Can I submit a photo for a visa that is already in my international passport?

Only if your passport was issued less than 6 months ago. Otherwise, the consulate or AIMA will reject the photo as outdated.

How many photos do I need to bring to an AIMA appointment?

Officially, 2 photos are required for the Odivelas and Aveiro branches. However, it is recommended to always bring 2 printed 35x45 mm photos to any branch in case of technical problems with the on-site cameras.

Can I be photographed wearing prescription glasses?

Yes, but the lenses must not be tinted, there must be no glare from the flash, and the frames must not cover the eyes. To avoid the risk of rejection, it is recommended to be photographed without glasses.

What should the background be for a Portugal photo?

The background must be a solid light color — usually white or light gray. There should be no patterns, shadows, or foreign objects on it.

Country update

Portugal Visa and Residence Permit (AIMA) Photo 2026: Requirements and Size

Published Jul 6, 2026 · Updated Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read

Source: AIMA - Residence Permit (General Regime and Requirements) Verified Jul 6, 2026 Affects:

Portugal

In short. To apply for a Portuguese visa or residence permit in 2026, you need 2 color photos measuring 35x45 mm on a light background, taken no more than 6 months ago.

Photo size: strictly 35x45 mm (tipo passe format).
Quantity: 1-2 for a visa, 2 mandatory for AIMA (especially in Odivelas and Aveiro).
Face: must occupy 70-80% of the photo area (head height 31.5-36 mm).
Background: solid light color (white or light gray), without shadows or patterns.
Glasses and headwear: it is better to remove glasses to avoid glare; headwear is allowed only for religious reasons.

The most important rule of 2026: to apply for a Portuguese visa or residence permit through the AIMA migration service, you will need up-to-date biometric photos in the 35x45 mm format (in Portugal, this standard is called tipo passe). Even if your AIMA branch has digital photography equipment, official rules require you to bring printed photos with you.

What has changed and current requirements

Photo requirements for Portuguese documents are based on ICAO standards. The photo must be in color, clear, and printed on high-quality photo paper (preferably matte to avoid glare during scanning).

Parameter	Requirement (2026)
Size	35 x 45 mm (width x height)
Face proportions	70-80% of the photo area (head height from chin to crown 31.5 - 36 mm)
Background	Solid light color (white or light gray), without shadows
Photo age	Taken no more than 6 months before submission
Quantity	1-2 for a visa (depends on the consulate), 2 for AIMA
Facial expression	Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight into the camera

Who this applies to

These requirements are mandatory for all applicants, including citizens of Ukraine, who are applying for:

Schengen visas (Type C) to Portugal.
National resident visas (Type D, including D1, D3, D7, D8, etc.).
Residence permit (Autorização de Residência) at AIMA offices.

Important nuance regarding AIMA: According to official instructions, providing two physical photos is mandatory if your appointment (agendamento) is scheduled at the AIMA branches in Odivelas or Aveiro. However, lawyers and migration consultants strongly recommend bringing 2 photos to any AIMA branch in case of technical failures with the biometric equipment.

What to do now

Take a new photo: Do not use photos from previous visas or passports if they are older than 6 months. Consulates and AIMA cross-check photos with other documents.
Remove your glasses: Although the rules allow prescription glasses (if the frames do not cover the eyes and the lenses do not glare), in practice, the most common reason for photo rejection is glare on the glass. It is better to be photographed without them.
Check the lighting: There should be no harsh shadows on the face or background. The lighting must be even.
Print correctly: Photos must be printed on high-quality paper without borders, corners, or creases.

Common mistakes

Incorrect head size: If the face is too small (less than 70% of the frame) or too large (cut off hair or chin), the photo will not pass the biometric scanner.
Retouching and filters: Any alteration of facial features, eye color, or skin tone using Photoshop or smartphone filters is strictly prohibited.
Headwear: Allowed exclusively for religious reasons, provided the face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead is completely visible.
Smiling: A wide smile with exposed teeth distorts the biometric parameters of the face. The expression must be calm and neutral.

Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.

Official sources

Questions

Can I submit a photo for a visa that is already in my international passport?: Only if your passport was issued less than 6 months ago. Otherwise, the consulate or AIMA will reject the photo as outdated.
How many photos do I need to bring to an AIMA appointment?: Officially, 2 photos are required for the Odivelas and Aveiro branches. However, it is recommended to always bring 2 printed 35x45 mm photos to any branch in case of technical problems with the on-site cameras.
Can I be photographed wearing prescription glasses?: Yes, but the lenses must not be tinted, there must be no glare from the flash, and the frames must not cover the eyes. To avoid the risk of rejection, it is recommended to be photographed without glasses.
What should the background be for a Portugal photo?: The background must be a solid light color — usually white or light gray. There should be no patterns, shadows, or foreign objects on it.