Brazil requires passport photos measuring 50×70 millimeters (approximately 2×2.75 inches) — one of the largest passport photo formats in the world. At 300 DPI, this translates to 591×827 pixels. These specifications are set by the Polícia Federal, which processes all Brazilian passport applications.
The 50×70mm format is shared with only one other country: Canada. Both diverge from the 35×45mm ICAO standard used by most of the world. If you've previously obtained a passport from a European or Asian country, the Brazilian format will look noticeably larger.
Exact Brazilian Passport Photo Dimensions (50×70mm)
| Measurement Unit | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Millimeters | 50mm | 70mm |
| Inches | 1.97" | 2.76" |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 591px | 827px |
| The 50mm width is 15mm wider than the standard 35×45mm. The 70mm height is 25mm taller. This creates a significantly larger photo — roughly double the surface area of a standard ICAO passport photo. |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Brazilian Passport Photo Head Height: The 44–51% Rule
Your head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull — must occupy 44-51% of the photo's 70mm vertical space.
In concrete terms:
- Minimum (44%): 31mm from chin to crown
- Maximum (51%): 36mm from chin to crown
- Target (47%): approximately 33mm — the safest position
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
This percentage range is much lower than most countries (which use 60-80%) because Brazil's tall 70mm frame leaves proportionally more space above and below the face. The absolute head measurement (31-36mm) is actually similar to what you'd achieve on a 35×45mm photo — it's the frame that's bigger, not the face.
Why this matters practically: If you're used to framing photos for European passports (where your face fills most of the frame), a Brazilian photo should feel like you're standing further from the camera. There's significantly more space above your head.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Brazilian Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face or forehead. Both ears should be visible.
- Head coverings: Only for religious reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
Brazilian Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 50×70mm | 44–51% | Rectangle |
| Canada | 50×70mm | 44–51% | Rectangle |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | Square |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | Rectangle |
| France / Germany | 35×45mm | 60–80% | Rectangle |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | Square |
Brazil and Canada share identical passport photo dimensions — the only two countries in the world using 50×70mm. A compliant photo for one country works for the other (though background and expression rules should be verified separately). Every other major country uses a different size.
South American countries do not share a standard passport photo size. If you hold dual citizenship with another country in the region (Argentina, Chile, Colombia), do not assume your Brazilian photo will work — always verify the specific requirements for each country.
Where to Get a Passport Photo in Brazil
Polícia Federal offices. The Polícia Federal, which processes all passport applications, has offices in every state capital and most mid-sized cities. Many have on-site photo services that produce the correct 50×70mm format. This is the most reliable option — the staff verify compliance before printing.
Photo studios (estúdios fotográficos). Professional studios in Brazilian cities know the local standard. Ask for "foto 5×7 para passaporte." Prices typically range from R$20-50. Studios in shopping centres and near Polícia Federal offices handle passport photos daily.
Foto 3x4 machines (not for passports). Brazil commonly uses "foto 3x4" (30×40mm) for other documents like RG (identity card) and CPF. These machines are everywhere but produce the wrong size for passports. Do not use a 3×4 machine for a passport photo.
Outside Brazil: Specify "50×70mm Brazilian passport" explicitly. Most international photo services default to 35×45mm. In the US, Canadian photo studios are your best bet — they already stock the 50×70mm format. Elsewhere, provide the exact pixel dimensions (591×827) and DPI (300).
Digital Submission Requirements for Brazilian Passport Photos
Brazil's online passport system (through the Polícia Federal website) accepts digital photo uploads:
- JPEG format, 591×827 pixels minimum at 300 DPI
- File size between 20KB and 5MB
- White background, no shadows
- Taken within the last six months
- The automated system checks dimensions, aspect ratio, and face detection before accepting the upload
For in-person appointments at the Polícia Federal, bring two identical printed copies on glossy or matte photo paper. Prints must be exactly 50×70mm — verify with a ruler before leaving the studio. The photo must match your current appearance exactly.
File size tip: If your photo exceeds 5MB, reduce JPEG quality to 80-85%. This typically brings a large file down to a manageable size without visible quality loss. Don't compress below about 100KB — heavy compression creates blocky artifacts that the automated system may flag.
Brazilian Baby and Children's Passport Photo Size Rules
Children's Brazilian passport photos follow the same 50×70mm size and 44-51% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open — try photographing after feeding when the baby is calm and alert. The face must be centered. The larger 50×70mm frame actually makes infant photos slightly easier than smaller formats — there's more room for the baby to be slightly off-centre without failing the head height check.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centered. Getting a toddler to sit still is the real challenge. Studios near Polícia Federal offices handle children's photos regularly and have techniques for managing restless children.
All children under 18: Brazilian children's passports have shorter validity periods, meaning more frequent renewals and more frequent photos. Keep a compliant digital copy of your child's most recent photo.
Common Brazilian Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Using a "foto 3x4" machine. Brazil's ubiquitous 3×4 photo machines produce 30×40mm — completely wrong for a passport. Always specify "foto 5×7 para passaporte."
Using a European 35×45mm photo. The ICAO standard is too small. You cannot crop a 35×45mm photo to 50×70mm — the aspect ratios are different and you'd lose too much content.
Using a US 51×51mm photo. The US square format has a completely different shape. Dual citizens (Brazil-US) need separate photos for each passport.
Face too large in the frame. Because the frame is taller, your face should occupy less of the vertical space (44-51%) compared to most countries. If you frame the shot like a European passport photo, your head will be too large.
Wrong aspect ratio from phone cameras. Brazil requires 5:7. Most phones default to 4:3 or 16:9. Crop to 5:7 before resizing.
Verifying Your Brazilian Passport Photo Before Submission
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo against Brazil's exact 50×70mm requirement. For background requirements, see our guide to Brazilian passport photo background. View all specifications on the Brazil passport photo hub.
