Preparing Your Tanzanian Residence Permit Photo
If you are applying for a Tanzanian residence permit, you need to provide specific photographs with your application. Use this guide to understand the requirements and prepare your images correctly.
Official Size and Application Categories
The guidelines cover residence permit classes A, B, and C and require a passport-size and a full-size photograph[1][2]. They do not give dimensions for these photos. A 35 by 45 mm crop is a practical fallback, not a verified size most often requested by processing offices.
Because the exact requirements can vary, you should always confirm the preferred measurements with the issuing office or organisation before you finalise your application[1][2]. Checking ahead prevents you from wasting time and helps ensure that your paperwork moves forward without unnecessary delays. If you need to resize an image to this common format, you can use the tool above to crop your picture quickly.
Background and Submission Requirements
The guidelines require a passport-size and a full-size photograph but do not specify their dimensions or background shade[1][2].
The guidelines say applicants report to Immigration for photo and fingerprint capture after payment[1]. They do not establish that applicants must provide both physical and digital copies.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expression Rules
The cited guidelines do not specify whether glasses are allowed[1][2]. Ask the Immigration Department if you need a specific instruction.
The cited guidelines do not specify rules for headwear, facial expression, or whether the mouth must be closed[1][2].
Rules for Dependants and Children
If you are moving with your family, dependants may be included in your residence permit application[1][2]. Managing applications for multiple family members requires careful attention to each individual set of documents. However, the official guidelines state no separate infant photo size or pose rule[1][2].
The guidelines do not give separate photo instructions for infants[1][2]. They do not establish a required photo size or pose for children.
Taking Your Photo Step by Step
You can take your photo at home before you print or submit your application files. Face a window that provides soft, natural light to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind you. Keep the camera at eye level, roughly one to one and a half meters away from where you are sitting or standing.
Ask someone else to take the picture for you instead of trying to take a selfie. Holding a phone at arm length changes your posture, tilts the camera angle, and distorts your facial features. Keep your shoulders square, relax your expression, and look straight into the camera lens.
Printing Your Photos on a 4×6 Sheet
If you choose to prepare a 35 by 45 mm fallback photo, you can arrange copies on a 4 by 6 inch sheet and print it at a photo kiosk.
The cited guidelines describe photo and fingerprint capture at Immigration after payment[1]. They do not establish whether applicants submit photos digitally or in person.