Portugal Schengen visa photo requirements
Portugal uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how Portugal consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global in most markets · €90
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global. Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | VFS Global in most markets |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days; first-time applicants often see 20 days |
| Standard fee | €90 |
| Reduced fee | €45 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | Portuguese, English |
| Official portal | Portugal short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. The Portuguese MFA applies the shared Schengen photo standard.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of frame height (32–36 mm chin-to-crown) |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Glasses | Strongly discouraged; remove for the shot. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
Portugal consulate handling
Portuguese consulates accept the shared Schengen photo specification without national extras. A clean reprint usually fixes a desk-level rejection.
Portugal national document photos
Detailed national document photo pages for Portugal are tracked separately as the issuing authority publishes verifiable specifications. For now, the Schengen visa photo on this page is the binding photo requirement for short-stay travel.
Frequently asked questions about Portugal Schengen visa photos
What size is the Portugal Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. Portugal uses the shared Schengen biometric photo standard — the same as every other Schengen state. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame height with a plain light background.
Where do I apply for a Portugal Schengen visa?
Apply through the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global. Portuguese consulates accept the shared Schengen photo specification without national extras. A clean reprint usually fixes a desk-level rejection.
How long does Portugal take to process a Schengen visa?
15 calendar days; first-time applicants often see 20 days. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
What does the Portugal Schengen visa cost?
Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to VFS Global in most markets.
Can I wear glasses in a Portugal Schengen visa photo?
Portugal follows the shared Schengen baseline: glasses are strongly discouraged because of glare and frame-related rejection risk. The safest choice at every consulate is to remove glasses before the shot.
Compare other Schengen countries
Prepare your Portugal Schengen visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the 35 × 45 mm Schengen biometric frame and checks the background automatically.