Everything you need to know about Sweden Schengen visa photo requirements, including the exact 35×45 mm dimensions, white or light grey background, ICAO biometric standards, and how to take a compliant visa photo at home. For tourist, business, student, and work visa applications to Sweden, processed by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Sweden (Sverige) |
| Document Type | Visa / Schengen Visa |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| Number of Photos | 2 (varies by embassy/consulate) |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral with mouth closed |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Color | Color only |
| Digital for Online | Yes (for some application types) |
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, and standard Schengen visa photo requirements apply. These follow the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) biometric standard for visa photos. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) processes visa applications, which may also be handled by Swedish embassies, consulates, or VFS Global centers.
The same photo format applies to all Sweden visa categories:
The same 35×45 mm photo can be used for any Schengen visa application across all Schengen countries, as the photo requirements are standardized.
Glasses are not allowed in Sweden Schengen visa photos. This is a strict requirement for biometric identification across the Schengen Area. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Sweden Schengen visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-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 or light-colored 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.
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 Sweden Schengen visa photos. Remember to remove your glasses before taking the photo.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Sweden Schengen visa photos
A Sweden Schengen visa photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). This is the standard ICAO biometric format used across all Schengen countries. 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.
Yes. Sweden follows the standard Schengen visa photo requirements, which are the same across all 29 Schengen member states. The photo must be 35×45 mm with a white or light grey background, following ICAO biometric standards. The same photo can be used for a visa application to any Schengen country.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Sweden Schengen visa photos. This is a strict requirement across the entire Schengen Area for biometric identification. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily.
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 Schengen visa 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 Schengen visa photo requirements.
The background must be plain white or light grey, with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. This is the standard Schengen requirement for biometric visa photos. If you don't have a suitable background, our tool will automatically replace it with the correct color.
Typically you need to submit 2 identical photos with your Sweden Schengen visa application. However, the exact number may vary depending on the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global application center where you apply. Check with your application center for specific requirements.
Both use the same 35×45 mm size and similar ICAO biometric standards. However, visa photos are submitted with a visa application for non-EU citizens entering Sweden, while passport photos are used for Swedish citizens applying for a passport. The background and glasses requirements may differ slightly — visa photos allow white or light grey backgrounds and strictly prohibit glasses. Always check the specific requirements for your document type.
Source: Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) — Visiting Sweden
Last updated: 2026-05-04
