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The Challenge
Portugal requires 35×45mm photos following ICAO biometric standards for passport, Cartão de Cidadão, visa, and residence applications. Head height must be 31–36mm with minimum 3mm top margin. IRN takes photos in-office domestically, but consulates abroad require applicants to bring their own. Wrong background colour or head size = automatic rejection.
One photo format for all Portuguese documents
Portugal uses a single standardised 35×45mm ICAO-compliant photo for passports, Cartão de Cidadão (national ID), Schengen visa applications, AIMA residence cards, and temporary travel documents. The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) manages passport and Cartão de Cidadão issuance, following the same photo rules for all documents. Create one compliant photo and use it across multiple applications within the 6-month validity period.
Portuguese photo ID checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 31–36mm
- Minimum 3mm space from top of photo to top of hair
- Eye line 20–30mm from bottom of photo
- Light grey or plain white background—neutral, no patterns
- Taken within last 6 months (1 year for temporary passport)
- Two identical colour photos
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- No glasses (remove unless medical exemption)
- No hats or head coverings (religious/medical exemption with documentation)
- Face fully visible—hair must not cover eyes or eyebrows
- No shadows on face or background
- Even lighting, no glare
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
- No uniforms—everyday attire only
- Printed on photo-quality paper (glossy or matte accepted)
Common rejection reasons at IRN and consulates
- Head height outside 31–36mm range (most common rejection)
- Background not neutral—too dark, patterned, or coloured
- Less than 3mm space above head
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Eyes not both open or not visible
- Hair covering eyes or eyebrows
- Smiling with teeth showing
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution causing pixelation
- Black and white photo instead of colour
- Date stamp printed on photo
Background colour — light grey vs white
Portugal's official specification calls for 'fundo liso' (plain background) following ICAO standards. Light grey is the traditional preference for Portuguese passports and Cartão de Cidadão, providing good contrast with all skin tones. Plain white is also accepted by IRN and most consulates. For AIMA residence card applications, some offices specifically request white background ('fundo branco'). When in doubt, light grey is the safest choice for Portuguese documents.
Domestic vs consular applications
For domestic applications at Lojas de Cidadão or IRN offices in Portugal, biometric data including your photograph is captured on-site—you do not bring your own photos. For Portuguese consulates abroad (Brazil, UK, France, etc.), you may need to bring two passport-format photos. Some consulates also capture photos on-site. For Schengen visa applications and AIMA residence cards, you must always bring your own printed photos. Check with your specific consulate or office before your appointment.
How to print Portuguese passport photos at home
- Paper: Photo-quality paper, glossy or matte both accepted by IRN.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at Fotosport, Color Foto, or any photo shop in Portugal. Metro station photo booths also produce compliant photos.
- Consular applications: Verify whether your consulate requires physical prints or captures photos on-site.
Good vs bad Portuguese passport photo examples
Cartão de Cidadão photo requirements
The Cartão de Cidadão uses the same 35×45mm format as passports. For the first Cartão de Cidadão (especially for babies), IRN accepts a digital photograph submitted via email at the time of appointment. Head height for Cartão de Cidadão is specified as 30mm with 2.5mm top margin—slightly tighter than the passport range but within the same frame. Children under 6 have relaxed expression requirements. The Cartão de Cidadão is mandatory for all Portuguese nationals from 20 days after birth.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain light-coloured or white blanket on floor
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting—no flash
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
- For infants: eyes not being fully open is acceptable
- Children under 6: relaxed expression requirements (slight smile acceptable)
- Ensure no other person, hands, or objects visible in frame
- For first Cartão de Cidadão: digital photo sent via email to IRN/consulate may be accepted
- Take multiple shots—expect 10–20 attempts for one compliant baby photo
Schengen visa photo requirements from Portugal
Portugal is a Schengen member state. Schengen visa applications submitted at Portuguese consulates use the same 35×45mm photo specifications. Two identical colour photos required. Head height 31–36mm (70–80% of frame). The Schengen standard and Portuguese national standard are identical. If you already have compliant Portuguese passport photos less than 6 months old, they work for Schengen visa applications at any consulate.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Portugal
- Fotosport stores (40+ locations in Portugal): €6–10 for 4 photos
- Color Foto (Lisbon, Porto): €8–12 for 4 photos
- Metro station photo booths: €5–8 for 4 photos
- Lojas de Cidadão (on-site capture): included in document fee
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.30–0.60 per sheet
- Savings: €5–10 per application using DIY approach
Official Portuguese Government Resources
- IRN — Cartão de Cidadão Official Cartão de Cidadão information from the Institute of Registries and Notary
- Pedir o Passaporte Eletrónico Português — gov.pt Official Portuguese government portal for passport application and scheduling
- Passaporte Comum — Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas Consular passport services for Portuguese citizens living abroad
- AIMA — Residence Card for EU Family Members Residence card photo requirements from the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 31–36 mm (69–80% of frame)
- Top Margin
- Minimum 3 mm from top of photo to top of hair
- Eye Line
- 20–30 mm from bottom of photo
- Background
- Light grey or plain white (neutral, no patterns)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos
- Valid For
- Passport, Cartão de Cidadão, Schengen visa, residence card
Best Practices
- Light grey background is the safest choice for Portuguese documents—white also accepted
- One 35×45mm photo works for passport, Cartão de Cidadão, Schengen visa, and residence card
- Head height must be 31–36mm with at least 3mm top margin—use crop guidelines
- For domestic applications in Portugal, IRN captures your photo on-site—no need to bring prints
- For consular applications abroad, bring two identical colour prints
- Photos valid for 6 months—plan multiple applications within this window to save costs
- Remove glasses unless you have medical exemption documentation
- Both glossy and matte paper accepted by IRN—unlike some EU countries that require matte
- Metro station photo booths in Portugal produce compliant photos at low cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Portuguese passport photo requirements?
35×45mm colour photos with light grey or plain white background. Head height 31–36mm from chin to crown, minimum 3mm top margin. Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. Two identical photos required. Taken within last 6 months. No glasses, no hats (religious/medical exemption allowed). ICAO biometric compliant.
Can I use the same photo for passport and Cartão de Cidadão?
Yes. Passport, Cartão de Cidadão, Schengen visa, and AIMA residence cards all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo set works for all applications within the 6-month validity period.
What background colour for Portuguese passport photos?
Light grey is the traditional Portuguese preference, but plain white is also accepted. For AIMA residence card applications, some offices specifically request white. When in doubt, light grey provides the best contrast and is safest.
Do I need to bring photos to the Loja de Cidadão?
No. For domestic applications at IRN offices and Lojas de Cidadão in Portugal, your biometric photo is captured on-site. For consular applications abroad and AIMA residence cards, you must bring your own printed photos.
Can I wear glasses in Portuguese passport photos?
No, unless medically required with documentation. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes.
Do babies need eyes open for Portuguese ID photos?
For infants, it is acceptable if eyes are not fully open. Children under 6 have relaxed expression requirements. For first Cartão de Cidadão, a digital photo submitted via email to IRN may be accepted.
Is this the same as Schengen visa photo format?
Yes. Portugal follows EU/ICAO standards. The 35×45mm format with 31–36mm head height is identical to Schengen visa requirements. One photo works for both Portuguese passport and any Schengen visa application.
Where can I print passport photos in Portugal?
Fotosport (40+ stores nationwide, €6–10), Color Foto (Lisbon, Porto), metro station photo booths (€5–8), or any photo shop. Specify '35×45mm foto tipo passe'. Print at home for €0.30–0.60.
What's the pixel size for Portuguese passport photos?
827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures sharp print quality meeting IRN biometric standards.
Can I smile in Portuguese passport photos?
The government prefers neutral expression with mouth closed. A slight natural smile without showing teeth may be tolerated, but neutral is safest to avoid rejection.