Who needs a passport photo
The Portuguese passport is issued to citizens as proof of identity and nationality for international travel. To apply for a passport, you need a valid Cartão de Cidadão, the national identity card (see our ID card photo page). The application also asks for two recent photos that meet the ICAO standard, a completed passport form and, where it applies, proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate.
Portugal passport photo size explained
The photo size is 35×45 mm, the same as 3.5×4.5 cm, in portrait orientation. In our template the head is about 34.5 mm tall from chin to crown, which leaves roughly 3 mm between the top of the hair and the upper edge. Printed at 600 DPI, the picture stays sharp at this small size. A crop that is too loose or too tight changes the head size, a common reason for a refused photo.
Why the passport is biometric
The passport follows the ICAO standards for biometric travel documents. A microchip in the passport stores the holder's personal data, photograph and fingerprints. Because your face image ends up on the chip, it needs a neutral expression, even light and a plain background.
Where to apply
You apply in person at a passport office of the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN), or at the nearest consulate or embassy if you live abroad. The Portal do Cidadão lists the passport services and current fees, which depend on the passport type and the applicant's age.
Checklist
- Correct size: 35×45 mm, two identical copies for the passport application.
- Plain light grey background with no shadows.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- Head straight and centred, whole face in the frame.
- No glasses, no hat, no filters.
Renewal and children
An adult Portuguese passport is typically valid for 10 years, and a passport for a minor for 5 years. Renewal follows the same process as a first application, and you may need to bring your old passport. A lost or stolen passport should be reported to the local authorities right away, and then you apply for a replacement. Not a Portuguese citizen? Foreign visitors need a visa instead; see our visa photo page.
