Mali Residence Permit Photo Requirements and Size
Preparing your Mali residence permit application means you need to provide the correct identity photos. This page explains what the authorities ask for and how you can prepare your images safely at home.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Direction de la Police aux Frontières, Division Titres de séjour, provides the official stay-visa application portal[1]. The portal requests two recent identity photos in visa format, but does not specify dimensions[1].
The portal does not specify photo dimensions[1]. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) crop is a common practical size, not an official requirement.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The portal asks for two recent identity photos in visa format but does not specify their dimensions or a background color[1].
To get good lighting without harsh shadows, try facing a window with natural daylight. Keep the camera or phone at eye level, positioned about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Avoid using direct flash if it causes bright spots or red-eye effects on your skin.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
The portal does not specify rules for glasses, headwear, or facial expression[1].
If you wear prescription eyeglasses daily, you can usually keep them on as long as the frames do not obscure your eyes and there is no glare reflecting off the glass lenses. Tinted glasses or heavy sunglasses should always be removed to keep your facial features fully visible to the reviewing officers.
Rules for Children and Infants
The portal does not state separate photo rules for infants[1].
For a practical photo, use even light and keep the child’s face clear in the frame.
Submission Methods and File Limits
The portal requests two recent identity photos in visa format and accepts JPG and PNG uploads up to 50 MB per file[1].
The portal requests two recent identity photos in visa format[1].
Preparing Your Photo at Home
You can take a photo at home with a camera or phone, then prepare it for upload or printing.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the common 35x45 mm size. The authority does not publish photo dimensions, so this crop is not an official requirement.
When taking the photo at home, ask a friend or family member to help you rather than taking a selfie. Selfies often distort facial features due to the close distance of the camera lens. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera and look straight ahead with a relaxed face. Make sure your shoulders and upper chest are visible in the frame.
Checking and Printing Your Photo
Before you submit your digital file or print physical copies, check the framing carefully. Make sure your head is centered and your facial features are sharp and clear. If you plan to print your photo at home for physical submission, use standard matte or glossy photo paper and check that your printer settings are adjusted for high quality.
The law says a stay visa is placed in the passport and provides for a resident card[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size is required for a Mali residence permit photo?
The portal does not specify photo dimensions[1]. The 35x45 mm size shown here is a common practical crop size, not an official requirement.
What are the file size limits for online submission?
The online portal accepts JPG and PNG uploads up to 50 MB per file[1].
Does the authority specify a background color?
The authority asks for recent visa-format identity photos but gives no dimensions or background color[1].
How many physical photos do I need to submit?
The authority asks for two recent identity photos in visa format for your physical application[1].
Can I use the tool above to prepare my photo?
You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the common 35x45 mm size and arrange it on a standard print sheet.
Should I take a selfie for my residence permit application?
It is best to have someone else take your photo or use a tripod, because selfies can distort your facial proportions when the camera is held too close.