Zambian Employment Permit Photo Guide
Prepare a recent passport-size photograph for your Zambian employment permit application. The authority does not publish exact photo dimensions.
Official Size and Requirements
The Zambia Department of Immigration does not publish exact photo dimensions for this permit[1]. A 38 × 51 mm crop (about 1.5 × 2.01 inches) is a common passport-photo size that may be used as a preparation aid, but it is not an official permit size.
A recent passport-size photograph is required for an employment permit application[1]. The authority does not specify exact dimensions or a background color[1].
The authority does not publish exact photo dimensions, so check with the Department if you need a specific size.
Taking the Photo at Home
You can easily take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to help you so you do not have to use a selfie angle.
Stand about two meters away from the person taking the picture. Keep the camera lens at your eye level to prevent weird face angles or distortion.
Check the screen to see that your head and shoulders fit nicely inside the frame. Take multiple shots so you can pick the best one before you start editing or cropping.
Background and Lighting
The official requirements request a passport-size photograph but do not specify a background color or exact dimensions[1].
Face a bright window to get even light on your face. Try to avoid harsh shadows behind your head or on your face.
Turn off your camera flash if it creates harsh shadows or shiny spots on your skin. Natural daylight from a large window gives the most flattering and clear lighting result.
Pose, Expression and Clothing
Look straight at the camera with your head centered. Keep your shoulders square and your face relaxed.
Wear your normal daily clothes. Avoid clothing that blends into your background.
Keep your mouth closed and maintain a neutral look. Try not to smile too broadly or frown, as a calm expression is standard for official identity documents.
Glasses and Headwear
The rules do not mention glasses for this application[1]. If you wear glasses, check that the frames do not cover your eyes and that there is no glare on the lenses.
The official rules do not specify whether head coverings are allowed[1].
Printing and Submission
The published requirements call for a recent passport-size photograph[1], but do not specify its exact dimensions or submission format.
If you plan to print the photo, check with the Department about the required print format because the published requirements do not specify one.
Use a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter to keep the edges straight. Store the printed photos in a paper envelope so they do not get bent or scratched before you hand them in.
If the Office Takes the Photo
The published requirements do not say whether the immigration office takes applicants’ photos.
Check with the Department whether you need to bring a printed photo.
Frequently asked questions
What size is required for a Zambian employment permit photo?
The authority requires a recent passport-size photograph but does not publish exact dimensions[1]. A 38 by 51 mm crop is a preparation aid, not an official size.
What background color should I use?
The official requirements request a passport-size photograph but do not specify background color or exact dimensions[1].
Do I need to submit a printed photo?
A recent passport-size photograph is required[1]. The published requirements do not specify its submission format.
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses rules are not specified by the authority for this permit[1].
Can I take the photo with my phone?
You can take a picture with a smartphone, but the authority does not publish exact dimensions for the photo.