← All articles 6 min read

Brazil Passport Photo Size: Exact Requirements for 2026

Getting your Brazil passport photo size wrong means your application gets rejected. Polícia Federal is specific about dimensions, background color, and file format — and they will bounce photos that miss even one requirement.

This guide covers every specification you need, whether you are applying for a new Brazilian passport or renewing one. You will also learn how to resize and format your photo yourself without visiting a studio.

Brazil Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance

Here is the full specification table straight from Polícia Federal guidelines:

Requirement Specification
Print size 5 cm × 7 cm (width × height)
Aspect ratio 5:7
Digital dimensions 413 × 531 pixels (at 210 DPI)
File format JPEG (.jpg)
Max file size 5 MB
Background color Plain white
Color mode 24-bit color (RGB)
Head position Centered, facing camera directly
Face coverage Face occupies 70–80% of frame height
Expression Neutral, mouth closed
Recency Taken within the last 6 months

These requirements apply to both in-person applications at Polícia Federal offices and online submissions through the Sistema de Passaporte portal.

Brazil accepts both printed and digital passport photos depending on how you apply.

In-person applications require two printed photos at 5 cm × 7 cm. You hand these over at the Polícia Federal office along with your documents.

Online applications require a digital upload in JPEG format. The portal accepts files up to 5 MB, and the recommended resolution is 413 × 531 pixels. If your photo is larger, you need to resize it before uploading.

Most smartphone cameras produce images far larger than 413 × 531 pixels. A typical phone photo is 4000 × 3000 pixels or more. You can use the Pixotter resize tool to scale your photo to the exact pixel dimensions Polícia Federal requires — no software installation needed.

Background and Lighting Rules

Polícia Federal requires a plain white background with no shadows, patterns, or gradients. This is non-negotiable. Photos taken against off-white walls, cream-colored backgrounds, or light gray surfaces get rejected.

If your photo has a colored or cluttered background, you can strip it out and replace it with pure white using Pixotter's background removal tool. Upload your photo, remove the background in one click, and download the result with a clean white backdrop.

Lighting guidelines:

Head Position and Framing

The framing rules trip up more people than the dimensions do. Polícia Federal wants:

The most common rejection reason is incorrect framing. People either crop too tight (cutting off hair) or too loose (face looks small in the frame). Aim for roughly 1 cm of space above your head and below your chin in the 5 × 7 cm frame.

How to Resize Your Photo to Brazil Passport Specifications

You do not need Photoshop or a photo studio. Here is how to get the exact Brazil passport photo size in under a minute:

  1. Take your photo against a white wall using your phone camera. Use the rear camera for better quality. Stand about 1.5 meters from the wall.
  2. Crop to 5:7 ratio — frame your face so it fills 70–80% of the vertical space.
  3. Resize to 413 × 531 pixels — open the Pixotter resize tool, upload your photo, enter the exact dimensions, and download.
  4. Check the background — if it is not pure white, run it through background removal first.
  5. Verify file size — make sure the final JPEG is under 5 MB. At 413 × 531 pixels, it will be well under this limit.

The entire process takes less than 60 seconds, and everything happens in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.

Common Mistakes That Get Photos Rejected

Polícia Federal rejection rates for passport photos are surprisingly high. Avoid these mistakes:

Wrong dimensions. Submitting a 2 × 2 inch photo (US standard) instead of 5 × 7 cm. The US and Brazil use completely different sizes — check our visa photo size guide for a comparison across countries.

Off-white background. Eggshell, ivory, and light gray all look white on your screen but fail the scanner check. Use pure white (#FFFFFF). Our guide on passport photo backgrounds covers how to verify this.

Shadows behind head. Standing too close to the wall creates a shadow the camera picks up. Move at least one meter away from the wall and use front-facing light.

Wearing glasses. Polícia Federal's current guidance recommends removing glasses for your passport photo. Even clear lenses can cause glare that triggers rejection.

Old photo. Your photo must be from the last six months. Polícia Federal can reject photos where your appearance has noticeably changed.

Brazil Passport Photo Size vs. Other Countries

Brazil's 5 × 7 cm requirement is larger than most countries. Here is how it compares:

Country Photo Size Aspect Ratio
Brazil 5 × 7 cm 5:7
United States 5.1 × 5.1 cm (2 × 2 in) 1:1
India 5.1 × 5.1 cm (2 × 2 in) 1:1
UK 3.5 × 4.5 cm 7:9
EU / Schengen 3.5 × 4.5 cm 7:9

If you hold dual citizenship or need photos for multiple documents, you will need different sizes for each. Check our India passport photo size guide for another common format. The resize tool lets you switch between any dimensions instantly.

FAQ

What is the exact Brazil passport photo size in pixels?

The recommended digital size is 413 × 531 pixels at 210 DPI. This corresponds to the physical dimensions of 5 cm × 7 cm.

Can I take my Brazil passport photo with a smartphone?

Yes. Modern smartphones exceed the resolution requirements. Use the rear camera, photograph against a white wall with good lighting, and resize to 413 × 531 pixels before submitting.

Does Brazil require a white background for passport photos?

Yes. Polícia Federal requires a plain white background with no shadows, patterns, or gradients. Off-white and light gray backgrounds are rejected.

What file format does Brazil accept for digital passport photos?

Brazil accepts JPEG (.jpg) files up to 5 MB in 24-bit RGB color. PNG and other formats are not accepted for online submission.

How recent does my Brazil passport photo need to be?

Your photo must have been taken within the last six months. If your appearance has changed significantly (new hairstyle, weight change, facial hair), take a new photo even if your old one is recent.

Can I wear glasses in my Brazil passport photo?

Polícia Federal recommends removing glasses entirely. Even prescription glasses without tinted lenses can cause glare or reflections that lead to rejection.

Also try: Compress Images