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Portugal Passport Photo Guide

Your Portuguese passport photo must meet certain requirements, including being recent (less than six months old), high-resolution (35mm x 45mm, digital equivalent of 512 x 600 pixels), printed on high-quality photo paper, and with a neutral color background (white or light blue). Additionally, your head must be uncovered, facing directly forward, with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Continue reading to learn more about the full specifications of Portugal's passport photo.

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Here’s the full specification for the Portugal passport photo:

  • Dimensions
    • Size: 35mm x 45mm (approximately 1.38 inches x 1.77 inches)
    • Head height: Up to 34.5mm, with 3mm distance from the top of the photo to the top of your hair
  • Technical specs
    • Resolution: Minimum 600 dpi (dots per inch)
    • Color: High-quality color photo, accurately reflecting your natural skin tone and hair color
    • Format: Printed on high-quality photo paper (matte or glossy is acceptable)
    • Number of photos: Two identical photos required
  • Appearance
    • Pose: Neutral facial expression with both eyes open and visible, looking directly at the camera
    • Head position: Straight and centered, no tilting or turning
    • Mouth: Closed
    • Accessories: No hats, sunglasses, headphones, or other headwear that obscures your face. Religious headwear or medically necessary items may be allowed with official documentation.
    • Clothing: Plain clothing with a moderate neckline and avoiding busy patterns or anything revealing
    • Background: Light grey
Portugal Passport
Click the photo to view the full size Portugal passport photo size infographic.

To ensure your Portugal passport photo meets all the specific requirements set by the government, use the Visas for Future passport photo service online.


Visas for Future Passport Photo Service

Use the Visas for Future passport photo service to get a passport photo that’ll work for your application. Simply take a photo of yourself using our guidelines, send it in, and we’ll edit it. We’ll send you your passport photos by post with free shipping. We deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. For individuals outside of those countries, we can deliver your passport photos to your inbox, which you can print at home. For every product sold, we plant a tree!


How it works

Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.

How to take your passport photo

Here’s how you can take passport photos at home, to ensure that they’ll be high quality:

1.) Stand .5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.

2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!

3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.

4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.


Benefits of using an online passport photo service

There’s many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:

  1. You don’t have to leave your house.
  2. We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
  3. We validate your photo – we check your passport photo to make sure it is in order.
  4. Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.

Why choose us

Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:

  • Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
  • Convenience: You can upload your own photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
  • Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, which will make your trip-planning process easier.
  • Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
  • Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.

Tips for Taking a Perfect Portugal Passport Photo using a Smartphone

Tip 1: Capture with Care

Enlist another’s assistance for your photo; selfies are not authorized. Consider utilizing a tripod to ensure camera stability and proper head-to-camera distance (approximately 1 meter).

Tip 2: Seek Suitable Illumination

To avoid facial and background shadows, position yourself facing a well-lit window or doorway. Aim for consistent, even lighting with no shadows or glare upon your face. Our online generator will manage the background seamlessly.

Tip 3: Attire Appropriately

Opt for regular street attire; avoid uniforms. Remove eyeglasses, sunglasses, or any other eyewear during the photo session. Ensure your face is entirely visible, with hair not obscuring eyes or face (pin back long bangs if necessary). Ears are encouraged to be shown but not mandatory. Religious headwear like headscarves or yarmulkes are permitted.

Tip 4: Strike the Correct Pose

Maintain a direct, forward-facing posture with your head held straight. Avoid tilting or rotating your head. Ensure your shoulders are visible and sufficient space surrounds your head for cropping. Position the camera at eye level.

Tip 5: Convey a Neutral Expression

While a slight smile is acceptable, a neutral expression is preferred by the authorities. As per recent international regulations, smiling or open mouths are often prohibited.

Remember: Taking your Portuguese passport photos alone may not fulfill all the requirements set by the government, which can lead to rejection. Visas for Future’s online passport photo service can assist you in obtaining a passport photo that meets all the requirements.

Portugal Passport photo for kids and babies

Capturing a passport photo for a child or baby can be trickier, but fear not! Here’s how to adapt the previous tips for your little one:

For infants under one year

  • Positioning: Lay the baby down on their back on a white or off-white blanket or sheet. Ensure their head is slightly raised and supported to avoid shadows on their face. Alternatively, place them in a car seat covered with a plain sheet.
  • Expression: Don’t worry about a neutral expression – it’s acceptable if their eyes are closed or partially closed.
  • Support: As long as the child’s face is unobstructed, a parent’s hand can gently support their head or body (avoid being visible in the photo).

For older children

  • Positioning: Encourage them to sit upright in a chair with straight back and shoulders relaxed.
  • Expression: Aim for a neutral expression, but be patient – a slight smile may be acceptable compared to adults.
  • Engagement: Use toys or make funny faces to get their attention and encourage them to look directly at the camera.

General tips for both

  • Keep it simple: Avoid using props or decorations in the photo.
  • Mind the shadows: Use diffused or indirect lighting to prevent shadows on the child’s face or background.
  • Multiple takes: Be prepared to take numerous photos as children can be unpredictable. Choose the one with the clearest focus and best expression.
  • Patience is key: Taking a passport photo of a child requires patience and flexibility. Relax, have fun, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries.

Correct and Incorrect Samples of Portugal Passport Photos

Steps to get a Portugal passport photo Online

Here’s the step-by-step process for obtaining your passport photo through Visas for Future.

Step 1: Visit Visas for Future.

Step 2: Click on Get Passport Photo now button.

Step 3: Fill out the order form: Provide your name, email, country of residence, phone and what country you are applying to.

Step 4: Pay the application fee: Using a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Upload your photo: Choose clear and not blurry photos

Step 6: Receive your photo in 24 hours.

Portuguese Electronic Passport specifications

The Portuguese Electronic Passport (PEP) is a travel document with enhanced security features compared to traditional passports. Here’s a breakdown of its specifications:((Passport. (2024). Eportugal.gov.pt. https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/temas/cidadania-e-documentos/passaporte))

Physical Features:

  • Standard passport booklet size.
  • Polycarbonate data page with laser-etched information.
  • Inclusion of the biometric passport symbol (eye-like image).
  • The cover bears the inscription “União Europeia” (European Union) and “Portugal” on the top and the national coat of arms in the center.

Electronic Features:

  • A contactless microchip is embedded within the data page.
  • Stores digital copies of:
    • Holder’s biographical information (same as printed on the data page).
    • Passport holder’s photograph (for facial recognition).
  • It does not contain Fingerprint information (although fingerprints are collected during application).

Security Features:

  • Internationally recognized security measures compliant with ICAO standards.
  • Cryptographic keys protect data on the chip.

Additional Points:

  • Valid for five years (non-renewable, requires a new application upon expiry).
  • Meets requirements for the United States Visa Waiver Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Portugal visa photo matte or glossy?

Portugal visa photos can be printed on either matte or glossy photo paper, as long as they meet other quality requirements like high resolution, clear focus, and no glare. While both finishes are acceptable, matte might be slightly preferable as it reduces glare and potential smudging, ensuring your photo is clear and easy for officials to examine.

What color is a Portuguese passport?

A Portuguese passport is a deep red color with a golden print. This follows the European Union standard for passport colors, and many other EU countries, like Spain and France, also have red passports.

Can I travel to Portugal with a Philippine passport?

Yes, Filipino passport holders cannot travel to Portugal without a visa. Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, and while Filipinos enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen zone for short stays of up to 90 days, there are some exceptions, including Portugal.


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Wences Orcales
Written by

Wences has been working home-based for 7 years in the Visa industry. As a content writer in Visas for Future, she makes sure the information she provides is useful for her readers. Once a quarter she does visa fulfillment for Turkey and India visas. She makes sure that clients are satisfied with their orders through customer service. She loves learning new things and hates procrastination.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
Published by Visas for Future

Visas for Future strives to help you virtually, so that your research is complete in one visit. Our articles are informative, complete and to-the-point. We write in an accessible way, so that non-native English speakers will understand. Our website is accessible for the visually impaired. We have full oversight of our articles and are unbiased in writing. Check our editorial guidelines.

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Cite this article

MLA Style

Orcales, Wences. "Portugal Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/portugal-passport-photo-size/. Accessed on 22 September 2023.

Chicago Style

Orcales, Wences. "Portugal Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future. September 22, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/portugal-passport-photo-size/.

Published: 22 Sep 2023 17:09 UTC

Last modified: 12 Mar 2024 23:34 UTC

Reading time: 8 minutes

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