Preparing Your Photo for a Djibouti Work Permit
You need two identity photos for a Djibouti work permit application[1]. Follow these steps to prepare your photos correctly.
Size and Official Requirements
The government service page asks foreign workers applying for work authorization to provide two identity photos[1]. It does not give their dimensions. The 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) crop is a common practice estimate, not an official specification.
The service page does not give a head-height rule, background color, or file-size limit[1]. Confirm any photo details with the agency before preparing your application.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can easily take your photo at home using a standard smartphone or a digital camera before you print it out for submission. Start by finding a room with plenty of natural light. Face a window directly so that the light hits your face evenly without creating harsh shadows under your nose or chin.
Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to take the picture for you instead of trying to snap a selfie at arm's length. Hold the camera steady at your exact eye level. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to prevent any facial distortion. Look straight ahead into the camera lens with a neutral expression and your mouth closed. Keep your shoulders square and your head straight.
Preparing and Cropping Your Image
Once you capture a clear and well-lit image, you need to crop it to the correct proportions. You can use the tool above to crop your photograph down to the common 35 by 45 millimeter size quickly and easily.
This tool operates entirely inside your web browser, which means your personal photo files never leave your device or get uploaded to an external server. This keeps your personal data private while allowing you to adjust your framing. You can use this process to prepare a proper copy of your image, check your alignment, and rehearse your setup before you print the final version for your official paperwork.
Printing Your Photo at a Kiosk
The government service page asks for two identity photos but does not say whether they must be printed or submitted digitally[1]. Confirm the submission format and photo size with the agency.
Save this combined image file onto your smartphone, a memory card, or a USB drive. Take the file to a local retail print kiosk that handles standard photo printing. Print the sheet out on standard glossy or matte photo paper just like you would print out ordinary holiday pictures. After printing, use a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter to trim the photos neatly along the edges.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
For a clear photo, use even lighting and keep your face visible. The service page does not list photo rejection criteria.
Always inspect your printed photos closely to make a final check that they are crisp, clear, and clean. Because the issuing authority does not publish a strict size rule for work permits, verifying your photo dimensions directly with the issuing agency remains a very important step to help your paperwork move forward without unnecessary hurdles[1].
Children and Special Cases
Applying for a work permit usually involves adult applicants, but understanding general photo rules helps if dependents are included in related paperwork. While the official government page does not list separate rules for infants or children, standard photography practices apply when taking pictures of younger family members[1].
Make sure the child faces the camera with eyes open and a calm expression. If you must hold a baby, keep your hands completely out of the frame. Taking multiple shots gives you the best chance of capturing a usable image that matches the lighting and clarity required for official documents. Always verify these subsidiary rules with the office handling your specific file.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos do I need for a Djibouti work permit?
The government service page requires two identity photos with your work-authorization application[1].
What size should the work permit photo be?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35×45 mm is a common practice estimate used by studios[1]. Always confirm the exact dimensions with the issuing office.
Can I submit a digital photo file online?
The service page asks for two identity photos but does not specify whether they must be printed or digital[1]. Confirm the format with the agency.
Does the authority set a specific head height rule?
The cited service page does not list a head-height rule[1].
Can I take the photo at home?
Yes, you can take the photo at home using a digital camera or smartphone, and then crop it to the standard studio size before printing.