Brazil Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official requirements from the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal). Last reviewed March 2026.

Photo Dimensions

Brazilian passport photos must measure 50 mm wide and 70 mm tall (5 × 7 cm). This is a larger format than most countries — comparable to Canada's 50×70 mm requirement — and noticeably larger than the standard 35×45 mm used across Europe. The photo must be in colour and printed on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper.

Brazilian passport applications are processed by the Federal Police (Polícia Federal). Applicants schedule an appointment through the PF website. One photo is typically required at the appointment, though bringing 2–3 identical copies is recommended in case one is damaged or rejected.

Digital Application Option

Brazil launched a digital passport application system (Passaporte Online) allowing citizens to upload photos digitally. For digital submissions, the photo must be in JPEG format, at least 300 DPI equivalent, and maintain the 5:7 (50:70) aspect ratio. The face must occupy 70–80% of the frame, and the background must be plain white.

Face and Head Position

The head — from chin to crown — must occupy 70–80% of the photo's height. This translates to approximately 49–56 mm of the 70 mm total height. The face must be centred horizontally with equal margins on both sides. There must be adequate space above the head (at least 5 mm from the top edge to the crown).

Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. The face must be presented full-on — no profile or three-quarter angles. Good lighting across the entire face is required, with no shadows on either side.

Background Requirements

The background must be plain white. The Federal Police system rejects photos with any background colour other than white. The background must be uniformly lit — photographers should ensure no shadows fall behind the subject. Using a white backdrop sheet approximately 1 metre behind the subject produces the cleanest results.

Expression and Accessories

A neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed is mandatory. Smiling or any expression that distorts facial features is not acceptable. Glasses are not permitted in Brazilian passport photos, in line with ICAO biometric standards.

Hair should not cover the face or eyes. Head coverings are not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons. When a head covering is worn, the face from chin to forehead must be completely visible.

Photo Recency

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It must accurately represent the applicant's current appearance. The Federal Police officer reviewing your application will compare the photo to your actual appearance at the appointment.

Complete Specifications Table

Tips for Brazilians Applying from Abroad

Brazilians residing abroad can apply for a new or renewed passport at the nearest Brazilian consulate. Consulate requirements are the same as domestic PF offices: 50×70 mm, white background, neutral expression. Most Brazilian consulates have photo services on-site, but preparing your photo in advance saves time and cost.

Use PassportLayout.online to crop your photo to the 50×70 mm format, then print it at a local photo lab. Ensure you print at 100% scale — not "fit to paper" — so the dimensions are exact.