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Swedish Passport Photo Rules

Swedish passport photos are 35x45mm on a white background. Polisen normally photographs you at the appointment, so this matters most abroad.

This photo cannot be used

A photo you make yourself is not accepted for this application, however exactly it matches the size rules.

What to do instead

the passport office photographs you at the appointment; photos you bring are not accepted

Requirements verified · Source: polisen.se

The specification below is still accurate, so you can check what the authorities will be capturing.

Self-made photos are not accepted

the passport office photographs you at the appointment; photos you bring are not accepted

Swedish Passport Photo Requirements, Explained

35x45mm on white — and the reason most Swedes never actually supply one.

Quick Check: Do's & Don'ts

No Glasses

Swedish passport photos are taken without them.

Not Light Grey

Sweden specifies a white background.

35x45mm, 32-36mm Head

The EU standard Sweden uses.

Even Lighting

No shadow on your face or the wall.

Polisen Takes the Photo

Swedish passports are applied for in person at a police station.

Swedish passport and national ID applications are made in person at a Polisen passport counter, where your photo and fingerprints are captured on site as part of the appointment. Most applicants never supply their own photo at all.

Where your own photo does matter is applying at a Swedish embassy or consulate abroad, and for children's applications and supporting paperwork where an office asks you to bring one. Check what your specific office wants.

Size & Head Height

35x45mm with a 32-36mm head.

Sweden uses the 35x45mm ICAO photo shared across the EU for passports, national ID cards and residence permits, with the head at roughly 32-36mm from chin to crown.

The same geometry covers Schengen visa applications, so a compliant crop is useful even where the passport route captures the photo for you.

Background & Lighting

White, evenly lit, no shadows.

Sweden specifies a white background. Stand about a metre from the wall so no shadow falls behind your head.

Even, frontal light matters more than usual in Nordic winter conditions — low indoor light pushes phone cameras into higher ISO, and the resulting noise reads as soft focus.

Expression & Glasses

Neutral face, no glasses.

Face the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open and clearly visible.

Glasses are not worn in Swedish passport photos. Head coverings are accepted for religious reasons as long as the full face from chin to forehead stays visible.

What You'll Actually Download

Printed at 35 x 45mm, 827 x 1063px, JPG/PNG. Computed from this photo's own specification, not typed by hand.

How you submitPhotographed on site
Pixel size
827 x 1063px @ 600dpi
Print size
35 x 45mm (3.5 x 4.5cm / 1.38 x 1.77 in)
File type
JPG / PNG
Background
White

Requirements verified · Source: polisen.se

Watch out — Self-made photos are not accepted — the passport office photographs you at the appointment; photos you bring are not accepted

Swedish Passport Photo: Taken at the Passport Office

Sweden photographs you at the passport office and does not accept a photo you bring. What the appointment involves and the 35x45mm specification behind it.

Get Your Photo in 3 Steps

1. Upload Your Photo

Choose a clear, recent photo from your phone or computer.

Take your glasses off first.

2. Auto Alignment

We crop to 35x45mm with your head at 32-36mm on white.

Use bright, even frontal light.

3. Download & Submit

Save the file for an embassy application or print it.

Polisen counters photograph you on site.

Swedish Passport Photo Specifications

Dimensions35 x 45mm (3.5 x 4.5cm)
Head Height32 - 36mm, chin to crown
BackgroundWhite, evenly lit
GlassesNot worn

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Do I need my own photo for a Swedish passport?▼
Usually not. Polisen captures your photo and fingerprints at the appointment. Your own photo matters most at an embassy or consulate abroad, and where an office asks you to bring one.
Q.What size is a Swedish passport photo?▼
35x45mm, the EU standard, with the head at 32-36mm from chin to crown.
Q.Can I wear glasses?▼
No. Swedish passport photos are taken without glasses.
Q.White or light grey background?▼
White. Sweden specifies white rather than the white-or-grey some EU countries accept.
Q.Does this work for a Schengen visa photo?▼
Yes — the same 35x45mm geometry applies.