Sweden
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 3 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in Sweden
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a Swedish passport, you must adhere to the strict standards set by the Swedish Police Authority. Unlike many other nations where you submit photos from home, the Swedish system is highly integrated, requiring a specific photographic process. Understanding these guidelines is essential to ensure your application is processed without delays by the Swedish Police Authority.
Your Swedish passport photo must measure exactly 35x45mm and feature a light grey or neutral background. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and your eyes clearly visible, looking directly at the camera. Glasses are permitted provided there is no reflection on the lenses and the frames do not obscure your eyes. Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons, ensuring your face remains fully visible.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:8f825ed6§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
In Sweden, the process is unique because you generally do not upload a digital file yourself. Instead, you visit a local passport office where the staff takes your digital photo on-site as part of your application appointment. If you are preparing for a different type of ID, you can use idpic.app to ensure your file meets the correct technical specifications before printing or submitting.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in Sweden involve poor lighting, such as shadows on the face or background, and improper head positioning. Many applicants fail because their expression is not sufficiently neutral or their eyes are partially covered by hair or frames. Additionally, incorrect head size within the frame often leads to immediate rejection, so ensure your head occupies the correct proportion of the 35x45mm space.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
Because the police station takes your photo during your appointment, you do not need to bring physical prints for a standard passport application. Ensure you arrive at the station well-groomed and avoid wearing light-coloured clothing that might blend into the grey background. If you require ID photos for other purposes, professional studios across Sweden charge roughly 200 to 400 SEK for a high-quality set of printed images.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
Guides