Portuguese ID Photo

A Portuguese Citizen Card Portrait from Infancy Onward

The Cartão de Cidadão is central to everyday identification in Portugal, and its portrait needs to remain a useful connection between the card and its holder. Photo preparation depends on the service being used. A particularly practical example is the first card for a baby: Portugal permits an eligible first-card request alongside online birth registration, with a photograph supplied by the parent.

For that infant route, the justice service specifies a centred, sharp colour JPEG against a light, neutral background. The baby is photographed from the front; a child under one may lie on a white or light blanket and may have closed eyes, while retaining a neutral facial expression. No supporting person or object should appear. The framing, photo quality and detailed photo requirements on this page help you inspect the image before submission.

The combined service is for a child up to one year old whose birth is being registered through the service. If the birth has already been registered, or the child is older, the official guidance directs parents to an in-person Citizen Card request. Arrange the appropriate registration office or consular appointment instead of assuming the infant upload route applies to every card.

Adults also need to consider whether their existing likeness remains current when renewing identity documents. Confirm the correct renewal channel if a new image is necessary. Our embassy and consulate directory can help families abroad locate Portuguese consular services, while the guide to preparing a passport photo explains how to organise a simple portrait session without introducing distracting props or visible support.