Preparing for Your Portuguese Passport Photo
Getting a Portuguese passport involves an in-person visit where officials take your picture directly[1]. You can use the tool above to practice framing and check your images for other personal needs.
How the Official Photo is Captured
The photo for the Passaporte Eletrónico Português (PEP) is captured by the issuing authority during your in-person application[1]. The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) handles this enrollment process directly[1]. Because the office takes the photo on-site, you do not need to bring a printed photo from home[1].
The official page does not give details about photo equipment or photo standards.
The issuing authority takes the photo during the in-person application[1].
Dimensions and Official Sizes
The issuing authority captures the passport photo during the in-person application, and the cited page does not publish dimensions for an applicant-supplied photo[1].
If you want to practice framing your face at home, you can use the tool above to test how different dimensions look. This helps you understand standard proportions even though the official picture happens at the office.
Studios use 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) as the size most often requested, but the authority does not publish an official size for a photo you supply. If you print practice copies, check that the print matches the size you chose.
Background and Environment Rules
The cited page does not publish a background specification for an applicant-supplied photo[1].
For a practice photo at home, use soft, even light and place the camera at eye level. These are general suggestions for personal photos.
Keep your expression neutral and look straight into the lens if you are testing photos for personal use. Have a helper take the picture rather than using arm's length, because holding the camera too close can distort your features.
Rules for Children and Minors
Children under 18 apply with a parent or legal representative. The photo is captured by the authority[1].
The issuing authority takes the photo for the child during the in-person application[1].
The photo for a child is captured by the authority[1].
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The photo is captured as part of the in-person passport application[1]. Follow the instructions for your appointment.
Follow the instructions for your appointment.
Check the official appointment information for the documents you need to bring.
Preparing Personal Copies at Home
Even though the official passport photo is taken at the office, you might want to prepare images for other personal uses. You can crop and format your pictures easily.
The tool above can help you crop images to common sizes for other documents. Remember that these practice files are for your own use and do not replace the official photo taken by the authority[1].
When checking your practice crops, look at the margins around your head and shoulders. Make sure the lighting is bright enough to see all facial features clearly before you save your final digital file.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a printed photo for a Portuguese passport?
No, the photo is captured by the issuing authority during the in-person application[1].
What size is the Portuguese passport photo?
The authority does not publish an official size for a photo you supply. Studios use 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) as the size most often requested.
Who takes the photo for a child's passport?
Children under 18 apply with a parent or legal representative, and the photo is captured by the authority[1].
Which organization issues the Portuguese passport?
The Passaporte Eletrónico Português (PEP) is issued by the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN).
Can I use a home printer for my official passport photo?
No, because the official photo is captured on-site by the issuing authority during your appointment[1].