Portugal Visa Photo Requirements (Size & Specification)

A perfect visa photo is essential for a successful Portugal (Schengen) visa application. If your photo doesn’t meet the official requirements, it could result in delays or even rejection of your application.

To make things easier, we’ve created the Atlys Portugal Visa Photo Maker. This tool automatically adjusts your photo’s size, background, and format to match the official Portugal (Schengen) visa guidelines, saving you time, stress, and effort.

To help you get started, we’ve outlined the official photo specifications below.

Portugal Visa Photo Requirements

Here are the official photo specifications for a Portuguese visa:

Size: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.38 inches x 1.77 inches)
File Size: Typically under 120 KB
Colour: Colored photos are required
Background: Plain white or light-colored background
Face Position: Full face, front view, eyes open, and clearly visible
Head Coverage: The Head should take up about 70–80% of the photo
Recent Photo: Taken within the last 6 months
Photo Quality: High resolution, clear, sharp, and well-lit
Head Coverings: Not allowed, except for religious or cultural reasons
Expression: Neutral expression—no smiling, frowning, or showing teeth

Note: Atlys visa photo tool takes care of all the above specifications automatically to make your application process smooth. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.

Here’s a more detailed explanation for each requirement related to the passport photo for the Portugal visa:

Portugal Visa Photo Size:

The Portugal visa photo size must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in height (1.38 x 1.77 inches, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in cms). Width of face shall be between 16 mm and 20 mm from ear to ear.

To ensure accurate facial recognition and verification, the face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown (not top of the hair), as well as left and right sides of the face should occupy 70% to 80% of the total photograph.

Note: Photos will be rejected if face measures less than 27 mm or more than 40 mm.

Portugal Visa Photo Sample

Resolution

Photo resolution should be 400 dpi, so, when the image is scanned or uploaded, check this parameter carefully. However, the higher the resolution, the bigger the picture.

The photo must be in sharp focus, clear, undamaged and of high quality with no ink marks or creases

Format

For online Portugal visa applications, the digital photo must be in JPG or JPEG format and should not exceed 120 KB in file size.

Submitting files in unsupported formats such as BMP, TIFF, GIF, or PDF may result in application rejection. Photos can be black or white or color.

Photograph quality

The photo must be printed on high quality paper with a resolution of atleast 600 dpi [if clicked on digital camera]. The color photograph must have proper color balance (approriate brightness and contrast) and show natural skin tone.

The photograph must show only the applicant [no other persons or objects in the photograph].

Note: Digital camera photographs must be high-quality, in color, and printed on photo-quality paper preferably not glossy

Background

The photo background must be plain and light so that facial features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.

In the case of light coloured hair, a medium grey background is suitable and in the case of dark hair, light grey background is suitable. The background should not be patterned. And shadows on the background is not acceptable.

The Portugal visa photo must not have any borders or extra margins. A clean, borderless image ensures it meets official formatting requirements and is suitable for biometric processing.

Recent Photo:

The photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. If there have been any noticeable changes, such as a drastic haircut or significant alteration to facial hair, a new photo may be required to avoid delays or issues with identification.

Style and Lighting

Photographs must be taken with even lighting. Shadows, reflections and red-eye are not acceptable.

The eyes in the photograph should be open and clearly visible. No hair across the face or eyes.

Eyes must be in the upper half of the photograph (minimum distance between the center of the two eyes: 8mm)

Expressions and Frame

You should show your face square on to the camera, no portrait style (not looking over ones shoulder) or tilted and showing both edges of face clearly. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.

Glasses:

If you wear glasses for medical reasons, you must show your eyes clearly no reflections and no tinted lenses They should not create glare or obscure the eyes, as reflections can interfere with biometric accuracy. The edge of glasses or lenses should not cover any part of the eyes

Head Covers

Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons. They must be plain, pattern-free, and not obscure any facial features. The full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, must be visible, including the edges. Shadows on the face are not acceptable

Portugal Visa Photo Requirements for Minors

When submitting a visa photo for a child, especially infants and toddlers, there are a few specific guidelines to follow:

For children under 9, the face should take up to 50-80% of the photograph.
The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (not hair)should measure between 22mm and 36mm
Children under age 5 do not need to have neutral expressions or look directly into the camera and their heads don’t have to be centred in the photo
Children under 1 do not need to have their eyes open.
The frame should not show hands, toys, a chair or other people—only the child.
Ensure the child's face is clear and facing forward.

Please note: If the child or baby needs support, the support must not be visible on the photo. The supporting hand can be hidden under the child’s clothing.

How to use the Portugal visa photo maker tool?

Applying for a Portugal visa? Ensure your photo meets all official requirements with this easy-to-use and efficient tool:

Upload Your Photo:
Choose a photo from your device (JPEG, JPG, or PNG). You can also take a new selfie if needed.
Adjust & Resize:
Click ‘Transform’ and let the tool automatically resize, crop, and adjust your photo according to Portugal’s official visa photo guidelines.
Download & Use:
Once your photo is ready, download the visa-compliant version and include it with your visa application. It’s that simple!

Note: You can also apply for your Portugal visa through Atlys in just a few easy steps.

Do’s & Don’ts of Portugal Visa Photo

Do’s:

Use even, natural lighting with no shadows, reflections, or glare.
Make sure the photo is recent (taken within the last 6 months).
Maintain a neutral expression with your eyes open and mouth closed.
Ensure the photo is sharp, clear, and in focus for proper identification.
Keep your hair away from your face so that all facial features, including the edges of your face, are clearly visible.
Use a plain white or light-colored background that provides good contrast with your face.
Head coverings for religious or medical reasons are allowed, but they must be plain and must not obscure any facial features.

Don’ts:

Do not use damaged, blurry, low-resolution, or creased photos.
Do not allow hair to cover your eyes, forehead, or cheeks.
Do not submit photos with red-eye or those that have been digitally edited or filtered.
Avoid any shadows on your face or in the background.
Do not smile, frown, or show teeth. Keep a calm, neutral expression.

Following these do’s and don’ts will help ensure your Portugal visa photo meets all official requirements and avoids processing delays.

Portugal Visa Photo Requirements (Free Tool)

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