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Portugal Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Portugal visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 35×45 mm size, 413×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Portugal visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Portugal requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Portugal visa photo rules
- Portugal requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- The ICAO Doc 9303 biometric standard is enforced strictly, including the 32–36 mm face-height rule and neutral facial expression.
- Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Portugal visa photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 35×45 mm used by Portugal, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Using ordinary printer paper for the print — European scanners require photographic-grade paper and reject standard inkjet output for the background uniformity check.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Portugal
The visa photo in Portugal is 35×45 mm, while the passport photo is 35×45 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the passport application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Portugal passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Spain (35×45 mm)Brazil (51×51 mm)France (35×45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Portugal?
Portugal nationals apply through Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service at the nearest passport office. Online prebooking is standard. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a white background required in Portugal passport photos?
Yes. Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Passport Service requires a white background at the 35×45 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-white tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the official visa photo size for Portugal?
The official Portugal visa photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Portugal visa photo?
Portugal visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.