Everything you need to know about Sweden passport (Sveriges pass) photo requirements. The Swedish passport is issued by the Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten) and follows the ICAO biometric standard. Photos must be 35×45 mm with a white or light grey background. Learn how to take and print compliant Swedish passport photos at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Sweden (Sverige) |
| Document Type | Passport (Pass) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | Face occupies 70–80% of the photo; chin-to-crown distance approximately 32–36 mm |
| Background Color | Plain white or light grey |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral with mouth closed |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Color | Color only |
| Number of Photos | 1 (photos are typically taken at the passport office, but you may bring your own) |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo paper |
Sweden issues biometric passports compliant with EU and ICAO standards. The Swedish passport is one of the world's most powerful passports, granting visa-free access to over 180 countries. Passports are issued by the Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten) at passport offices across Sweden. Swedish embassies and consulates handle passport applications for citizens abroad. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Sweden passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyebrows, eyes, or cast shadows on your face. Remove your glasses — they are not allowed in Swedish passport photos.
Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible, with your shoulders also in the frame.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is permitted for Swedish passport photos.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Sweden passport photos
A Sweden passport photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo, with the chin-to-crown distance approximately 32–36 mm. There should be at least 3 mm of space from the top of the hair to the top edge of the photo.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Swedish passport photos. You must remove all glasses, including prescription glasses, before taking the photo. This is a strict requirement from the Swedish Police Authority.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is permitted. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera.
Yes! You can take your Sweden passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Swedish passport photo requirements.
The background must be plain white or light grey, with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. If you don't have a suitable background, our tool will automatically replace it with the correct color.
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance, including any significant changes such as facial hair, weight changes, or piercings.
No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. Even then, your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
Yes, you may bring your own compliant passport photo to the passport office. However, photos are typically taken at the passport office (Polismyndigheten) during your appointment. If you prefer to bring your own, it must meet all the official requirements including 35×45 mm size, white or light grey background, no glasses, and a neutral expression.
