Portugal Citizen Card Photo Specifications

About the Cartão de Cidadão (Portuguese Citizen Card)

The Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card) is the current national identity card of Portugal, issued to all Portuguese citizens. It replaced the older Bilhete de Identidade (BI) and is a mandatory document for all citizens over 6 years old.

The Cartão de Cidadão is a multi-function card that serves as proof of:

• Identity — your full name, date of birth, photograph, and fingerprint
• Taxpayer number (Número de Identificação Fiscal — NIF)
• Social security number (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social — NISS)
• Health service user number (Número de Utente do Serviço Nacional de Saúde — SNS)

The photo on the Cartão de Cidadão must meet strict specifications to be accepted by the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN). Below is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare a compliant photo.

Detailed Portugal Citizen Card Photo Requirements

The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) of Portugal has strict requirements for Citizen Card photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

1. Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
• Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
• The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
• No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance

2. Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 30 × 40 mm (1.18 × 1.57 inches)
• Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo area
• Face height (from chin to top of head): approximately 25–28 mm
• Top margin above the head: approximately 2–4 mm
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

3. Background Requirements

• Use a plain white background
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

4. Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
• Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
• Both edges of your face must be clearly visible

5. Glasses Policy

6. Head Coverings

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn daily for religious purposes
• If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
• No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

7. Clothing

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
• Avoid wearing white tops that may blend with the white background
• Choose clothing that contrasts well with the white background

8. Children and Baby Photos

• The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
• The child's eyes must be open and visible
• No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
• A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
• The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) — Portugal

How to Take a Portugal Citizen Card Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Portugal Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.

Good and Bad Examples of Portugal Citizen Card Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Citizen Card photos

Frequently Asked Questions