Brazil Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Brazilian Passport Photo Size, Background, and Policia Federal Rules
Complete guide to Brazilian passport photo specifications set by the Polícia Federal, including the Brazilian passport photo size, background, appearance rules, and how to create a compliant photo at home with Passlens.
Overview
Brazil requires a 35 x 45 mm (or 5 x 7 cm) passport photo for all Brazilian passport applications. The specifications are defined by the Polícia Federal and follow ICAO standards for machine-readable travel documents.
That makes this the right answer for the exact query brazilian passport photo size. The normal Brazilian passport route uses 35 x 45 mm. People often confuse it with the smaller Brazilian foto 3x4, but that smaller size belongs to other document workflows, not the main passport flow.
Brazilian passport photos are submitted during your in-person appointment at a Polícia Federal office. In recent years, Brazil has also started accepting digital photos uploaded during the online scheduling process, making it possible to prepare your photo at home before your appointment.
Official Specifications
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Document | Passport |
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Background | White |
| Head height | 31–36 mm |
The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall (equivalent to 5 x 7 cm when rounded). The face from chin to crown must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm. The photo should show the full front view of the face with head and upper shoulders visible.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (5 x 7 cm) |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm |
| Background | White, uniform |
| Color | Full colour |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Digital format | JPEG, 3x4cm or 5x7cm ratio |
| Orientation | Portrait, front-facing |
Background Requirements
The Polícia Federal requires a plain white background. The background must be uniform, without shadows, patterns, or visible objects. There should be clear contrast between the person and the background.
Off-white or light-coloured backgrounds are not accepted — the background must be clearly white. This is strictly enforced during the in-person verification at the Polícia Federal.
White Means White
Unlike some European countries that accept light grey, Brazil requires a genuinely white background. If photographing at home, use a white wall or white sheet and ensure it is well-lit to avoid appearing grey in the photo.
Clothing and Appearance
Brazilian passport photo guidelines require a neutral, serious expression with the mouth closed. The face must be fully visible and the photo must represent your current appearance.
- Glasses: The Polícia Federal strongly recommends removing glasses for passport photos. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is absolutely no glare on the lenses and the frames do not obscure any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are never allowed.
- Head coverings: Not permitted unless worn for religious reasons. A written statement may be required. The full face from chin to forehead must be visible.
- Expression: Neutral and serious. Mouth closed, no smiling. The Polícia Federal specifies expressão facial neutra.
- Hair: Must not cover the eyes or significant portions of the face.
- Clothing: Everyday clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid white tops. Uniforms (military, police, etc.) are not permitted.
- Makeup: Light, everyday makeup is acceptable. Heavy makeup that significantly alters your appearance is not.
How to Make It with Passlens
Passlens supports the Brazilian passport photo format. Create a Polícia Federal-compliant photo from your smartphone.
- Open Passlens and select the Brazil Passport preset.
- Take a frontal photo with a neutral expression against a light-coloured surface, or upload an existing portrait.
- Passlens crops to 35 x 45 mm and validates face height (31–36 mm).
- AI background removal applies a clean white background that meets Polícia Federal standards.
- Review the compliance check for centering, face proportions, and background uniformity.
- Download for digital upload during your online scheduling, or print photos for your in-person appointment.
Where to Submit
Brazilian passport applications are processed exclusively by the Polícia Federal. All applications require an in-person appointment, though the scheduling and payment are done online.
- Online scheduling: Start at the Polícia Federal website (servicos.dpf.gov.br). Fill out the application form, pay the GRU (tax document), and schedule your appointment. You can upload a digital photo during this process.
- In person: Attend your appointment at the designated Polícia Federal office. Bring your ID (RG or CNH), payment receipt, and a printed photo if you did not upload one digitally.
- Consulates abroad: Brazilian citizens living abroad apply through their local consulate. Processing times and costs may differ.
| Service | Timeline | Cost (2026 BRL) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard passport | 6–10 working days | R$257.25 |
| Urgent passport | 1–5 working days | R$257.25 + urgency fee |
| Emergency passport | Same day | Only in documented emergencies |
Common Mistakes
The Polícia Federal verifies your photo during the in-person appointment. Here are the most common reasons for rejection:
- Background not white enough — Grey or off-white backgrounds are rejected. Brazil requires pure white.
- Wearing glasses with glare — Any reflection on lenses that obscures the eyes causes rejection.
- Smiling or mouth open — Must have a neutral, serious expression.
- Wearing a white shirt — Blends with the required white background. Wear contrasting clothing.
- Photo not recent — If your appearance has changed significantly, the officer may reject the photo.
- Face too far or too close — The 31–36 mm face height must be respected.
- Shadows on face or background — Even subtle shadows can cause rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload my passport photo digitally in Brazil?
Yes, the Polícia Federal now accepts digital photo uploads through their online scheduling system. The digital photo must meet the same specifications as a printed photo. However, the officer at your appointment may still request a new photo if they determine the digital submission does not meet standards.
Do I need to bring a printed photo to my appointment?
If you uploaded a digital photo during scheduling, a printed photo is not strictly required. However, it is strongly recommended to bring one as a backup. If the digital photo is rejected on-site, having a printed one saves you from rescheduling.
What size is a “3x4” photo compared to the passport photo?
The Brazilian foto 3x4 (3 x 4 cm, or 30 x 40 mm) is a smaller format used for RG (identity cards) and some other documents. The passport requires a larger 5 x 7 cm (35 x 45 mm) format. Make sure you select the correct size for your specific document.
Can I wear religious head coverings?
Yes, religious head coverings are permitted in Brazilian passport photos. Your face must remain fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. A written declaration of religious affiliation may be requested at the time of application.