authority[1], but it is best to check that your eyes are fully visible without glare.
How long is the Algerian foreign resident card valid?
The card may be valid for two years or, in qualifying cases, ten years[1].
Does the authority specify a background color?
No background color is specified on the cited resident-card requirements page[1].