Cape Verde National ID Card Photo Guide
Learn the official photo rules for your Cape Verde Cartao Nacional de Identificacao (CNI) application and how to prepare your digital picture correctly.
Official Size and Submission Rules
The cited sources do not specify a print size; 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) is a practical suggestion, not an official measurement. You submit a digital biometric photo through the GOV.CV app[1]. Scanned photos are not accepted[2].
The file must be saved in JPG or JPEG format[2]. Your image width must be between 900 and 4500 pixels, and the height must be between 1200 and 6000 pixels[2]. The file size must be between 250 KB and 10240 KB[2]. Head height is not set by the authority[2].
The CNI is issued to Cape Verdean citizens from age 4; registration at birth is optional[1][3].
Background and Lighting Standards
You must use a bright, plain background with strong contrast for your picture[2]. The background must contain absolutely no objects, people, shadows, or uneven lighting[2]. The exact color of the background is not specified by the authority[2].
Stand or sit so that the light falls evenly across your face without casting dark shadows behind you on the wall. Natural light from a window works very well for this purpose. Make sure the contrast between your head and the background is clear and distinct so the digital system can process your image correctly.
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed when the photograph is taken[2].
Glasses are allowed conditionally under specific circumstances[2]. If you wear prescription glasses, they must not be tinted, and you cannot wear sunglasses of any kind[2]. You must also avoid thick frames and lens glare that hide your eyes[2].
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[2].
Rules for Children and Infants
Photographing babies and young children requires special care to meet the official guidelines. Shared GOV.CV guidance recommends laying an infant on a plain light surface and photographing from above[2].
Shared GOV.CV guidance recommends photographing an infant from above on a plain, light surface, facing forward with eyes open and face visible, with no objects or people behind[2]. The CNI is issued to citizens from age 4[1][3].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can prepare your picture at home before uploading it to the official app. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of trying to take a selfie, which distorts facial proportions. Keep the camera at your eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Check the lighting carefully to avoid harsh shadows on your wall or face. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions and check your file size before you submit.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Scanned photos are not accepted[2]. The guidance calls for a neutral expression and a closed mouth[2].
Avoid glare, tinted lenses, and thick frames that obscure your eyes[2]. Keep the file between 250 KB and 10,240 KB and within the stated pixel range[2].
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a Cape Verde national ID photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, so the studio uses the size most often asked for, which is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in)[2].
Can I wear glasses in my CNI photo?
What are the file size limits for the digital photo?
The file size must be between 250 KB and 10240 KB, and saved in JPG or JPEG format[2].
Can I use a scanned photograph?
No, scanned photos are not accepted by the system[2].
What is the rule for infant photos?
Shared GOV.CV guidance recommends laying an infant on a plain light surface and photographing from above, facing forward with eyes open and face visible[2].