Togo Citizenship Application Photo Guide
Prepare your photo for a citizenship application in Togo by learning the common size requirements and how to take a clear picture at home.
Official Size and Guidelines
When you apply for a citizenship certificate through the Ministère de la Justice et des Droits Humains, you need to include a passport photo with your paperwork[1]. However, the authority publishes no single official size for this picture[1].
The official page does not give a photo size. This guide uses 35 by 45 mm (1.38 by 1.77 inches) as a practical placeholder. Check the required size with the issuing office before printing.
The official service page gives no specific rules for background colors, lighting, or composition[1]. You should still make sure your face is clear, well-lit, and easy to see from every angle.
Setting Up Your Camera at Home
You can take your photo at home before you print it out on paper. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid any distortion of your facial features.
Keep the camera lens right at your eye level. Face a bright window to get soft, natural light on your face.
Avoid standing under harsh overhead lights that make dark shadows under your eyes or chin. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself.
Background and Lighting Choices
The official service page does not list any specific background requirements for your photo[1]. A plain, light-colored wall works best so that nothing distracts from your facial features.
Make sure the light falls evenly across both sides of your face. Turn off the camera flash to prevent bright spots, harsh glares, or red eyes in the image.
Check the screen to see that your head and shoulders are fully in the frame. Leave a little bit of space around your head so you can crop it properly later.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
The official guidelines leave rules for glasses unspecified[1]. If you wear prescription glasses every day, you can keep them on as long as the lenses do not glare and your eyes are fully visible.
Rules for headwear are also unspecified by the official authority[1]. If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, make sure it does not cast shadows on your face.
Keep your facial features completely uncovered from your chin to the top of your forehead. Maintain a relaxed posture while looking directly into the camera lens.
Preparing Your Print Sheet
Once you have a clear picture, you need to format it for physical printing. You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the 35 by 45 mm size.
The tool arranges your cropped photos onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet. You can save this file directly to your phone or a portable memory stick.
Take the file to any local photo kiosk or print shop to get standard photographic prints. Cut the printed photos carefully along the edges.
Checking for Common Mistakes
Photos often get rejected if they are blurry, grainy, or out of focus. Always check the final image on a large screen before you print it out.
Make sure your shoulders are square to the camera and you are looking straight ahead. If your eyes are closed or looking to the side, delete the photo and take another shot.
Double check that the lighting is bright enough to show your true skin tone without washing out your features.
Children and Family Applications
The official sources state no separate child photo rules for this application[1]. If you need a photo for a minor, try to follow the same basic standards used for adults.
Lay a baby on a plain white sheet on the floor if they cannot sit up by themselves yet. Stand directly above the child to take the photo from straight up.
Make sure the child's eyes are open and looking toward the camera lens. Take multiple shots so you have a good option to choose from.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Togo citizenship application?
The authority publishes no single official size, but photo studios usually use 35 by 45 mm as it is the size most often asked for[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
The official rules for glasses are unspecified[1], but you should make sure your eyes are fully visible without glare.
Can I wear a head covering?
Rules for headwear are unspecified by the official authority[1], though your face must remain entirely visible from chin to forehead.
How do I print my photo at a kiosk?
You can use the tool above to place your cropped photo onto a 4x6-inch sheet, then take that file to a print kiosk.
Are there special rules for children's photos?
No separate child photo rules are stated by the official authority[1], so standard framing and a clear face are recommended.