Brazilian Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines
Preparing a photo for a Brazilian passport requires strict adherence to official rules regarding size, background, and expression. Follow these precise instructions to meet every standard set by the authorities.
Who Needs a Printed Photo
For most Polícia Federal passport applications, you do not bring your own picture because you are photographed directly at your appointment[1]. However, a major exception applies to children under the age of five, who must bring a printed photo[1]. If your child is under five, you need to prepare a physical copy that meets all official specifications[1][2].
For older applicants and adults, the authority takes the picture during your official visit. You can still use the tool above to practice, check your framing, or prepare copies for other official uses.
Size and Framing Rules
Children under 5 must bring a 5x7 cm (50x70 mm) photo[1][2]. Other applicants are photographed at the appointment[1].
The cited technical guidance specifies a head height of 70% of the photo height and a top margin of 5.2%[3]. For a 70 mm photo, these equal 49 mm and 3.64 mm. It does not give the stated 35–40 mm chin-to-head range.
Background and Lighting Setup
The submitted child photo must have a white background[2].
Stand a short distance away from the background to prevent casting body shadows. Face a bright window or set up even lighting to avoid dark spots on the wall or your face. Balanced lighting helps the camera capture your true skin tone and clear facial features without harsh glares.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
You must keep a strict neutral expression with your mouth completely closed[4]. Do not smile, smirk, frown, or open your mouth when the picture is captured.
Glasses are allowed only if the eyes remain clear, without lens reflections or colored lenses[3]. Religious head coverings are permitted if the facial features remain clearly visible[3].
Special Rules for Children and Infants
A newborn's photo may exceptionally be accepted with closed eyes[1]. The listed sources do not specify the full set of eye direction and expression requirements stated here.
The closed-eye exception applies to newborns[1]. The cited source does not state the additional framing and lighting rules in this paragraph.
File Limits and Digital Preparation
For JPEG/JPG files, the listed technical guidance gives a minimum width of 189 px and a file size of 15–150 KB[3].
You can arrange the photo on a 4x6-inch sheet for printing, but that sheet size is a layout choice, not a Polícia Federal requirement. Check that the printed photo measures 5x7 cm[2].
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The sources specify photo requirements, including a white background, recent color image, and no date[1][2]. A newborn's photo may exceptionally show closed eyes[1].
Check your lighting, expression, framing, and background carefully before you print your sheet or submit your application materials[3].
Frequently asked questions
Do adults need to bring a printed photo to the appointment?
No. Adults and applicants aged five and older are photographed directly at the Polícia Federal appointment[1].
Can I smile in my Brazilian passport photo?
No. You must maintain a strict neutral expression with your mouth closed[4].
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
You must remove your glasses unless you have a medical reason, and your eyes must be clear without any lens reflections or colored lenses[3].
What size should the printed photo be for a child under five?
The printed photo must be 50 by 70 millimeters, or 5 by 7 centimeters, with a white background[2].
Are head coverings allowed in the photo?
Religious head coverings are permitted, but your face must remain fully visible from your chin to your forehead[3].