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The Challenge
Swedish passport and national ID photos are taken at police passport offices in Sweden—but citizens abroad must bring their own 35×45mm photos to embassies. Requirements differ from most EU countries: light grey or cream background (NOT white), head 31-36mm, matte or low-gloss paper. Schengen visa applicants to Sweden also need compliant photos. Professional studios charge SEK 150-300 / €15-25. One rejected photo at an embassy abroad means rebooking and weeks of delay.
In Sweden? Photos are taken at the police passport office
- If applying in Sweden, you do NOT need to bring photos—Polisen takes your photo at the passport office
- This tool is for: Swedish citizens applying at embassies/consulates abroad
- Also for: foreign nationals applying for Schengen visa to Sweden
- Also useful for: preparing before your passport office appointment to check your appearance meets requirements
Swedish passport photo requirements
Sweden follows EU/ICAO biometric standards with specific national requirements. Photos must be 35×45mm with a light grey or cream background—5 to 10 percent grey is officially recommended by Sweden Abroad. This is critical: many competitors and photo services incorrectly state white background. Head height must be 31-36mm from chin to crown. Both edges of the face must be clearly visible. Photos must be clear, sharp, in focus, and in colour. No manipulation (retouching, softening lines, removing blemishes) is permitted. Two identical photos are required for embassy/consulate applications. Write the applicant's name in pencil on the back of each photo.
Swedish passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 31-36mm
- Light grey or cream background (5-10% grey) — NOT white
- No shadows on face or background
- Uniform lighting, no flash reflections on face or head
- Full front view of face and shoulders, squared to camera
- Face centred in photo, not tilted or turned
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No hair across the eyes, both edges of face visible
- No glasses (strongly recommended to remove for biometrics)
- No hats or head coverings except for religious reasons
- No uniforms or military/camouflage patterns
- Colour photo only — no black and white
- No retouching or digital manipulation of any kind
- Taken within last 6 months
- Printed on matte or medium/low gloss photo paper
- No heavyweight, corrugated, or cardboard paper
- Applicant's name written in pencil on back
Common rejection reasons at Swedish embassies
- White background instead of light grey/cream (most common error — many services get this wrong)
- Head size outside 31-36mm range
- Shadows on face or background
- Flash reflections visible on face or head
- Photo retouched or digitally manipulated (spots removed, lines softened)
- Mirror image (photo flipped left-to-right)
- Glasses causing glare or covering eyes
- Head tilted, rotated, or not squared to camera
- Printed on heavyweight cardboard or corrugated paper
- Black and white photo submitted
- Name not written on back of photo
Background colour — why Sweden requires grey, not white
Sweden officially recommends 5-10% grey background, or cream. This differs from countries like the US or Nigeria that require pure white. The light grey background provides better contrast for facial biometric scanning, particularly for people with lighter skin tones or light-coloured hair. If using this tool at home, photograph against a plain light grey wall or use a light grey sheet as backdrop. Avoid pure white walls — they often photograph as too bright and may be rejected. The enhancement step can help adjust brightness, but starting with the correct background colour produces the best results.
How to print Swedish passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte or medium/low gloss photo paper. Sweden explicitly rejects heavyweight paper, cardboard, and corrugated paper.
- 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.
- Name: Write the applicant's full name in pencil on the back of each photo.
- Alternative: Print at any photo shop. Specify '35×45mm on matte paper with light grey background'.
Photos of babies and children for Swedish passport
- Infants under 12 months: only a good likeness is required. Eyes may be closed, mouth rules are waived.
- Children aged 1-6: requirements for mouth closed and eyes looking at camera are waived.
- For infants unable to support themselves: lay on a light grey sheet and photograph from above.
- Ensure no hands are visible if supporting the child.
- No toys, other people, or objects in the photo.
- Use light grey or cream background — same as adult requirements.
- Take 10-20 shots to get one good photo — normal for young children.
Good vs bad Swedish passport photo examples
Applying for Swedish passport or national ID abroad
Swedish citizens living abroad apply at Swedish embassies or consulates. The fee abroad is currently SEK 1,400 (compared to SEK 350 in Sweden). Two identical 35×45mm photos are required with the application. Biometric data (fingerprints) is captured at the embassy. Processing takes 2-6 weeks as passports are produced in Sweden and sent by courier. National ID cards can also be applied for abroad at the same missions. It is also possible to apply while visiting Sweden at any police passport office—this is faster (about one week) and cheaper.
Schengen visa photo requirements for Sweden
Schengen visa applications to visit Sweden follow standard Schengen photo specifications: 35×45mm, head 32-36mm, light background. Sweden specifically requires light grey or cream. Two identical photos taken within 6 months are needed. VFS Global handles Sweden Schengen visa applications in many countries—check their local requirements as some centres have photo services on site. The same 35×45mm photo works for all Schengen visa categories.
Glasses policy — Sweden strongly recommends removal
Sweden strongly recommends removing glasses for passport photos to ensure accurate biometric capture. This applies even to customers with visual impairments. Dark-tinted or mirrored glasses must be removed. If you keep prescription glasses on: ensure no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes, and lenses must be clear. However, the official guidance is clear — removing glasses produces the best biometric result and avoids rejection risk.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Photo studio in Sweden: SEK 150-300 (€15-25) for passport photos
- Pharmacy/drugstore photo booth: SEK 100-200 (€10-20)
- Photo studio abroad (embassy application): €10-25 depending on country
- VFS Global photo service (for Schengen visa): €5-15 at application centre
- This tool: Free. Print at home for SEK 5-15 (€0.50-1.50) per sheet
- Savings: SEK 100-285 (€10-24) per application
Disability accommodations
Sweden provides accommodations for applicants with physical or mental disabilities who may find it difficult to meet standard photo requirements. The Swedish authorities will accept the best possible image, accompanied by a statement explaining the specific requirement that cannot be met due to disability. This applies to requirements such as eyes open, mouth closed, head position, and similar posing requirements.
Official Swedish Government Resources
- Polisen — Passport and National ID Card Official Swedish Police passport and national ID application information
- Sweden Abroad — Passport Photo Dimensions & Guidelines (PDF) Official photo specifications document from Sweden Abroad
- Sweden Abroad — Passports and National Identity Cards Information for Swedish citizens applying abroad
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 31-36 mm (69-80% of frame)
- Background
- Light grey or cream (5-10% grey recommended)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte or medium/low gloss photo paper
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos
- Valid For
- Passport, national ID card, Schengen visa
Best Practices
- Sweden requires light grey or cream background — NOT white. 5-10% grey is officially recommended
- In Sweden, photos are taken at the police passport office — you don't need to bring your own
- This tool is for embassy/consulate applications abroad and Schengen visa applications
- Write the applicant's name in pencil on the back of each photo
- Remove glasses — Sweden strongly recommends this for accurate biometric scanning
- No retouching permitted — do not remove spots, soften lines, or digitally alter the photo
- No uniforms or military/camouflage patterns allowed
- Print on matte or medium/low gloss paper — heavyweight cardboard and corrugated paper rejected
- Infants under 12 months: only a good likeness required, eyes may be closed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Swedish passport photo requirements?
Swedish passport photos must be 35×45mm with light grey or cream background (5-10% grey recommended — not white). Head height 31-36mm, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. No glasses recommended. No retouching. Matte or low-gloss paper. Two identical photos, name written in pencil on back. Taken within 6 months.
Do I need to bring photos to the police passport office in Sweden?
No. If applying in Sweden, photographs are taken at the police passport office (Polisen). You do not need to bring your own photos. This tool is for Swedish citizens applying at embassies abroad, Schengen visa applicants, or for checking your appearance meets requirements before your appointment.
Why does Sweden require grey background instead of white?
Sweden officially recommends 5-10% grey or cream background for better biometric contrast, particularly for lighter skin tones. Many competing photo services incorrectly state white — this can cause rejection at Swedish embassies. Use a plain light grey wall or light grey backdrop.
Can I use the same photo for passport, national ID, and visa?
Yes. Swedish passport, national ID card (nationellt identitetskort), and Schengen visa applications all use identical 35×45mm specifications with light grey/cream background. One photo set works for all three if taken within 6 months.
Can I wear glasses in Swedish passport photos?
Sweden strongly recommends removing glasses for accurate biometric capture — this applies even to people with visual impairments. Dark-tinted and mirrored glasses must be removed. If keeping prescription glasses: no glare, no reflections, frames must not cover eyes.
Can I retouch my Swedish passport photo?
No. Sweden explicitly prohibits any photo manipulation — removing spots, softening lines or shadows, or any digital processing. Mirror images (flipped photos) are also not accepted. The photo must show your true likeness and natural skin tone.
What about children and baby passport photos?
Children aged 1-6: mouth closed and eyes-at-camera requirements are waived. Infants under 12 months: only a good likeness required — eyes may be closed, mouth rules waived. Lay infants on a light grey sheet (not white) and photograph from above. No hands visible.
How much does a Swedish passport cost abroad?
SEK 1,400 (approximately €130) at embassies/consulates abroad, compared to SEK 350 (€33) at police passport offices in Sweden. National ID cards cost SEK 400 in Sweden. Processing abroad takes 2-6 weeks.
What paper type for Swedish passport photos?
Matte or medium/low gloss photographic paper. Sweden explicitly rejects heavyweight paper (cardboard) and corrugated paper. Standard photo-quality matte paper works well.
Do I need to write my name on the back of the photo?
Yes. Write the applicant's full name in pencil on the back of each photo. This is a specific Swedish requirement that helps embassy staff match photos to applications.