Finland Passport Photo

Finland Passport Photo -- Complete Guide

Getting the right passport photo for Finland is essential for a smooth application process. An incorrect photo is one of the most common reasons for passport application delays and rejections worldwide. This guide covers the exact specifications set by the Finnish Police (Poliisi), practical tips for taking compliant photos at home, and where to get professional passport photos in Finland.

Official Photo Requirements

Dimensions:

• 36 x 47 mm (425 x 555 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Minimum resolution: 300 DPI for print

Background and lighting:

• Light grey or light blue background
• Even lighting with no harsh shadows on the face or background
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind the subject

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression, mouth closed
• Face directly facing the camera -- no tilting or turning
• Full face visible from hairline to chin

Head height:

• Head must occupy 60% to 90% of the photo height (ICAO standard)

Accessories:

• Glasses: Not allowed for passport photos
• Head coverings: Not allowed except for religious reasons
• No headphones, earbuds, or wireless devices

Print specifications:

• Matte or glossy photo paper, 36x47mm (unique Finnish size)

Recency:

• Must be taken within the last 6 months

Finland Document Photo Sizes

Finland requires different photo specifications depending on the document type:

How to Take Your Finland Passport Photo at Home

Taking a compliant passport photo at home saves time and money. Follow these steps:

Camera setup: Use a smartphone with at least 2 megapixels. Mount it on a tripod or stable surface at face height. Stand at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) from the camera. Use the rear camera for better quality.

Background: Stand in front of a plain light grey or light blue background wall. A white sheet taped to the wall works as a substitute. Stand about 15cm away from the wall to minimize shadows.

Lighting: Use natural daylight from a window in front of you, or two lamps positioned at 45-degree angles on either side. Avoid overhead-only lighting which creates shadows under the eyes and nose.

Framing: Center your face in the frame. Your head should fill approximately 70-80% of the vertical space. Leave some space above your head and below your chin.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Finland

Photo studios or R-Kioski convenience stores

Budget tip: Use our free online passport photo tool to prepare a compliant image, then print it at any photo kiosk or pharmacy for a fraction of the cost of professional services.

Common Rejection Reasons for Finland Passport Photos

The most common reasons for passport photo rejection include:

• Wrong photo dimensions (36x47mm required, not standard 35x45mm)
• Glasses worn
• Smile detected

Tip: Using our AI-powered tool automatically checks your photo against these requirements before you submit, reducing the risk of rejection.

Pro Tip

Finland uses a slightly non-standard photo size (36x47mm instead of 35x45mm). Make sure to select the Finnish format specifically.

Baby and Child Passport Photos (Vauvan Passikuva)

Finnish passport rules for children follow the general Poliisi (police) guidelines, with specific accommodations for infants.

Vauvat alle 1 vuoden (infants under 12 months): Lay the baby on a plain light grey or light blue sheet (matching Finland's accepted background colours) and photograph from directly above. The baby's eyes do not need to be open for very young infants under 6 months. No tutti (pacifier), lelut (toys), or peitto (blanket) visible. The baby must be the only person in the photo -- parent hands supporting the head must be concealed under the sheet.

Lapset 1-6 vuotta (children aged 1 to 6): Both eyes open, neutral expression. Seat the child in a highchair or on a parent's lap draped with a plain cloth matching the required background colour. The child must face the camera directly. Finnish police apply slightly more tolerance for toddler expressions, but the 36x47mm dimensions and background uniformity are strictly enforced.

Lapset 7 vuotta ja yli (children 7 and older): Standard adult specifications apply in full.

Finland-specific note: Finland's non-standard 36x47mm size applies to children's photos as well. R-Kioski and photo studios near Poliisi service points produce this format correctly. If preparing a baby photo at home, the background must be light grey or light blue -- white alone is not accepted for Finnish passports. Photograph indoors using diffused natural light from a window, which is especially reliable during Finland's long summer daylight hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size is the Finland passport photo? A: The standard Finland passport photo is 36 x 47 mm (425 x 555 pixels at 300 DPI).

Q: Can I take my Finland passport photo at home? A: Yes. Use a smartphone with a plain light-colored background, good lighting, and follow the specifications above. For official guidelines, see the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Our online tool can help you crop and verify compliance instantly.

Q: What background color is required for Finland passport photos? A: Light grey or light blue background. No patterns, textures, or shadows should be visible.

Q: Can I wear glasses in my Finland passport photo? A: Not allowed for passport photos.

Q: How recent does my Finland passport photo need to be? A: Must be taken within the last 6 months