Select File
or drag and drop files here
The Challenge
Denmark requires 35×45mm biometric photos for passports, visas, and driving licences with head height 30–36mm, plain light background, and 600 DPI resolution. Professional services charge DKK 130–200. Incorrect background colour or head size = rejection and resubmission delays.
One photo format for Danish passports, visas, and driving licences
Denmark uses standardised 35×45mm photos for passport applications (new, renewal, child), Schengen visa applications, and driving licence (kørekort) applications. The same dimensions, head height requirements, and background rules apply across all three document types. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. Denmark also uses digital photo codes for domestic passport applications at Borgerservice—check with your local Citizen Service centre whether they accept printed photos or require a digital code.
Danish passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 30–36mm from chin to crown
- Plain light-coloured background (light grey, light blue, or white)—no patterns or shadows
- Strong contrast between face and background—critical for light-haired persons
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering eyebrows
- Glasses allowed only if no glare and eyes fully visible—removal recommended
- No hats or headgear unless religious or medical with documentation
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
- Colour photo showing natural skin tone—no over-exposure or under-exposure
- Even lighting without shadows on face or background
- No digital retouching, filters, or beauty mode
Common rejection reasons by Danish authorities
- Insufficient contrast between face and background (especially for light hair, light scarves)
- Head height outside 30–36mm range (too small or too large)
- Shadows on face or background from uneven lighting
- Glasses causing glare or reflections covering eyes
- Photo older than 6 months
- Over-exposed or under-exposed—skin tone must appear natural
- Hair covering eyebrows or eyes
- Smiling with teeth showing (neutral expression required)
- Background not plain or has visible objects/patterns
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Wearing non-religious headgear (caps, headbands)
How to print Denmark passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy both accepted). Available at Bilka, Føtex, Elgiganten, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop or Fotoautomat booth (DKK 90–150). Specify '35×45mm pasfoto'.
- Digital codes: For passport applications at Borgerservice, you may need a digital photo code from an approved provider (e.g., idphoto.dk) instead of a printed photo.
Danish background requirements—not just white
Unlike many countries that mandate pure white backgrounds, Denmark requires a plain light-coloured background—light grey, light blue, or white are all accepted. The critical requirement is sufficient contrast between your face and the background. Persons with light hair, light skin, or light-coloured religious headscarves should use a slightly darker background (light grey or light blue) to ensure their features stand out. Pure white backgrounds can cause insufficient contrast for fair-complexioned individuals, leading to rejection. When taking photos at home, use a plain light-coloured wall or backdrop and ensure even lighting without shadows.
Good vs bad Denmark passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of babies and children in Denmark
- Lay baby on plain light-coloured blanket or sheet on floor. White, off-white, or light grey works.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid flash.
- Infants: eyes do not need to be open (Danish-specific rule).
- Children under 6: neutral expression not strictly required.
- Only the child should be in the photo—no hands, toys, bottles, or pacifiers visible.
- Children under 16 do not need new photos for passport renewal unless appearance has significantly changed.
- Take 10–20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies.
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and head height rules apply as for adults.
Denmark glasses policy—different from most countries
Denmark is more permissive than many countries regarding glasses in passport photos. You are allowed to wear prescription glasses provided there is no glare or reflection on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. However, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and heavily framed glasses that obscure the eyes are not permitted. Despite glasses being technically allowed, Danish authorities recommend removing them to avoid rejection. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement with your application. Our recommendation: remove glasses for the photo to eliminate any risk of rejection.
Digital photo codes for Borgerservice
When applying for a Danish passport domestically, many Borgerservice (Citizen Service) centres now use digital photo codes instead of printed photos. You can obtain a code from approved photo providers such as idphoto.dk, Fotoautomat booths, or professional photographers. The code links to your digital photo stored on a central server. You present this code at your Borgerservice appointment instead of physical prints. Not all photo providers offer codes—verify before your appointment. If applying at a Danish embassy or consulate abroad, printed photos are typically required instead of digital codes.
Denmark visa photo requirements (Schengen)
Denmark Schengen visa applications use the same 35×45mm photo specifications as passports. Whether applying for a tourist visa (Type C), work visa, student visa, or family reunification, the photo requirements are identical: 35×45mm, head height 30–36mm, plain light background, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Visa applications typically require two identical printed photos attached to the application form—do not staple or glue them in a way that damages the photo. For online visa applications, JPEG format is standard.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Denmark
- Borgerservice photo booth: DKK 130 (2026) added to passport fee
- Professional photographer: DKK 150–250 for passport photo set
- Fotoautomat self-service booth: DKK 90–150
- Online code services (idphoto.dk): DKK 99–125
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at photo shop
- Home printing cost: DKK 2–5 per sheet (paper + ink)
- Savings: DKK 85–245 per application using DIY approach
Official Danish Government Resources
- Passport Photo Requirements – Danish Police (Politi) Official photo requirements for passport and driving licence (in Danish)
- Passport Application – City of Copenhagen Passport application process including photo requirements (in English)
- Travel ID Requirements – Danish Police (English) Travel document information from Danish police in English
- Passport Photo Code FAQ – Politi Information about digital photo codes for passport applications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 30–36 mm (67–80% of frame)
- Background
- Plain light colour (light grey, light blue, or white)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Photo-quality paper (matte or glossy accepted)
- Photos Required
- 2 identical photos per application
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, driving licence (kørekort)
Best Practices
- Denmark accepts light grey, light blue, or white backgrounds—not just white. Ensure strong contrast with your face and hair
- Light-haired or fair-skinned persons should use light grey or light blue background, not pure white
- Glasses are allowed but removal is recommended to avoid glare-related rejection
- Two identical photos required per application—print multiple copies
- Same 35×45mm format works for passport, visa, and driving licence
- For Borgerservice passport applications, check whether you need a digital photo code or printed photos
- Photos valid for 6 months—plan multiple applications within this window
- Infants don't need eyes open; children under 6 don't need neutral expression
- Use crop guidelines to ensure head height is 30–36mm (rejection if outside range)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Denmark passport photo requirements?
Danish passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain light-coloured background (light grey, light blue, or white). Head height must be 30–36mm from chin to crown, face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Glasses allowed if no glare. Two identical photos required per application.
What background colour for Denmark passport photos?
Denmark requires a plain light-coloured background—light grey, light blue, or white. The key requirement is sufficient contrast between your face and background. Persons with light hair should avoid pure white and use light grey instead. Shadows and patterns are not allowed.
Can I use the same photo for Danish passport, visa, and driving licence?
Yes. Danish passports, Schengen visa applications, and driving licence (kørekort) applications all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all three if taken within 6 months.
Can I wear glasses in Denmark passport photos?
Yes, prescription glasses are allowed provided there is no glare or reflection and your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted. However, Danish authorities recommend removing glasses to avoid issues—removal is the safest option.
How recent must Denmark passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly (facial surgery, major weight change, added or removed facial piercings/tattoos), you must take a new photo regardless. Minor changes like hair colour or growing a beard do not require new photos.
Do babies need eyes open in Danish passport photos?
No. Infants are not required to have their eyes open. Children under 6 do not need a neutral expression. All other requirements (size, background, lighting) apply the same as for adults.
What is a digital photo code for Danish passports?
When applying for a passport at Borgerservice in Denmark, you may need a digital photo code instead of printed photos. This code links to your photo stored on a central server. You can get codes from idphoto.dk, Fotoautomat booths, or professional photographers. Not all providers offer codes—verify before your appointment.
Do children under 16 need new passport photos?
Not necessarily. In Denmark, children and teenagers under 16 are generally not required to take new photos for passport renewal, even after puberty. However, if the child's appearance has changed significantly, new photos may be required.
Where can I print Denmark passport photos?
Print at home on photo-quality paper (DKK 2–5 per sheet), at Fotoautomat booths (DKK 90–150), professional photographers (DKK 150–250), or at Borgerservice (DKK 130 in 2026). For DIY, specify '35×45mm pasfoto' when printing at photo shops.
What's the pixel size for Denmark passport photos?
827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures sufficient resolution for biometric scanning and print quality. Lower resolution may cause pixelation and rejection.
Is Denmark passport photo the same as Schengen visa photo?
Yes. Denmark follows the standard Schengen 35×45mm photo format. The same photo works for passport and all Schengen visa types (tourist, work, student, transit). Head height 30–36mm, light background, neutral expression.